Updated on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 at 9:48am PST
Updated on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018 at 10:12am PST
I suggest a routine that includes practicing all 12 scale patterns up and down (slowly at first). Keep time with a metronome.
Bang your trumpet’s valves down as firmly as you can without allowing the horn moving around on your face.
Play each note in the scale first as a whole note, then as a half note, and then finally as quarter note before increasing the tempo.
Once you can play all the major scales up and back down from memory, then it’s time to try playing simple melodies like “Hot Cross Buns” or “Happy Birthday” in each key. Don’t waste your time on the easy scales, focus on the harder ones and put the time in!
Learn how to play the major scale in every key on the trumpet, cornet, or flugelhorn
Key: the “o” characters stand for an open valve, while the “x” characters stand for a closed valve. For each note the valves are listed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd valve from left to right
C Major Scale Trumpet Fingering Chart
C / D / E / F / G / A / B / C
ooo / xox / xxo / xoo / ooo / xxo / oxo / ooo (lower octave)
C / D / E / F / G / A / B / C
ooo / xoo / ooo / xoo / ooo / xxo / oxo / ooo (upper octave)
C# (Db) Major Scale Trumpet Fingering Chart
C# / D# / E# / F# / G# / A# / B# / C#
xxx / oxx / xoo / oxo / oxx / xoo / ooo / xxo
D Major Scale Trumpet Fingering Chart
D / E / F# / G / A / B / C# / D
xox / xxo / oxo / ooo / xxo / oxo / xxo / xoo
Eb Major Scale Trumpet Fingering Chart
Eb / F / G / Ab / Bb / C / D / Eb
oxx / xoo / ooo / oxx / xoo / ooo / xoo / oxo
E Major Scale Trumpet Fingering Chart
E / F# / G# / A / B / C# / D# / E
xxo / oxo / oxx / xxo / oxo / xxo / oxo / ooo
F Major Scale Trumpet Fingering Chart
F / G / A / Bb / C / D / E / F
xoo / ooo / xxo / xoo / ooo / xoo / ooo / xoo
F# Major Scale Trumpet Fingering Chart
F# / G# / A# / B / C# / D# / E# / F#
oxo / oxx / xoo / oxo / xxo / oxo / xoo / oxo
G Major Scale Trumpet Fingering Chart
G / A / B / C / D / E / F# / G
ooo / xxo / oxo / ooo / xoo / ooo / oxo / ooo
Ab Major Scale Trumpet Fingering Chart
Ab / Bb / C / Db / Eb / F / G / Ab
oxx / xoo / ooo / xxx / oxx / xoo / ooo / oxx (lower octave)
Ab / Bb / C / Db / Eb / F / G / Ab
oxx / xoo / ooo / xxo / oxo / xoo / ooo / oxx (upper octave)
A Major Scale Trumpet Fingering Chart
A / B / C# / D / E / F# / G# / A
xxo / oxo / xxx / xox / xxo / oxo / oxx / xxo (lower octave)
xxo / oxo / xxo / xoo / ooo / oxo / oxx / xxo (upper octave)
Bb Major Scale Trumpet Fingering Chart
Bb / C / D / Eb / F / G / A / Bb
xoo / ooo / xox / oxx / xoo / ooo / xxo / xoo
B Major Scale Trumpet Fingering Chart
B / C# / D# / E / F# / G# / A# / B
oxo / xxx / oxx / xxo / oxo / oxx / xoo / oxo (lower octave)
B / C# / D# / E / F# / G# / A# / B
oxo / xxo / oxo / ooo / oxo / oxx / xoo / oxo (upper octave)
More Helpful Information About Trumpet Scales and Fingerings
If you want more information on practicing major and minor scales on the trumpet, make sure that you own J.B. Arban’s Complete Conservatory Method for Trumpet. It is unofficially known as the trumpeter’s bible and should be part of every trumpet players resource library.
Trumpet Range, Endurance, and Tone Quality
Are you struggling to play above the staff? Do your lips feel brittle or unresponsive? I can help you. I’ve experienced every problem that young trumpet players encounter and I want you to know how I have overcome those obstacles that you are now facing.
I believe that The Buzzing Book is a truly helpful method for tone and embouchure development. When I first began it helped to unlock what had previously seemed to be a secret of trumpet playing.
Now, I always incorporate The Buzzing Book by Dr. James Thompson into my daily practice routine.
The Buzzing Book was created by a master player AND teacher (Dr. James Thompson, Eastman School of Music) and is used by top players in their daily practice routine. The book and soundtracks are inexpensive considering that you will use them everyday for the rest of your trumpet playing career.
I’m a 10th grade trumpet player, this has helped me a lot. Thanks for posting this. I use it everyday
Wow! I got luck to have find myself here. Oh my goodness! it is fantastic in here. Thank you so much for this good work. My very big question is this sir, I played trumpet at my tender age, I had to drop it when I could not get enough energy to play for long. But with Saxophone, I can play 1 hour straight up. pls, tell me why do I get tired easily while playing Trumpet? And how can have get enough strength to deal with the brass in a long playing time.
Samuel,
Try to play with a warm air stream, like fogging up a mirror with your breath. You must be very gentle with the trumpet, and this causes a lot of confusion for beginners as they try to blow extra hard to get the notes, which ruins the embouchure.
~SW
Enjoyed myself going through the pieces of advice you have been dishing out. Thank you sir.
Glad you’ve found the information helpful. ~SW
can you make this into sheet music with the fingerings?
That was exactly what I was looking for and didn’t find here.
I am a beginner can you please help me
sir what kind of song can I plan
In order to enhance my learning skills
How about A Trumpeter’s Lullaby (Leroy Anderson)?
~SW
FANTASTIC
Which key is good for playing worship music
The written keys of C, G, A, F, and B are all frequently used in worship music, but you can make beautiful melodies and harmonies in any key, learn them all!
~SW
KEY F AND G ARE GOOD FOR PLAYING WORSHIP SONGS
How long should it take me to learn all 12 scales? Just a round number of years would be good.mmm
– Impatient Student
Years? You can learn these all in a couple weeks if you really want to.
~SW
6 WEEKS
These really tip the scales
😀
You are doing great.
Please how do we play chromatic notes on the Trumpet?
Better still
Please send the Chromatic Scales of Each Keys On the Trumpet. Thanks
God Bless You. Amen
Hint: there is only one chromatic scale.
Thanks so much. I Enjoyed your good Works. God Bless You
You’re welcome! ~SW
AMEN
Thank you very much sir’
i would like to know if there is also an alternative for playing ACCIDENTIALS?
Joseph,
Understanding accidentals (sharps and flats in the key signature) is important. Each of the twelve major keys has its own set of accidentals. For example, C Major has no sharps or flats. D Major has two sharps, F# and C# (the third and the 7th). It is also important to understand that although the pitches change, the overall shape and sound of each Major scale remains the same. So, with accidentals, it is possible to build a different Major scale from each of the twelve chromatic pitches available in Western harmony.
Thanks for your question,
~SW
Sir please are there other scales for trumpet?
For instance the melodic scales??
Trumpet Fingering Chart for All 12 Natural Minor Scales – Try these Natural Minor scales for trumpet. ~SW
Tanx 4 the scales
Vry welcome! ~SW
Very good exercise I have really enjoyed
Eric, Thanks for your comment! ~SW
U ARE WELKOME
THANK YOU.
You’re welcome! Stay hip and keep honkin! ~SW
This page is very help full…
It teach me alot.
Thank you for your comments! Stay hip and keep honkin’! ~SW
Your lessons are so helpful.
Thanks a lot
Hi Gerald, I’m so glad you were able to find and use the information to your benefit! Stay hip and keep honkin’ ~SW
GREAT EASY TO UNDERSTAND JUST GREAT
🙂
Please sir I need your help,
Please show the fingering of minor keys like De Fe no etc.
Thanks sir.
Hi Daniel,
You can find those scales right here.
~SW
For our quarantine work, we’ve been asked to play Cb major scale with arpeggio, what are the fingerings for that scale?
Hi Rian,
The C-flat major scale is the enharmonic equivalent of the B major scale (same sounded notes but using different names).
Stay hip and keep honkin’
~SW
My teacher asked me to play a Gb scale as part of our quarantine work but I don’t seem to be able to find a Gb scale on this website.
Hello Cayden,
The G-flat major scale is the enharmonic equivalent of the F-sharp major (same notes but using different names). You could think of it as the F#/Gb major scale.
