Trumpet - Notes And Fingering Guide | Normans Blog

The trumpet has 3 valves that alter the pitch within a harmonic series of the instrument. This is due to each valve having a different length of tubing. The Golden rule for brass instruments is: “The longer tube the lower the pitch will go in that given harmonic series of notes” To get all of the pitches, you need change the Harmonic series. This is done by tightening and loosening the tension of your lips, this will create a higher or lower sounding buzz. A high buzz will be created by tight lips and a fast stream of air pushed through them causing a high frequency of vibrations this will result in a produce a high note.

The Harmonic series of a trumpet

The image shows the trumpet harmonics series in Bb pitch. These notes to the left show the pitches that can be played by not using the valves. By just tightening up and loosing the lips. The note in brackets is very flat when played using no valves. Therefore I do not recommend playing it using no valves.

What there is to know?

When number 1 valve is pressed the pitch is lowered one whole tone (2 semitones) When number 2 valve is pressed the pitch is lowered half a tone (1 semitone) When number 3 valve is pressed the pitch is lowered one and a half tones (3 semitones)

Valve combinations

Please find the key below to help you understand the fingering chart, I know the valves are being the played with the wrong hand but this has been done to show the valve combinations clearly.

No Valves 1st Valve 2nd Valve 1st and 2nd Valves 2nd and 3rd Valves 1st and 3rd Valves All Valves

Valve combination chart

Take a look at this valve combination chart. Click to enlarge. Thanks for reading I hope you found this interesting and learnt something new. If you have any questions please call the sales team on: 01283 535333 or email: sales@normans.co.uk and they will be happy to help.