TRUMPET
PITCH TENDENCIES AND REMEDIES
There are several notes on trumpet that will always play out of tune, even if your instrument is in good working order, a good mouthpiece is used, it is tuned with itself, and proper air support is being used. Although tuning a trumpet can vary from model to model, the chart below will highlight notes that are commonly out of tune.
Use the picture of the trumpet below to find the 1st valve slide and 3rd valve slide on your trumpet. When using the 1st Valve Slide or 3rd Valve Slide Triggers, most of the time, you will only kick out the slide from 1/8-1/2 inch. Your ear is your most reliable resource when using this chart to figure out how far you need to "kick out" the trigger to play the indicated note in tune.
Use the graphic below to interpret the Trumpet Pitch Tendencies Chart. Not all notes will have an alternate fingering, as many alternate fingerings will not improve pitch dramatically. All fingerings provided are alternate fingerings. If you need a general fingering chart click HERE.
Fingerings that have a GREEN CIRCLE require adding a valve to the standard fingering. Fingerings that have a RED CIRCLE indicate removing a valve from the standard fingering.
Use the Trumpet Pitch Tendencies Chart below and your tuner to experiment playing these notes in tune. The combination of using a proper embouchure, air support, voicing the correct syllable, alternate fingerings, or using valve slides will help you on your way to playing with good intonation.
Use the picture of the trumpet below to find the 1st valve slide and 3rd valve slide on your trumpet. When using the 1st Valve Slide or 3rd Valve Slide Triggers, most of the time, you will only kick out the slide from 1/8-1/2 inch. Your ear is your most reliable resource when using this chart to figure out how far you need to "kick out" the trigger to play the indicated note in tune.
Use the graphic below to interpret the Trumpet Pitch Tendencies Chart. Not all notes will have an alternate fingering, as many alternate fingerings will not improve pitch dramatically. All fingerings provided are alternate fingerings. If you need a general fingering chart click HERE.
Fingerings that have a GREEN CIRCLE require adding a valve to the standard fingering. Fingerings that have a RED CIRCLE indicate removing a valve from the standard fingering.
Use the Trumpet Pitch Tendencies Chart below and your tuner to experiment playing these notes in tune. The combination of using a proper embouchure, air support, voicing the correct syllable, alternate fingerings, or using valve slides will help you on your way to playing with good intonation.
Tuning With The Ensemble
Now that you've learned the specific pitch tendencies of your instrument, as well as some possible solutions, we are now ready to talk about Equal Temperament and Just Intonation. Understanding these concepts will allow you to play in tune with other musicians. Click the link below or use the navigation bar at the top of the page.