Stay hip and keep honkin’
~SW
What are the fingerings for the Gb major scale
Hi Jvn,
The G-flat major scale is the enharmonic equivalent of F-sharp major (same notes, different names). You could think of it as the F#/Gb major scale.
Stay hip and keep honkin’
~SW
thanks for the update pls how do I play pentatonics
Hello AG,
Use the first, second, third, fifth, and sixth notes of the major scale in order to derive the Major Pentatonic scale.
Stay hip and keep honkin,
~SW
Hi i am completely new and i know nothing, Can you help?
Hi Logan,
My best advise is to find a local player who’s sound you enjoy and garner their assistance. Private lessons are the very best way to get started on the trumpet, in my opinion.
Stay hip and keep honkin’
~SW
Hi Mr. Weeber,
I am currently practicing for chair placements in my highschool band any tips for the best results?
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your question. Play through any pieces you’ve prepared all the way through, no matter how rough certain spots seem to be as you get closer and closer to the audition. If there are spots that trip you up, go back over those measures slowly and with a metronome. Good luck!
Stay hip and keep honkin’
~SW
Thanks
It really help my elementary learning
Awesome! Stay hip and keep honkin!
~SW
Please i’m new here. I always have passing for trumpet but I don’t have music ear.
Notations is my problem.
Desmond,
Practice doesn’t always make perfect but it sure does help! Don’t give up, you’ll get it.
Stay hip and keep honkin’,
~SW
Hello Mr Scotty, please I need the fingering chart for altissimo on trumpet, please how can I get it sir
Tife, I’ve included the upper octave for some of the scales above. ~SW
please am new into this and wanna learn how to play the trumpet, So am asking are these the video lesson i cant start from or there are many other once for total beginners like myself.? Thank You
Good tutorials here, thanks because am really blessed from your uploads i appreciate
You’re very welcome! Stay hip and keep honkin’! ~SW
Please I don’t really understand the keys in terms of X and O
For instance I know for Eb Do- 1 Re-0 M-1/2 Fa- 1 So-0 La-1 Ti- 0 Do-1
This is based on how the valves have been arranged 123.
Kindly help me out with the 0 and X
I am bit confused
The article explains more about how to read the x’s and o’s – from left to right they represent valves 1,2, & 3. “X” is for a closed valve, “o” is for an open valve. Thanks for your question! ~SW
Sir I need help on playing the high octave of c … And sir I will appreciate if you guide me on how to play on a key without getting my lips tired
Hi Peter,
The method is to play more gently. You can make lots of sound without blowing hard (cold air). Always release a warm air stream into the instrument. I also recommend that you try to press the instrument less firmly against your face (mouthpiece pressure). Getting the “right” sound is important and is an indication that you are blowing properly through the instrument.
Regards,
~SW
Yes
Okay, great. Always remember to take a deep breath and release the air into the trumpet slowly (warm air). Just try to get the first note to come out if nothing else. What kind of help can I provide in learning this scale? Is there some specific trouble you are able to describe? Thanks! ~SW
Hi can you help me with concer G scale trumpet A
Sure, are you playing on a b-flat trumpet? ~SW
Hi Sir, Thank you for this I use it every day. Please have another look at B major though I think the fingering may be wrong and or the octaves are round the wrong way.
Thanks for this helpful resource.
Hi James,
Thanks for your assistance as well! Yes, the fingerings were labeled incorrectly, I have switched them now so that everything reflects the proper octave to match the video example for the B Major trumpet scale.
All the best to you and yours,
~SW
SIR BETWEEN B FLAT TRUMPET AND POCKET TRUMPET WHICH ONE IS EXPENSIVE AND WHICH ONE IS CHEAP
If possible, buy a regular trumpet. You’ll have the best sound out of the full sized instrument. Prices are similar. ~SW
SIR CAN YOU USE THIS FINGERINGCHART OF THE 12MAJOR KEYS IN TRUMPET TO PLAY IN POCKET TRUMPET IS IT THE SAME FINGER CHART FOR POCKET TRUMPET
Hi Ekendu!
Yes, these scale fingerings will work on the pocket trumpet!
Warmest wishes,
~SW
Hello sir… Am Hezekiah from Nigeria.. I want to know mre about “altissimo” on trumpet
Hezekiah,
Check out this post for more information on playing high notes. Happy New Year!!
