TRUMPET
Embouchure
The first step to playing in tune on the trumpet is to play with a great embouchure. The trumpet embouchure is quite simple and should have a natural look.
1) Repeat the word "banana" a few times. Hold your lips on the first "B" sound. If done correctly, the lips should be together naturally. 2) Take a big breath like you are sighing. Sigh through the "B." 3) The mouthpiece should cover half of your bottom lip and half of your top lip while holding the "B" formation. 4) A big "red" flag to watch for: Do not "play in the red." The red, wet part of your lips should not be visible. |
Tuning Procedure
Temperature affects intonation dramatically so it is important warm up your trumpet before tuning it. When the instrument is about room temperature (72 degrees Fahrenheit), it is time to tune the trumpet.
1) Before tuning, check that your valve slides are pushed all the way in. Your main tuning slide should be pulled out a half inch to start. |
2) Play Tuning Exercise #1 exercise at a mezzo forte dynamic. Playing any louder or quieter may distort the pitch. Sustain the first G and the final C. Both pitches should be about 4 cents sharp. If it is 5 cents or more sharp, pull out the main tuning slide slightly. If it is 3 cents sharp or lower, push in the main tuning slide slightly. An easy way to remember which way to adjust the slide is through the acronym SOFI (see graphic below).
Stable Tuning Note
Factors Affecting Pitch
To see the specific pitch tendencies and solutions for the trumpet, click here: