The basics of syllables and hand-signs for solfege.

1. Solfége for Dummies

2. solfége – solfeggio – sol-fa
These terms define a musical method used to teach sight-singing. The
reason it is so widely used is its ability to cover the full spectrum of
learning styles. By labeling each note of a scale with a syllable and hand-
sign we cover the visual, auditory and kinesthetic levels all at the same
time.
The term Solfége is believed to come from two syllables in the scale, Sol
and Fa. To “Sol-fa” something was to sing a passage of music in
solfége.
The widespread use of Solfége in Music Education is connected with
Zoltán Kodály who created the Kodály Method in Hungary in the early
20th
century.

3. Do is the starting note of the scale. You begin by showing the hand-sign
at about the level of your belly-button.

4. Re is the note just above Do (one whole-step). This sign is displayed
just slightly higher than Do.

5. Mi is the next note above Re (one whole-step). This is displayed just
slightly higher than Re (typically about the level of your heart).

6. Mi to Fa is the first half-step we encounter. The hand sign simply turns
the flattened hand for Mi down so the thumb is pointing to the ground.

7. So (or Sol) is the 5th
degree of the scale (one whole-step above Fa). The
hand position should be just about the level of you chin.

8. La (whole-step above So) is one of the more ambiguous hand-signs. It
can be shown with all fingers pointing down and the top of the hand
arched or just the thumb and index fingers pointing down with the other
three curled under. The key is the top of the hand is arched from the
wrist distinguishing it from the other hand-signs.

9. Ti is the whole-step above La. This is the 7th
degree of the scale and
always leads up to Do (hence the finger pointing up). The hand-sign is
typically eye level.

10. Note: the upper Do' is distinguished from Do by using an apostrophe.
The return to Do from Ti ends the major scale and the hand-sign is
typically just about forehead level.

11. Here are the signs listed from bottom to top.
The initial Do starts around the belly-button and
Do' ends at the forehead.
Note the two half-steps in the scale are
indicated with a finger pointing the direction that
note wants to lead (hence the term leading
tone).
Fa to Mi – Third and fourth degrees of the
scale.
Ti to Do – Seventh and eighth degrees of the
scale.