How To Play The Trumpet - Notes and Beginning Technique

[MildMeful]

:(

[MildMeful]

Im playing the trumpet at school and all the girls are realy realy realy good and i just cant do it. Today i had a mental breakdown and i just burst out in tears. I can only play a realy realy low note and all my high notes aka normal notes sound like uxfitxotfircobitcricnwdjegkefn­ijbefj which by the way is realy realy realy realy realy realy realy realy bad. I burst into tears during the class and the girls thought i was playing bad as a joke. I realy want to quit and give up. Should i or shou

[eTrumpetLessons]

@MildMeful I don't know what level you're at in school, but everyone has bad days and technique lapses. Is your frustration due to slow improvement or actual declining ability? If the latter, there may be a physical cause. I suggest you bring it up to your director or trumpet teacher, if you have one. They may well have some valuable insight for you. Sometimes it helps to just step back, reassess, and work forward with baby steps... Feel free to mssg me.

[webusecom]

@eTrumpetLessons I can't really get a tone out of my trumpet either. Well, it already worked once but it doesn't seem to work now. I'm writing this comment because I'm looking forward to reading this in about a year from now and laugh. I'm going to have so much fun with this instrument. See you when I play like Gillespie.

[eTrumpetLessons]

@webusecom Keep up the effort on finding your tone. Love the attitude. Go get 'em!

[baristhealienated]

hey,.. first of all thank you for free lessons. I am interested in trumpet because of my adoration for miles davis. I am thinking of buying your lessons online. As a huge Miles Davis fan, I would like to ask which turmpet type/ brand u would recomment for a beginner who starts to play trumper to the intention of playing jazz or playin miles davis songs, let s say flemenko sketches ? thank you very much in advance

[eTrumpetLessons]

@baristhealienated At one point he played a custom Martin Committee - surely there were more. But understand that playing on Miles' own trumpet won't make you sound like him. Your sound is determined by the trumpet, the mouthpiece, and mostly, your physical technique.

As a beginner, try sticking with name brands. You can try a selection at your local music store or pawn shop. Common brands include Conn, Blessing, Yamaha, Bach. Listen for tone colors you like as you try them.

[loombaron]

Hi sir, excellent material. One question, B flat us the standard key for all trumpets? Does Miles Davis, Louis Armstring use trumpets in b flat? thanks

[eTrumpetLessons]

@loombaron Yes. Both those players played a Bb trumpet. It's a standard for jazz, and legit music. Trumpets in other keys are mainly used only for classical playing.

[pokemoncollecter101]

i need help on deciding and opinion i play tenor sax in band but i wanted to play trumpet and know i have a chance would it be a easy transition?

[whmozart]

Even though all my tuniong valves are all the way in, my G still sounds like an F#. Could it be an embocure issue or should the trumpet sound a G regardless? I just strted playing yesterday, so it definitely could be my doing something wrong. But if not, how do you tune a trumpet up over the limit?

[eTrumpetLessons]

@whmozart I'm not able to hear you (unless you post something), but I think the most likely issue is air support. I'm guessing you have musical experience in order to notice the pitch inconsistency on the trumpet, but don't let it get to you at this point. Use *lots* of air, probably playing louder than you think you should. Work to develop a consistent tone, and then you can work on controlling it. Good luck!

[scottreaganable]

how do i keep my lips from going numb.

[eTrumpetLessons]

@scottreaganable By numb, I hope you just mean tingly. If playing the trumpet really causes loss of sensation, you'll want input from a doctor. You probably mean a bit tingly, which is a common sensation in warming up. Just be sure you're not pressing the trumpet too hard against the lips.

[amu2612]

isit that G need more breath then C

[eTrumpetLessons]

@amu2612 Faster air.

[Freddymusician]

My valves keep sticking, what is the problem!!!! Please help

[marybat01]

@Freddymusician , they need oiling, but makes sure you rub all the old oil first before you add new oil

[saftlinerc2]

@MrsBeiberloverrrr sorry put your name down wrong

[saftlinerc2]

@Mrs.Beiberloverrrr I've been playing trumpet for 5 years, and it it really easy to go higher. You make your air faster and you ameture(computer won't correct it) smaller hope that helps and good luck!

[MrsBieberloverrrr]

i play clarinet but i want to leaen trumpet too. i just got the trumpet today and im getting a little better. my pitch only goes from low A to E though. how can i get it to go higher?

[eTrumpetLessons]

@MrsBieberloverrrr Keep playing in that range for now. As your trumpet embouchure gets stronger, you'll notice your range begin to increase.

[imawebkinzstar]

i started trumpet today =)

[TangyChicken69]

THANK U SO MUCH i needed help on this

[StevenLavSushi]

Thanks !!!!!

[est101010]

so basically you blow(buzz) the same note regardless of which note you press on the trumpet?

[eTrumpetLessons]

@est101010 Your aperture (where you buzz the lips) along with the trumpet valve combinations determine the pitch on the trumpet.

[nuRinja]

Now i play my trumpet in my speedo's

[turdking12234]

THIS HELPED ME SO MUCH!!!!!

[You2beComedy]

hi have the sax u should get 1

[randomdude101101]

I need help with C. Mine is'nt lower than D. Please help me. :(

[TheMunFm]

/watch?v=GbvSCtXoebg 

[KingPinTin19]

I have been playing trumpet for quite a while now, and, I decided to go back and see what I missed, or might have missed. I saw these videos, and, I noticed something, why do you pull the slide out during certain notes? I'm talking about the slide near your pinky on the left hand. I have never learned that before.

[MrGamer99]

the first time i ever had a trumpet i looked on this vid n realized that i had to buzz not just blow air and i have improved on that

now after 3 months i an im the school band and performing at a football game

this really helped me

[HDEZthaoriginal]

i still have problems w/ g :( please help

[eTrumpetLessons]

@HDEZthaoriginal Find the notes you can play and practice holding them as long as you can using your best tone. Then gradually work to increase your range. Patience can be one of the hardest parts! Good luck!

[cjfyeiowa]

I have already improved on my trumpet skills. Thanks

[globalriskrulez]

um you open that valve in the valves then put it in and make sure it moves through the valves

[ToonmanMr]

how do i put the valve oil and grease in ?

[pattypatrick1]

I just started playing the trumpet 3 days ago and you helped me already be pretty good at i(:

[eTrumpetLessons]

@pattypatrick1 Nice. There's a whole world of trumpet music ahead to enjoy, so keep up the great work.

[ktjenkins30]

i currently play the alto sax. do you have any pointers or tips on how to convert? I am having a problem with my armature due to the sax...thanks

[WebkinzNeeder]

My trumpet sounds scratchy at points, what does that mean? (Is there something wrong with the trumpet or how I'm playing, also this is my second day having a trumpet)

[eTrumpetLessons]

@WebkinzNeeder Rule to live by as a trumpeter: If the tone is great, it's the player. If it's bad, it's the trumpet.

As a beginner you'll get all kinds of sounds coming out of your trumpet. Try to find your best tone and hold it as long as you can.

[Xhabit1]

hey i kind of have big lips so its hard for me to make a smoothe buzzing sound is it just me or is it my lips?

[eTrumpetLessons]

@Xhabit1 Many legenday trumpet players had (have) big lips.



[RoboReport]

I've been a sax player for ten years now. As much as I love sax, I've always wanted to learn the trumpet. These lessons are extremely helpful, I could never figure out how to buzz until I watched these lessons.

Anyone else just beginning how to play music, stick with it. Sometimes school band sucks and it's tempting to put your horn down to play some madden or whatever, but keep practicing to get better, you'll find out that playing music is the best feeling in the world.

[MrOldestPerson]

hey, i tried playing you know High E, which is no valve, i cannot seem to make it clear sounding, it takes me so hard to blow, and even if i did blow it out, the sound is very fragile and wobbly, is it my buzzing problem? my mouth or smth

[eTrumpetLessons]

@MrOldestPerson Embouchure strength takes time to develop. Be sure your regular routine includes flexibility exercises, use lots of air, and *gradually* work up to the higher notes. Good luck!

[Watswat5]

I play Alto Sax primarily, but I love trumpet.

