What is a trumpet fingering chart?

A trumpet fingering chart is a visual guide showing which valve combinations to press for each note. It helps beginners learn the correct fingerings for the trumpet's three valves, making it easier to play different notes accurately.

How many valves does a trumpet have?

A standard trumpet has three valves. Each valve can be pressed individually or in combination with others to produce different notes. The first valve lowers the pitch by 2 semitones, the second by 1 semitone, and the third by 3 semitones.

What is the trumpet's range?

The standard trumpet range is from F# below middle C (F#3) to high C (C6), spanning about 3 octaves. Advanced players can extend the range higher with practice and technique.

How do I read a trumpet fingering chart?

A trumpet fingering chart shows note names with numbers 1, 2, or 3 representing which valves to press. For example, '1-3' means press the first and third valves together, while '0' or 'open' means no valves are pressed.

What are the best trumpet brands for beginners?

Popular beginner trumpet brands include Yamaha YTR-2330, Bach TR300, Mendini MTT-L, Jean Paul TR-430, and Cecilio 2Series. These offer quality instruments at student-friendly prices, typically ranging from $200 to $800.

Trumpet Fingering Chart

Interactive fingering demonstration + beginner learning guide + free PDF download

Interactive Trumpet Fingering Chart

🎺 How to Use This Interactive Chart

Step 1: Choose Key Signature

Select your desired key signature from the dropdown menu. This will show you which notes are sharp or flat in that key.

Step 2: Click on a Note

Click any note button below to see the correct valve fingering. The trumpet diagram will highlight the valves you need to press.

Step 3: Learn the Fingering

Study the highlighted valves on the trumpet and read the fingering description. Practice until it becomes automatic!

Key Signature:

Current Key: C Major

Current Note: Select a note

Click on a note button to see fingering

Musical Notation

Select a note to see notation

Select a Note

Trumpet Fingering Chart Image (PRINTABLE)

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📚 Complete Trumpet Fingering Guide

For a comprehensive deep-dive into trumpet fingerings, valve combinations, and advanced techniques, check out our detailed guide:

📖 Read Complete Trumpet Fingering Guide →

BEGINNER TRUMPET FINGERING CHART

(3-Valve Trumpet | Standard B♭ Trumpet)

1. Basic Valve Combinations & Note Chart

Note	Fingering	Valve Combination	Octave (C4-C6)	Description
C	O	Open (no valves)	C4, G4, C5, C6	Fundamental note - easiest to play
D	1-3	First + Third	D4, D5	One whole step up from C
E	1-2	First + Second	E4, E5	Major third from C
F	1	First valve only	F4, F5	Perfect fourth from C
G	O	Open (no valves)	G4, G5	Perfect fifth from C
A	1-2	First + Second	A4, A5	Major sixth from C
B	2	Second valve only	B4, B5	Major seventh from C
C♯/D♭	2-3	Second + Third	C♯4, C♯5	Half step above C
E♭	2-3	Second + Third	E♭4, E♭5	Minor third from C
F♯/G♭	2	Second valve only	F♯4, F♯5	Tritone from C

Tip: O = Open (no valves pressed). Numbers indicate which valves to press: 1 = First valve, 2 = Second valve, 3 = Third valve. Press valves down quickly and evenly.

2. Essential Beginner Scales

(Practice these scales daily to build finger dexterity and muscle memory)

C Major Scale

C (O) → D (1-3) → E (1-2) → F (1) → G (O) → A (1-2) → B (2) → C (O)
(Start with C4, then practice C5 octave)

G Major Scale

G (O) → A (1-2) → B (2) → C (O) → D (1-3) → E (1-2) → F♯ (2) → G (O)
(One sharp: F♯)

F Major Scale

F (1) → G (O) → A (1-2) → B♭ (1) → C (O) → D (1-3) → E (1-2) → F (1)
(One flat: B♭)

B♭ Major Scale

B♭ (1) → C (O) → D (1-3) → E♭ (2-3) → F (1) → G (O) → A (1-2) → B♭ (1)
(Two flats: B♭, E♭)

D Major Scale

D (1-3) → E (1-2) → F♯ (2) → G (O) → A (1-2) → B (2) → C♯ (2-3) → D (1-3)
(Two sharps: F♯, C♯)

3. Simple Practice Melodies

(Great for beginners to practice fingerings and rhythm!)

"Hot Cross Buns" (Traditional):

E (1-2) → D (1-3) → C (O) → E (1-2) → D (1-3) → C (O) → C (O) C (O) C (O) C (O) → D (1-3) D (1-3) D (1-3) D (1-3) → E (1-2) → D (1-3) → C (O)
(Practice slowly, focusing on clean valve transitions)

"Mary Had a Little Lamb" (Traditional):

E (1-2) → D (1-3) → C (O) → D (1-3) → E (1-2) → E (1-2) → E (1-2) → D (1-3) → D (1-3) → D (1-3) → E (1-2) → G (O) → G (O) → E (1-2) → D (1-3) → C (O)
(Perfect for learning basic fingerings)

"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" (Traditional):

C (O) → C (O) → G (O) → G (O) → A (1-2) → A (1-2) → G (O) → F (1) → F (1) → E (1-2) → E (1-2) → D (1-3) → D (1-3) → C (O)
(Practice with steady rhythm and clear notes)

4. Fingering Tips for Beginners

Keep fingers curved and relaxed—press valves straight down, not at an angle.
Press valves quickly and evenly—avoid "slamming" them down or pressing too slowly.
Use the pads of your fingers (not fingertips) on the valve buttons for better control.
Practice valve combinations slowly at first—focus on accuracy before speed!
Keep your right-hand pinky on the pinky hook (don't press down—just rest it there).
Practice scales daily to build muscle memory for common fingerings.
Use a metronome to maintain steady rhythm while practicing fingerings.
Remember: the same fingering can produce different notes depending on your embouchure (lip position).

Common Trumpet Fingering Combinations Chart

Here are the most frequently used trumpet fingering combinations. The same fingering can produce different notes depending on your embouchure (lip position and tension).

Note	Fingering	Valve Combination	Description
C (C4)	O	Open (no valves)	Beginner starting note
D (D4)	1-3	First + Third	One whole step up from C
E (E4)	1-2	First + Second	Major third from C
F (F4)	1	First valve only	Perfect fourth from C
G (G4)	O	Open (no valves)	Same as C, higher octave
A (A4)	1-2	First + Second	Major sixth from C
B (B4)	2	Second valve only	Major seventh from C
C (C5)	O	Open (no valves)	One octave above C4

Tip: Notice how open fingering (O) can produce C4, G4, and C5 - the difference is in your embouchure and air support!