~SW
Hi, this is very useful for someone like me that doesn’t know the scales, however, I noticed that the video for the B Major Scale isn’t in the same octave as the fingerings you listed. Apart from that, I don’t have any other questions. This is really great! Thank you for making this.
I’ve updated the fingering charts with some additional octaves. Thank you and please have a wonderful New Year!
pls sir hw can i be perfect on playing trumpet
Hi Daniel,
While there is no such thing as a perfect trumpet player, you will get better and better just by practicing 10-15 min each day.
Regards,
~SW
What are the fingerings for d flat major and g flat major?
Hi Ian,
G-flat is the same as F-sharp. The fingerings and pitches are identical, only the note names change. For more information, search Google for the term “Enharmonic”.
Thanks for visiting Tromba de Webber and have a great day,
~SW
Sir I need a trumpet . I ask because I attend a free orchestra training every weekend but I don’t have a trumpet and I sometimes forget what I have been taught.Sir i will be very happy if I can get a free trumpet from you Sir .David Adebisi(Nigeria) 14 years old
Hi David,
I love your passion and interest in playing the trumpet. Make sure to bring a notebook and pen to orchestra training, the comments you write down will refresh your memory in between each lesson. This is much more practical for both of us than a free trumpet promotion, which could only benefit a few lucky winners.
God bless you!
~SW
Hi Scott, I need help. Where’s the arpeggio?
Bryan,
A Major 7 (4 note) arpeggio is made using the 1st, 3rd, 5th & 7th note of the Major Scale. I’ll be posting more about arpeggios very soon. Thanks for the question!
~SW
I play trumpet at Lassiter High School and was looking for someone to write some music for me, do you have anybody you would recommend.
Hi Michael,
I don’t typically make that type of recommendation. You should have no problem finding someone in your area.
Warm regards,
~SW
I love to play trumpet but I cant seem to be able to learn it, all the trumpeters I have met so far could not help me to learn it. What do I do?
Hello Scortt, I am Akpagana-Kesedovo. I have, for the past, lent the trumpet wrongfully. I am as a result facing difficulties in breath control, proper tongueing and for that matter can’t pitch high. Please any tips on how to correct my porous foundation and be better in trumpeting?
Thanks.
HI> MR> Scott Webber. I am Donald laughlin and i live in Melbourne Australia i happened to come across your Trumpet scale site and i copied them down.i have been playing trumpet for a few weeks now and cant thank you enough for the scale sheet you have given the world. Thank You Very Much. i listen to a lot of players like the late Clarke Terry , the young Geoff Gallante and pick up a few points ,,i have a Regent Trumpet made in Cleveland Ohio ,and i learn on it Thanks again for your input. Donald laughlin.
i have a little problem on trumpet.
i do run at of air while playing and i can’t climb on key g and f
Well done
I wish I could play like u
Hi Scott I’m Ransford .If I may ask, at what age did you start playing trumpet
Hi Ransford,
Thanks for the question. I started playing the trumpet when I was 10 years old as part of my elementary school’s music education program.
All the best,
~SW
Great job, plseae i will like to know, which of the scale is suitable or hymns?
Simeon,
Any key that you choose will be suitable for playing a hymn on the trumpet. If you wish for others to join you with voices, then try the written keys of ‘A’, ‘B’, or ‘C’.
Kindest wishes,
~SW
I really appreciate your good work but i have a little problem anytime i want to play am always scared but anytime someone sing i play well my problem is i want to play without anyone singing
Opemipo,
Breath deeply and slowly. Close your eyes, imagine that you are alone, and blow your horn gently!
All the best,
~SW
Thanks, really lovely website. My braces hinder me from getting middle-upper register notes and some of the scales boggle me, this website you have here has clarified it beautifully, again Thank you 🙂
Thanks for the wonderful comments and keep up the good work! ~SW
Could you make a page for the blues scales
Yeah man, that’s a great suggestion, thanks! ~SW
are you sure these notes are right.
Hi Olin,
These fingerings are correct for the C-sharp Major scale, the fourth degree would be an F-sharp – depress only the middle valve (oxo),
C# / D# / E# / F# / G# / A# / B# / C#
xxx / oxx / xoo / oxo / oxx / xoo / ooo / xxo
Keep practicing and you’ll get it sooner than later, I promise!
~SW
i keep on messing up on the 4th note of c# scale
Hi Olin,
These fingerings are correct for the C-sharp Major scale, the fourth degree would be an F-sharp – depress only the middle valve (oxo),
C# / D# / E# / F# / G# / A# / B# / C#
xxx / oxx / xoo / oxo / oxx / xoo / ooo / xxo
Keep practicing and you’ll get it sooner than later, I promise!
~SW
thanks for messaging me back i am really apreciative.
My pleasure! ~SW
Facebook
Thanks I had a scale test I didn’t study for but thanks to you I aced it
Roman, Thanks for your comment, I’m thrilled that you were able to make use the information posted here! All the best, ~SW
Thank you very much SCOT for such a great work done. I am Leo junior and am trying to learn the trumpet on my own. Can you please give me some links to some great recordings so that I can listen and follow. And also some great trumpet players I can follow. Secondly I also need a link I can get the keys for hymnals. Thank you very much. Hoping to hear from you.
Leo,
Check out these guys and gals…they are all great:
Louis Armstrong
Chet Baker
Doc Severinsen
Maynard Ferguson
James Morrison
Wynton Marsalis
Ingrid Jensen
Maurice André
Charles Schlueter
Håkan Hardenberger
Alison Balsom
There are many others, this is just enough to get you started. YouTube is a wonderful place to start searching for great performances.
Warm regards,
~SW
awesome
Hey thanks @Jay-jebz!
I’m a middle school student thx so much I need to know all of them for high school
I’m so happy that I could help you out! Keep practicing! ~SW
what is the Db and the Gb major scale please
Hi Rahim,
Thanks for the comment.
The D-flat major scale is achieved with the same fingerings that are provided above for the C-sharp major scale. Here is the enharmonic information that you are missing,
Db / Eb / F / Gb / Ab / Bb / C / Db
xxx / oxx / xoo / oxo / oxx / xoo / ooo / xxo
And then you’ll find that the G-flat major scale utilizes the same fingerings as the F-sharp major scale, also listed above. Here are the note names in the key of G-flat,
Gb / Ab / Bb / Cb / Db / Eb / F / Gb
oxo / oxx / xoo / oxo / xxo / oxo / xoo / oxo
Notice that the sounded notes and fingerings are the same for both the F-sharp and G-flat major scales, only the names of the notes change. This is also true for C-sharp relative to D-flat major. What we are talking about is called enharmonic spelling. This is when one scale has the ability to be written in two different key signatures. In other words, for both of the examples above we really have a single major scale that can be written two different ways.
Best,
~SW
What are the fingering for c flat major scale on trumpet
Alexis,
The key of C-flat Major is not used in practice although as a key signature it does exist in theory. This key requires the use of double flats and for this reason it is not used by publishers and music composers. I recommend that you focus on the key of B Major, as these are the same sounded pitches and fingerings, spelled enharmonically.
Best,
~SW
Hi, this is great work here, Thanks a ton for all the information you’ve provided. i have a simple question, so to say a doubt that’s been in my mind for long. How do you determine the type of mouthpiece to be used, can the higher registries be achieved using the same mouth piece that you use for the lows. What are the types that i should carry with me. I know there’s a lot like 3c, 5c, 7c etc. but whats the most common. I use a generic trumpet that’s really hard to blow. the mouthpiece does not have a marking in it to say which one it is. what would you recommend me to use. i could probably buy the ones you recommend from amazon. Looking forward to your reply. Thanks
Hi Joshua,
You have great questions! While advanced players sometimes switch mouthpieces for different styles (particularly a shallow cup and large backbore/open throat for lead type playing ie. loud, high, & also heavily articulated), I recommend that most players find one mouthpiece that suits them well for ‘all around’ playing. You should be able to increase your register, flexibility, and endurance on any comfortable mouthpiece that you choose. You will not need a high register or low register specific mouthpiece. Bach’s sizes 3C, 5C, and 7C are all good starting sizes and preferable to a ‘no name’ brand or unknown size.
There is no one recipe for mouthpiece success, check out this video of a concert E-flat arpeggio, played on a Bach 2C mpc (fairly large): https://www.facebook.com/trombadewebber/videos/1116782108339794/.
