Trumpet Fingering Chart

Trumpet Fingering Chart Image (PRINTABLE)

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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)

3. Simple Practice Melodies

(Great for beginners to practice fingerings and rhythm!)

4. Fingering Tips for Beginners

Understanding Trumpet Fingerings

Trumpet Anatomy and Parts

Before learning fingerings, it's essential to understand the trumpet's main components and how they work together to produce sound.

Key Components:

• Mouthpiece: Where you buzz your lips to create sound
• Lead pipe: Connects mouthpiece to main body
• Valves (1, 2, 3): Piston valves that change tube length
• Valve casings: House the piston valves
• Tuning slides: Adjust pitch for each valve and main tuning
• Bell: Amplifies and projects the sound
• Water keys: Release condensation from the instrument

How Valves Change Trumpet Pitch

The trumpet has three piston valves (1, 2, 3) that change the tube length to alter pitch. When you press a valve, it redirects air through additional tubing, making the instrument longer and lowering the pitch.

Valve Functions:

• Valve 1: Lowers pitch by 2 half steps (1 whole step)
• Valve 2: Lowers pitch by 1 half step
• Valve 3: Lowers pitch by 3 half steps (1.5 whole steps)
• Valve 1+2: Lowers pitch by 3 half steps (same as Valve 3)
• Valve 2+3: Lowers pitch by 4 half steps (2 whole steps)
• Valve 1+3: Lowers pitch by 5 half steps
• Valve 1+2+3: Lowers pitch by 6 half steps (3 whole steps)

Understanding Musical Notes

Musical notes are organized in a specific pattern. Understanding this pattern is crucial for reading music and learning fingerings.

Want a deeper primer? Read our Music Notes Guide for beginners.

The Musical Alphabet:

Musical notes use the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, then repeat. In trumpet music, middle C is written as C4.

• Natural Notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B
• Sharp (♯): Raises a note by one half step (e.g., C♯)
• Flat (♭): Lowers a note by one half step (e.g., B♭)

Note: B♭ trumpet is the most common - when you play "C", it sounds as B♭ on piano.

Half Steps and Whole Steps

Understanding the distance between notes is essential for learning scales and fingering patterns.

Half Step (Semitone):

The smallest distance between two notes. On a piano, it's from one key to the very next key (including black keys).

Examples:

• C to C♯ (or D♭)
• E to F
• B to C

Whole Step (Tone):

Equal to two half steps. Skip one key on the piano.

Examples:

• C to D (2 half steps)
• F to G (2 half steps)
• A to B (2 half steps)

Trumpet Octaves and Pitch Ranges

An octave is the interval between one note and another with the same letter name but different pitch. The trumpet typically covers about 3 octaves.

Trumpet Range:

• Low Register: F♯3 to B♭3 (pedal tones and bottom of range)
• Middle Register: C4 to G5 (most comfortable for beginners)
• High Register: A5 to C6 and above (requires advanced technique)

Octave Example: C4 to C5 is one octave. Same fingering, different lip tension and air speed.

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).

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

Harmonic Series on Trumpet

The trumpet produces notes based on the harmonic series. With changes in lip tension and air flow, the same fingering can produce different harmonic levels.

The harmonic series for open fingering (no valves pressed):

• 1st harmonic: Pedal C (C3) - rarely used
• 2nd harmonic: C4 - fundamental, easy to produce
• 3rd harmonic: G4 - perfect fifth above C4
• 4th harmonic: C5 - octave above C4
• 5th harmonic: E5 - major third above C5
• 6th harmonic: G5 - perfect fifth above C5

Each valve combination has its own harmonic series, giving the trumpet its full range of notes.

How to Hold the Trumpet Correctly

Right hand: thumb between first and second valves, index, middle, and ring fingers on valves 1, 2, 3 respectively; pinky rests lightly on the pinky hook (don't press down). Left hand: thumb in the first valve tuning slide ring (for fine-tuning), index and middle fingers wrap around the tubing, keep relaxed. Keep the instrument level with your mouth centered on the mouthpiece.

For a comprehensive guide on proper trumpet holding technique, posture, embouchure, and all aspects of trumpet playing, check out our detailed Complete Trumpet Fingering Guide, which includes detailed sections on posture, hand positioning, and instrument setup.

How to Learn to Play the Trumpet

• Start with basic notes: establish steady breath support and embouchure, focus on middle register (C4-G4).
• Practice fingerings: use the interactive chart above to click through fingerings while practicing sound production.
• Scale practice: work on C major and G major scales to reinforce fingerings and improve intonation.
• Keep fingering chart handy: reference during lessons and practice to avoid developing bad habits.
• Practice simple melodies: like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Ode to Joy" to improve musical flow.
• Expand range: gradually explore higher and lower notes while maintaining relaxation.
• Use interactive tools: utilize this page's interactive chart or other fingering simulators for practice.

Best Beginner Trumpet Brands and Models

High-value beginner options: Yamaha YTR-2330, Bach TR300, Jupiter JTR700, Eastman ETR420. Before purchasing, check build quality, valve action, intonation, and warranty. We recommend trying instruments in person with guidance from a teacher or professional.

Practice Tips and Common Mistakes

• Incorrect finger placement: keep fingers perpendicular to valves, avoid sideways pressure.
• Too much or too little finger pressure: aim for quick, even pressure, avoid "slamming" valves.
• Lack of practice structure: set weekly goals (scales, pieces, long tones) and track progress.