What is a tuba fingering chart?

A tuba fingering chart shows valve combinations for each written note, helping players produce accurate pitches across registers.

How many valves does a tuba have?

Student tubas commonly have 3 or 4 valves; intermediate and professional instruments may have 4 or 5 for better intonation and low-register options.

What is the typical tuba range?

A common BB♭ tuba covers roughly E1–C4 written, with advanced players extending lower and higher depending on setup and technique.

How do I read a tuba fingering chart?

Match the written note (usually bass clef) to its valve combination. '0' means open; numbers 1–4 indicate valves. Additional notes may suggest intonation aids or alternate fingerings.

Tuba Fingering Chart

Interactive fingering overview • bass-clef reading • downloadable PDF

Interactive Tuba Fingering Chart

🛠️ How to Use This Chart

Step 1: Choose Key Signature

Select a key to see which notes include sharps or flats for your music.

Step 2: Click a Written Note

Match the written bass‑clef note to its valve combination (0 = open; 1–4 = valves).

Step 3: Check Intonation

Use a tuner. The 4th valve often improves low‑range intonation and replaces 1‑3/1‑2‑3 combos.

Key Signature:

Current Key: C Major

No sharps or flats

Current Note: Select a note

Click a note button to see fingering

Musical Notation (Bass Clef)

Select a note to display

Select a Note (Typical BB♭ Tuba)

Tuba Fingering Chart Image (PRINTABLE)

High‑quality color PDF perfect for printing and carrying with you. Go to Download Page or open PDF directly: Open PDF

📚 Complete Tuba Fingering Guide

For a deep‑dive into valve combinations, 4th‑valve usage, and intonation strategies, see the full guide.

📖 Read Complete Tuba Fingering Guide →

BEGINNER TUBA FINGERING CHART

(BB♭ Tuba | 4 Valves)

1. Basic Valve Combinations

Note (Written)	Fingering	Valve Combination	Description
Bb2	0	Open	Home pitch, easiest to produce
C3	4	Fourth valve	Preferred over 1+3 for better intonation
D3	1+2	First and second valves	Alternative: 3 if sharp
Eb3	1	First valve only	Check slide if flat
F3	0	Open	Stable mid-range note
G3	1+2	First and second valves	Center pitch with steady air
A3	1	First valve only	Major sixth from Bb
Bb3	0	Open	One octave above Bb2

Tip: The same fingering can produce different notes by changing embouchure and air speed. Use the 4th valve for low notes to improve intonation!

2. Essential Beginner Scales

Practice these scales to build valve coordination, embouchure control, and breath support.

Bb Major Scale

Bb2 (0) - C3 (4) - D3 (1+2) - Eb3 (1) - F3 (0) - G3 (1+2) - A3 (1) - Bb3 (0)

F Major Scale

F2 (0) - G2 (1+2) - A2 (1) - Bb2 (0) - C3 (4) - D3 (1+2) - E3 (2) - F3 (0)

Eb Major Scale

Eb2 (1) - F2 (0) - G2 (1+2) - Ab2 (1+3) - Bb2 (0) - C3 (4) - D3 (1+2) - Eb3 (1)

3. Simple Practice Melodies

(Great for applying new valve combinations!)

"Hot Cross Buns":

Bb3 (0) - A3 (1) - G3 (1+2)
Bb3 (0) - A3 (1) - G3 (1+2)
G3 (1+2) - G3 (1+2) - G3 (1+2) - G3 (1+2)
A3 (1) - A3 (1) - A3 (1) - A3 (1)
Bb3 (0) - A3 (1) - G3 (1+2)

"Mary Had a Little Lamb":

E3 (2) - D3 (1+2) - C3 (4) - D3 (1+2) - E3 (2) - E3 (2) - E3 (2)
D3 (1+2) - D3 (1+2) - D3 (1+2)
E3 (2) - G3 (1+2) - G3 (1+2)

"Ode to Joy":

E3 (2) - E3 (2) - F3 (0) - G3 (1+2)
G3 (1+2) - F3 (0) - E3 (2) - D3 (1+2)
C3 (4) - C3 (4) - D3 (1+2) - E3 (2)

4. Tuba Fingering Tips for Beginners

Use warm, low air from your diaphragm - low notes require more air volume.
Maintain a relaxed embouchure (lip position) - avoid excessive mouthpiece pressure.
Press valves quickly and completely, but without excessive force - keep fingers curved and close to valves.
Practice finding each valve combination accurately - use a tuner to check intonation.
Use the 4th valve for low C, B, and Bb - it provides better intonation than 1+3 or 1+2+3.
Start with the middle register (Bb2-F3) - it's the most stable for beginners.
Keep your posture tall and relaxed - bring the tuba to you, don't hunch over.
Practice long tones on each valve combination to develop a steady sound.
Use a mirror to check your posture, hand position, and embouchure.
Don't grip the instrument too tightly - tension harms tone and endurance.
Practice lip slurs (changing partials on the same fingering) to develop embouchure flexibility.
Learn to read bass clef fluently - most tuba music is written in bass clef.
Listen to professional tuba players for inspiration and sound concept.
Clean and oil your valves regularly for smooth action.
Be patient - mastering valve combinations, breath support, and embouchure takes time.
Practice with a metronome to develop consistent timing.
Work on clean articulation - use a light "tu/du" tongue placement.
Balance air speed and embouchure to center the intended partial - avoid forcing high notes.
Use valve slides to fine-tune intonation - pull slides slightly if notes are sharp.

Common Tuba Fingering Combinations (BB♭)

Note	Fingering	Valve Combination	Use/Comment
BB♭ (Bb2)	0	Open	Home pitch; check with drone
C (C3)	1‑3 or 4	First+Third or Fourth	4 gives better intonation
D (D3)	1‑2	First+Second	Alternative with 3 if sharp
Eb (Eb3)	1	First valve	Check slide if flat
F (F3)	0	Open	Stable mid‑range note
G (G3)	1‑2	First+Second	Center pitch with steady air
BB♭ (Bb3)	0	Open	One octave above Bb2

Tip: Use the 4th valve to replace 1‑3 (and 1‑2‑3) in the low register for improved resonance and intonation.