[6737577]

Cool jus got my trumpet 4 sixth grade band n im already way ahead of the class

[lizzygoround]

if only i had a trumpet! Ordering one of eBay as soon as poss!

[SpazzyAsian]

yay!!!!! ^__^ i did it!!! you really really really helped!!

[eTrumpetLessons]

@SpazzyAsian Keep it up and it'll soon come naturally. :-)

[Pigsinamerica]

It's my first time with trumpet and I keep on messing it up

[ArtVt1]

Thanks man! Accidently got an old trumpet, and I thought it might be fun to learn. And even though I am not a musician type of person, I really wanted to share my joy! (Hopefully the neighbours are not too pissed...)

[ArtVt1]

Thanks man! Accidently got an old trumpet, and I thought it might be fun to learn. And even though I am not a musician type of person, I really wanted to share my joy! (Hopefully the neighbours are not too pissed...)

[hammerandclaw]

how often should i grease sliders and oil valves? thanks!!

[eTrumpetLessons]

@hammerandclaw Valves need oil every 1-3 days or so, or any time they're not fast & smooth. Grease slides generally only when you clean the whole trumpet.

[TheTerence32]

how do you play an e

[eTrumpetLessons]

@TheTerence32 E on the bottom staff line is fingered with valves 1&2.

[sickkidzz1]

wow thanxs soo much this really help a ton!! ^_____^.

[DJOTCUTS]

man you have to be related to Steve Buscemi..hahaha, great lesson.

[flutemaster23]

this is soooooo much better than 'idiotvillage'

[OptoOcto]

Wonderful! I played trumpet about four years ago, and I kind of forgot how, but I still remember the C scale, and for some reason, the Pink Panther theme song... Anywho,

I have a problem reaching the higher notes, over staff. Any tips?

Thanks for everything, I also learned that I've had a wrong posture with my lips for years! Thanks, mate. Cheers!

[nhclassics]

i love how he looks when he plays XD

[gillbill123]

anybody else think the music sounds like herculies haha

[justinphilm]

hey, just got an Old's ambassador restored from my grand-father, your courses are really helpfull, thank you!

[HaleyIsAwsome15]

How do you play "a"?

[eTrumpetLessons]

@HaleyIsAwsome15 The fingering for A on the trumpet is 12 (1st & 2nd valve), regardless of which octave you play.

[1undeadskater1]

@eTrumpetLessons I thought that was an "E"? I am talking about about the 2 valves closest to your mouth.

[2328Wong]

@eTrumpetLessons or 3

[diabloherod1001]

@HaleyIsAwsome15

valve 1 and 2

b is 2

b flat is 1

c is open

[AdobeExcel]

Do you have to have perfect pitch to be able to play the trumpet? How would I know if I'm playing my note out of key?

[eTrumpetLessons]

@AdobeExcel The easiest way to learn intonation (playing in tune) is to spend time with a tuner. As you gain experience on the trumpet, especially playing with others, you'll develop the ear for hearing pitch issues.

[flip2shoot567]

You forgot to tell to kick out the third valve slide on D

[1970JimiHendrix]

@flip2shoot567 He did kick it out. Watch more closely.

[eTrumpetLessons]

@flip2shoot567 I actually didn't forget, but I'm glad you noticed. Since this lesson a first lesson for beginners I present only a few things for the student to think about. Some of the younger students' hands are so small it's really difficult to kick out that slide, and they work so hard they're unable to keep the trumpet stable. But good for you for knowing that skill!

[thompii904]

When he do a C, it's like a Bb, and when he do a D, its like a C... Wath the Funk?

[eTrumpetLessons]

@thompii904 Following along with a guitar? Piano, perhaps? Those instruments are in the key of C, while my trumpet is a Bb instrument. So yes, my Bb is a C on your guitar.

[NLiese88]

@thompii904 That is because you are playing a Bb trumpet... when you play a C on the trumpet, the actual tone of the instrument is a concert Bb.

[RzXVeRSaTiiLe]

6:47 E lmfao his face priceless

[gohito456]

can you hold down a 3 instead of 1 and 2 to make an A sound. to me it sounds the same!