Bottom line – I’d advise you to try some various sizes and brands in order to choose which one works best. There is an investment in this process that requires some time & cash or getting with someone who will share their mouthpiece collection with you. Hope this helps you out!
Regards,
~SW
Thank you so much sir
Please my name is De-graft and this is my first year of playing the trumpet and this is not what my tutors taught me so i am wondering who is right here.
These fingerings are correct! I’ve updated this page to include two octaves of some of the scales. Keep practicing, you’ll figure it out! ~SW
What is the second octave trumpet fingerlings for the D major scale?
Hi Niyah, thanks for the question. As you’ll see below, the fingerings for the second octave are almost identical to the first! Hope this helps and keep making music! ~SW
D / E / F# / G / A / B / C# / D
xox / xxo / oxo / ooo / xxo / oxo / xxo / xoo (lower octave)
xoo / ooo / oxo / ooo / xxo / oxo / xxo / xoo (upper octave)
You are welcome! Keep practicing! -SW
Hi Scott – on the Ab major scale… is the fingering for Db correct? I have in my notes that it is Db is xxx (you have xxo), but perhaps I have written it down incorrectly?? Just want to double check before I change my notes. Thank you!
The fingerings I provided are for the next octave up from where you are playing. Here is Ab Major on the staff
Ab / Bb / C / Db / Eb / F / G / Ab
oxx / xoo / ooo / xxx / oxx / xoo / ooo / oxx
All the best,
Scott Webber
i’m precious, i appreciate this useful thread which is of great help to youngsters, please is the fingering applicable to valve trombone, euphonium, french horn and other valve instruments?
I can’t say for sure, I know some of the fingerings are similar but each instrument has its’ own specific technical needs. Thanks for your question, -SW
Hey do you have the arpeggios for the scales too??
Coming soon!
Thanks this helps a lot!!
Thank you, I am glad I found this.
Glad I could help you! -SW
Hi Scott, my name is Joshua, I’ve been playing my trumpet for about 3-4 years ( I started in year 4, I’m in year 7 now as of 2015) I am doing quite well but my teacher and my other band teachers say I’m a great trumpet player but I need to kinda loosen up (shoulders down, tight and tense lips etc.) so I was wondering…. any tips?
Also I am now in a top tier band and I need to be able go all the way up to about a B on top of the treble bar line, any more tips?
Last question, My (all of them!) teacher(s) say I need to work on my positioning of my mouthpiece on my mouth (forgot what it’s called!) my mouthpiece is kinda on my right side of my lips, i either want it to be in the middle or just closer to the middle of my mouth, any tips?
Thanks,
Josh
Check out my post on how to relax like Frank Sinatra https://trombadewebber.com/become-a-more-relaxed-performer-by-eradicating-self-doubt/
Hi Scott my name is Jose and I am learing the trumpets notes my band teacher said that I need to know the names first then the fingerlings any can I have any tips. Thanks
There are many ways to learn note names and fingerings together. One way is to make flashcards. Another way is to hold your trumpet and finger each note while saying the note name out loud (rather than playing through the mouthpiece). Start small, memorize one note and name and then add the next, then practice three. Soon you’ll be able to add the fourth, fifth, and sixth notes for memory with ease. Do this with each major and minor scale and be well on your way to being a great player! Best to you and keep practicing! SW
Hello Scott, my name is Barrett and i always have brain farts about my 12 major scales and this guide helped me a lot with it thank you 🙂
Your welcome and God bless! ~SW
This article is very helpful. I am 11 years old and this has helped me boost my rankings. Now I am in second chair (I used to be 4 chair).
Destany, Awesome! Please keep on practicing and playing, it is a gift that you should never give up. Thanks for such great news! ~SW
Hi. My name is Ariana and I’m going into grade 8. This is my second year playing trumpet and I have to say, I really am enjoying it. It gives me a challenge. I was at a clinic (An event type thing where teachers and professors and stuff come and give us newbies tips) once with the rest of my band and one of the teachers there told me that it would be a good idea to know all of my scales for high school so I thought “I guess I could work on that over the summer, sounds like a good idea.” So I just got back from a vacation with my family and now I’m here on your website. It all seems a bit daunting, 12 scales. I’m just wondering what you’d recommend that I start with. Also, keep in mind that I have braces, (which will be on for another year). I already know C major and a couple of other notes all from different scales.
Thank you so much for your time,
Ariana
Thanks for the comment, start with these keys: C, G, D; then F, Bb, and Eb (Major). Remember to listen to great trumpet players both recorded and live! Best, ~SW
Hi SW, my name is Christiaan. U am playing a musical practical next week and am struggeling to remember my fingering for the scales… How can i learn them more effieciently… If i practice for too long my lips becomes sawr… Is there any other way i can learn them?
Thanks
Christiaan
Christian! Thanks for the comment. Yes you can practice without getting sore just by banging the valves down as you move from one note to the next in time with the fingerings of the song you’re learning. This is a great way to practice while giving your lips a break. God bless and all the best, ~SW
Great, good luck! -SW
Hey thank you for posting this! I Just got a trumpet today from the thrift store. I’ve been playing flute for 4 years now, and i was wondering if you have any advice for me. I wanted to learn trumpet, because I’m big into ska, but now that I have one, I don’t know how to start! Thank you!
You’ve got plenty of music experience, just listen to trumpet recordings to focus in on the unique trumpet sound. Different from the flute but equally beautiful in my bias opinion! Thanks for the comment, ~SW
This has really helped but do you have any tips on how to hit the high notes.? They wont come out
Give yourself lots of rest and remember to use the least amount of pressure possible as you increase your pitch moving to higher and higher notes. Also remember to release air through your embouchure slowly and with warmth even for the highest notes. Keep practicing, you’ll get there! ~SW
Hello Scott my name is Samuel but you can call me Sam currently the highest note I can play is a B above the scale and I need to improve the sound my sound start to strain when I play G above the scale and I want it to sound fat I can play it loud just not fat do you have any advice so I can improve.
Great question but hard to answer without seeing if your embouchure is properly set-up. My best advice is to release the air more slowly! Even when playing loud, trying to get the most sound with the most balances air stream is critical. Ask your local trumpet teacher more about this and God bless, ~SW
Hi Scott! You are very help to us all in regard to learning to play and develop as Trumpetiers. I wanted to ask how I can improve my breathing? I feel as though I am out of breath and my lips get tired quick. Do you have any tips?
Keep practicing and listen to the greats: Louis Armstrong, Maurice Andre, Wynton Marsalis… there are many others! Best, ~SW
hi i want u to make some video for us
am very happy
Hi, Scott
I’m turning 70 this November, and I’m taking a trumpet class at the local junior college. Everything is going on pretty well, but we are getting close to the finals and the professor wants us to play the C Major Scale ( concert Bb major)…
I have read read all of the tips regarding how when playing a trumpet is comes out b flat, and to compensate and play like the sound of a piano, we need to play up 2 notes or down two notes. Does that mean we should forget all about our original fingering and move every note in a piece of music up? I’m totally confused. Please help..
Paul
Paul,
Thanks for the comment, I imagine that the professor wants you to play a written C major scale (no sharps, no flats). Changing the notes in the manner you described is known as transposing and is only necessary for expert players under special circumstances. Your professor can help you learn how to identify written music that is right for your B-flat trumpet. The next step would be to learn to identify and read music written for other instruments using transposition. I hope that helps you out. Remember to breath deeply and release a warm slow air stream through your mouthpiece, all the best! ~SW
I’m 74 years old and want to play a trumpet = vintage Boosey & Hawkes Regent – but wonder whether my old lips will manage the higher notes. Could I play almost anything if I can reach the F at top of the stave?
Sure, if you focus on keeping your lips soft in the middle as well as applying a “musical” air stream to your playing, then the sky is the limit!
Hi, My name is David ,I understand that the trumpet is a transposing instrument, and if you wanted to play the same note on the trumpet and the piano at the same time you have to play the trumpet in the written B flat on the trumpet, do you mean you would have to play it in its natural resonant note or as the transposition chart states in the note ;D; as there is no written note B flat. thanks regards David.
Here is the information that you are looking for:
The b-flat trumpet is a transposing instrument, it’s designed so that written pitches are not the same as written pitches for let’s say, the piano. On the piano, written pitch and concert pitch are the same. So a written ‘C’ is also a sounded ‘C’. The written pitch of ‘C’ sounds as a ‘Bb’ on a “B-flat” instrument. Sounded pitches always refer to the name of the given pitch as if it were being played on a concert instrument. Remember that on a concert instrument, written ‘C’ and sounded ‘C’ are the same; this is where we get the concept of ‘sounded’ versus ‘concert’ pitch.