[eTrumpetLessons]

@gohito456 Yes, good observation. There are a number of alternate fingerings on the trumpet, but usually, as in the case of the A, the 'traditional' fingering is more in tune. Most trumpet players will find that notes played using only the third valve are a bit out of tune, but advanced players will sometimes use alternate fingerings to suit a specific situation.

[gohito456]

@eTrumpetLessons i had a question to ask. Im in grade 10 and my teacher says i should play the baritone because the mouth piece of the trumpet is wierd the way i place it. i cant go high when i play with it in the center. I have to use more bottom lip and the upper lip goes a bit over the top of the mouth piece. my teacher says that i sound good but i tire out way to easily.what is a good way for me to learn to place my embroucher in the middle or should i take my music teachers adv. plz Reply!

[eTrumpetLessons]

@gohito456 By 10th grade you've developed some habits that are hard to correct. Not seeing you, I can't say for sure, but it sounds like you've got some embouchure issues that need some attention. I wonder why the advice was change instruments rather than correct your form. Even if you go with the baritone, I think it would be worthwhile for you to take a lesson with a trumpet teacher.

[martycubfan]

@gohito456 Some people's lips (like mine) are too big to easily play the trumpet. I was switched to euphonium and then tuba and it made it much easier to play. I had trouble keeping my lips in the mouthpiece. It doesn't mean you can't play the trumpet, or that you won't ever be good at the trumpet, but it is just one option to make you more successful overall as a musician.

[lpokemon2010]

What is the name of the note that has a notehead on top, a stem, and a right slanted stem on the bottom. It kind of looks like this: P/. The stem and note head are suppose to be small so I used a P and the Right slanted stem is suppose to be small and on the bottom so I used a / for math purposes. also how many beats does this note get. Thank You.

[eTrumpetLessons]

@lpokemon2010 You're describing an eighth note (well done on the description!). If a quarter note gets one beat, the eighth note will get half a beat, or two for every beat. Hope that helps.

If you're interested, this and more are included in the lessons on reading music in my full trumpet lesson program.

[FreeGuitarLicks]

Why do you play Bb and say its C?

[martycubfan]

@FreeGuitarLicks the trumpet is a transposing instrument. A trumpet's C is a concert (like the piano, flute, oboe, etc.) Bb.

[FreeGuitarLicks]

@martycubfan Yea, I know that, but why not just call the C Bb in the firts place...

[15Whoohoo]

I've been playing for 3 years wih my school and Im the best that they have I could play Super Mario Bros if I wanted to oh and another tip make sure the air you're putting in the instrument is WARM!

[freak1t2]

im just in 6th grade in beginner band and i already know allot im not trying to say im a know it all but when u start playing don't give up when u cant make a sound just don't puff your cheeks and like the guy in the video said make let your lips vibrate

[elcubanito422]

i wish u were my schools music teacher....i moved to a new school and now i have to play the trumpet...tommorow is mylaying test where i have to play a simple short song and e flat scale and something else...LOL...and i cant even buzz properly...it sounds like a fake fart....it also hurts cuz i just got braces and when i make my lips firm, they get really scratched up...oh well ill fail it but ill do good on the rest and ateast im gettin above 80% ish at school... but thanks for uploading this.

[martycubfan]

@elcubanito422 ask your orthodontist for some wax. You put it on your brackets and it keeps them from cutting up your lips when you play.

[TrueMotility28]

play its gonna rain by bonnie pink..want to see how u do it

[MrPorygon1]

This is my third year playing sax and when people say we have it easy they were right. I just got my trumpet and these videos really help/

[92rachh]

thankyou so much for these videos; i've been playing alto sax for 9 years, along with piano and guitar, but only just got a trumpet, so i don't know much about it. mine's an antique, so i understand the tone may not be as good, but from what I've seen most trumpets seem to have the tuning valve positioned so that it is pulled out towards the bell; on mine, it pulls towards the player, is this just the older style? it's a Cornell from 1920s if that helps. Thankyou; these videos are very helpful

[eTrumpetLessons]

@92rachh Not sure, but perhaps your trumpet has a tunable/removable bell?

[Merble18]

I just got my uncle's old trumpet and i'm having trouble with the lip buzz. it isn't as clean and it sounds more like a fake fart. how exactly should my lips be positioned to blow correctly?

[eTrumpetLessons]

@Merble18 Be sure to really keep those corners firm! I explain more of the details in my video on making a tone. Have you checked that one yet?

[skyrus2000]

Thank you! This is my second day of playing the trumpet lol, and your videos helped me a lot! I can't sustain anything higher than an A though...any suggestions?

[eTrumpetLessons]

@skyrus2000 My best suggestions for your first week playing the trumpet - don't force anything, and focus on consistent tone vs. range. Keep it up, it will come!

[dkproulx]

I can't get the friggin C. I can get almost everything else, but not the C.



[prime3613]

im a beginner in trumpet and now can play musically thx. to ur help!

THX. AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

[eTrumpetLessons]

@prime3613 Thanks for the sentiments. Keep tootin'!

[eTrumpetLessons]

OK, not to encourage the name-calling, but just to clarify if you're following along on a guitar... The notes of a B flat instrument such as the trumpet are 2 half steps lower than concert pitch, or those notes played on a piano or gutar. So yes @MrNiall26, you're right, the C on a trumpet is the same as concert A# (more commonly called B flat, but the same note), and D on the trumpet is a concert C.

[thelasthero63]

@iDanielVideo are you ok???

[MrNiall26]

your c is an a# , and your d is a c..? 

[aKidWithHisMusic]

Thank YOU SO MUCH I just started trumpet in the middle school band and I started to play a french horn and switched to trumpet. So when I was always trying to make a note i would hit it to high but now since I watched this video my teacher said I have been doing better. Once again thank you :)

[eTrumpetLessons]

@aKidWithHisMusic Nothing motivates like a little success after hard work, eh?  Keep it up!

[XxBlaZe5597xXchobots]

lol thank you so much! i didnt know how to play D x3

and thsi was uploaded on my birthday:PP

[eTrumpetLessons]

Well, then a big YT happy birthday to you!

[RedMustang7]

I've been playing Trombone for about 4 years now and am learning how to play Trumpet so I may expand my musical skills. Your videos certainly help, so I want to thank you.

[DaGreenBeret1]

I have played trumpet for about 5 years now and am first chair in the freshman band... I'm a freshman... and if your lips become irritated you should stop playing. If you continue you may split your lip... causing much more irritation...

Make sure you drink alot of water so that your lips don't become as chapped...

[FingersPlainview]

These are great beginner lessons. I've been a guitar player for many years but I've always wanted to take up the trumpet...never too late to start an instrument! Thank you for the great instruction! Now I have to get a decent trumpet as the old Regent I have is mangled. Love the trumpet!

[eTrumpetLessons]

@FingersPlainview Your local pawn shop might have a decent trumpet to play at a good price. Good luck &keep me posted on your progress!

[FingersPlainview]

@FingersPlainview Thanks for the reply! I rented one(Yamaha)from a great store here in Montreal. I have a question, is it normal for me to have some irritation to my embouchure? sort of like chapped lips, part of the irritation was from not being 100% clean shaven I think. How long is approriate for a beginner to paractise each day? Thanks again!

[EOSFiveMonkeys]

I've been having some trouble on the "E" note. Every time I've practiced I can't find out how to make it high but instead it comes out extremely low. Also I've had a little trouble on my how to position my mouth which is probably why I have so much trouble on on play they "E" note. So for this how tight should I put my mouth on the mouth piece?

[eTrumpetLessons]

@EOSFiveMonkeys Air support is paramount, so be sure you've got a big breath. You don't need to press hard against your lips, but the corners have to be firm. My guess is you aren't keeping the corners firm, causing you to drop down to the A when trying to play the E. For more on good form, check out the video on making a tone. Can't put a link here so see my channel...

[SparkaThunder27]

I am playing the trumpet because i just started playing yesterday but why do you think my lips keep getting num?

[sodaholic12]

@SparkaThunder27 o u just will get used to it it takes time

[etyrnal]

What's a "C" Trumpet? i am considering buying a Bb/C Pocket Trumpet to learn for fun/relaxation… i write music using keyboards and write a lot in C minor (C, D, D#, F, G, G#, A#, C)… will i be able to play a "C" Trumpet more easily with my compositions? Or doesn't it matter?

[martindale425]

i always make a sound that is to high and then when i try to play d it just sounds like me blowing and doesnt make a note.how do i fix it?

[sodaholic12]

well im in seventh grade im not at all but i was wondering if you could make a video to learn how to play above a double high "C" if not then can you just message me some tips

[eTrumpetLessons]

Easy there, cowboy. Seventh grade literature (nor 8th, 9th, 10th...) isn't written for the trumpet in that range. Just work on your best skills and sound throughout your usable range.

[Pakool23]

I think you're doing a great job and I thank u for helping others... And as a beginner I noticed that the C note that you play right at the beginning is a Bb in my piano and then the D is a C on my piano... my question is... is this natural 'cause of the natural Bb tone of the trumpet?

[eTrumpetLessons]

@Pakool23 That's exactly right. The trumpet is a Bb instrument, so a C on the trumpet is the same note as a Bb on the piano.

[Bs1997]

I am going into grade 8 never picked up a trumpet...I play bass right now but im not liking it!! Thanks alot!!

[youngmoney287]

Alba444 nothing honestly trumpet is treble and baritone is more of a bass

[jojofelina]

I THANK YOU SOOO MUCH! I REALLY KNOW HOW NOW!!! THANKS SO MUCH! UR THE BEST!!!!

[eTrumpetLessons]

@MrRalphdodge Thanks for the purchase of the full trumpet lesson program, and all the best with your successful trumpet playing!

[ClaraCMusic]

i have a Bb trumpet. is yours a Bb horn too?

[HUNHORV]

Wow! Nice! Whats the intro song? :D

[jaydis98]

grerat!!

[alba444]

oh my gosh i just started and im doing good. well im swiching over from a baritone so whats the difference in the notes?

[Huskyowner2007]

Hi Etrumpet can I play the scale now but not as good. Still need more practice

[mattrs1222]

thanks, i've been playing for a year and nobody really tought me, but these lessons have really helped me

[revoitachi]

Thanks !!!

[TastyRiceBowl]

I've been playing trumpet for 2 years and I still need this vid... Jk lol

[ARod22Trae]

on the D he forgot to kick his slide well it leas looks like he didnt

[Snowflake4931]

Its harder for me to make a buzzing and a good steady sound especially the higher notes. I have Braces and I was wondering if that makes a difference on my buzzing/playing

[atx24rock]

I watch ur video and i just wanna say. it was very good.. very instructional and pacient with ir voice... keep it up!

[eTrumpetLessons]

@atx24rock tx for the trumpet props!

[MsNintendogs]

im having problems with c,d,e,g high notes each time i read my music

[Huskyowner2007]

I'm getting better with the notes C, D, E, and F but G is harder to get. Thanks

[eTrumpetLessons]

@Huskyowner2007 Lots of air & a firm embouchure. Soon enough it'll happen and you can work to control it. Remember not to press...

[Huskyowner2007]

@eTrumpetLessons thanks but wow... it's hard...

[anthonyianryanshane]

@UPMXIV i agree

[Kialexis]

is this a trump from quintus??

[UPMXIV]

Way better than ExpertVillage... Thanks alot!

[eTrumpetLessons]

@UPMXIV and @strikeme5 Thanks for the props! Glad to see you checking out trumpet videos - both mine and EV. Now if I could attract as many viewers as them.... ;-)

[kalu164]

@UPMXIV duh

[strikeme5]

unlike expert-village you teach something

thanks for the help

i wanna play trumpet for fun right now i play snare

[ztixfigure]

my teacher calls big breath rock solid chops and steady push of air

[eTrumpetLessons]

Same concept. Good! Keep up the study!

[thephilb]

Thank you, none of the other videos on beginning trumpet actually give notes.

[qwertyx45]

great video.

im in grade ten band at my highschool

im basically looking for ways to improve my tone and raise my range in the high notes ( high g and up)