Examples:
b-flat tenor saxophone – Written pitch: C, sounded pitch: Bb
e-flat alto saxophone – Written pitch: C, sounded pitch: Eb
piano, guitar, or c flute – Written pitch: C, sounded pitch: C
All the best with you studies!
-SW
Hi, I am in 10th grade and I am trying to learn Trumpeter’s Lullaby by Leroy Anderson on the B flat trumpet. I have been playing since 4th grade. Any tips
My best advice is to listen to as many different recordings of this tune as possible. This will help you to connect with the different musical choices that artists have made while playing the same work. This will also give you a chance to think about tone quality and getting great “trumpet sound”
sir because of you nw we could learn more about trumpet sir can u plz teach more about trumpet professional playing style..
Of course! Talk soon. -SW
Hello Scott, I’m 66 years old and newly retired. I have a pocket trumpet that I would like to learn to play. Is there a trick to prizing the scales fingering or is it just rote repetition?
Thanks again Peter
Practice, practice, and more practice my friend! I recommend learning the C major scale first. Get it to where you can play one octave up and down (quarter note = 66bpm or so) before you move onto the other major scales. Try to hear the notes in your head before they come out, “Do, re, mi, …” and so on. Learn the scales in the order of the circle of fifths rather than in the order listed above. For example, a major fifth from C is G, so after C Major scale would come G Major scale (one sharp, F#), next comes D Major (two sharps, F# + C#) and so on and so forth. Thanks for stopping by! -SW
Hi! I just came across your website and I am impress with the dept of your knowledge. But I did not what you meant by ‘circle of fifths’ can please throw more light on it. thanks.
i has wondering if you could help me play the trumpet because i just got one for christmas and i play the
french horn ._. And i am only in middle school and i want to do the trumpet for marching band in high school next year
I sure will!
Please I dint know how to pitch high notes can I have a little guide
I’d be happy to help you with high notes, please read: https://trombadewebber.com/how-to-practice-high-notes-three-simple-tips/
Wow,thnks 4 dis….
Hey I have a B flat trumpet and I was just wondering: If I’m fingering the C major scale, aren’t I technically playing the B flat major scale? I’ve been trying to wrap my head around this idea but i just want to make sure.
You’ve got it! The b-flat trumpet is a transposing instrument, it’s designed so that written pitches are not the same as written pitches for let’s say, the piano. On the piano, written pitch and concert pitch are the same. So a written ‘C’ is also a sounded ‘C’. The written pitch of ‘C’ sounds as a ‘Bb’ on a “B-flat” instrument. Sounded pitches always refer to the name of the given pitch as if it were being played on a concert instrument. Remember that on a concert instrument, written ‘C’ and sounded ‘C’ are the same; this is where we get the concept of ‘sounded’ versus ‘concert’ pitch.
Examples:
b-flat tenor saxophone – Written pitch: C, sounded pitch: Bb
e-flat alto saxophone – Written pitch: C, sounded pitch: Eb
piano, guitar, or c flute – Written pitch: C, sounded pitch: C
All the best with you studies!
-SW
Wow thanks brother
You’re very welcome!
Keep the good work going. Thanks for the guide.
Your very welcome, I’ll have more trumpet lessons and tutorials posted soon so stop by anytime! -SW
Thanks sooo much!!!!!! Your website for fellow trumpeters like me has helped me improve my skills!!! You are so helpful!
Glad to help others make music! Thanks so much for your kind words. -SW
Thanks man…will lik you to give me some solo solfa notes…thanks…my email-mikadel4u@gmail.com
I didn’t understand exactly what you’d like for me to send you, I’m happy to be of assistance, would you be willing to clarify the request for me? Thanks and all the best, SW
This is wonderful Thanks alot for this great work
I appreciate your comment very much sir, thanks for stopping by! -SW
Great stuff!!! Good for dummies.
Thanks for checking out the website and don’t forget to like my facebook page!
pls, Mr scott, am Charles, and am an intermediate trumpet player. am having problems with the highs and lows of key Bb. sometimes my pitchings are not accurate. i need help