Best
Trumpet
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Overall: Steel valves are light, smooth, and durable
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Best Feature: Can take you right up to the conservatoire level
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Trumpet for Beginners
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Overall: With a customisable grip
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Best Feature: Produces consistent and vibrant tones
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Trumpet Accessory
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Overall: Trumpet and brass instruments
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Best Feature: Synthetic, odourless, and very long-lasting
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TedScore™: 10/10
A trumpet fingering chart helps trumpet players find their way around the instrument’s notes. It lays out the notes in a chromatic scale, displaying the basic finger positions needed to hit each note on the trumpet.
The fingering chart can be used as a regular exercise to improve your proficiency in playing. Players can also use the fingering chart to become familiar with alternate fingerings for various notes.
Additionally, you can have super easy access anytime and anywhere by just downloading and printing the fingering chart.
How To Hold The Trumpet
Holding a trumpet can seem daunting at first, but it’s really quite straightforward once you know how!
As a trumpet player, it’s important to pay attention to how you are holding the instrument. You need to understand how to have a proper grip, so you can hold the weight of the horn and free your fingers.
Make sure to follow these simple steps below. With practice, technique and dedication, you’ll learn to quickly become an expert at holding the trumpet properly.
Left-hand Placement
Holding a trumpet with the correct left-hand placement is essential for you to have the best playing experience.
Position your hand on the first valve and your index ring finger near the third. Doing this will ensure you have the best possible grip on the instrument. Your left hand should take most of the weight of the trumpet, so be sure to keep a firm grip on it.
You may even find it helpful to anchor your thumb between the first and second valve casings with your hand wrapped around the valve cluster.
Don’t worry if you’re naturally left-handed; with practice, you’ll find that holding a trumpet in this way becomes second nature!
Right-hand Placement
Having the correct right-hand placement is important for you to achieve the best possible grip and sound.
Place your thumb on the first valve and not between or below it. Meanwhile, your index finger should be near the third valve. Hold your hands firmly but not too tight or stiff.
With this setup, your left-hand takes most of the instrument’s weight while the rest of the right hand operates the valves with its index, middle and ring fingers. This is the standard grip for playing the trumpet and will ensure a comfortable and accurate instrument hold.
The Standard Trumpet Fingering Chart
The Standard Trumpet Fingering Chart shows the most commonly used fingerings for trumpet notes. It provides an invaluable reference for trumpet players who want to improve their technique and sound quality on other notes.
Trumpet Fingerings for Beginner Players
For beginner trumpet players, the fingering chart can be a great place to start. The fingering chart shows the basic fingerings for playing notes on the trumpet, as well as the open notes – notes that can be played without any fingerings.
To get started, you can download the trumpet fingering chart; this is an easy way for you to practice and become familiar with the instrument.
By using this chart and mastering these fingerings, you’ll be able to quickly get up to speed and start playing music in no time.
Beginner trumpet player practice tips
Get the Right Posture – Make sure to straighten up and lengthen your spine when you play the trumpet. This will help you to become an even better trumpet player!
Breathing for Maximum Performance – Take some time to practice proper breathing techniques before you start playing. It will help you get more air into your lungs and ensure that you have enough breath to play long, sustained notes.
Concentrate on Your Embouchure – When it comes to playing the trumpet, your embouchure is key! Hold the mouthpiece with your thumb and forefinger at the end of the mouthpiece and make sure to avoid putting too much pressure on your embouchure. For more help forming your embouchure, watch this video:
Get Comfortable with Lip Slurs – A great exercise for beginners is lip slurs (or siren buzzing) which will help you get more than one note at once! While buzzing, make sure to keep a low, steady flow of air by continuously inhaling and exhaling throughout each exercise.
Listen and Take Notes from Professionals – Taking advice from experienced musicians who have already mastered their craft can be incredibly beneficial! Listen to their performances while taking notes on their technique so that you can apply what they do to your own playing!
Have Fun and Enjoy Yourself – Most importantly, remember that learning how to play the trumpet should be an enjoyable experience! If something isn’t working out, take a break so that you don’t become overwhelmed or frustrated with yourself!
Highly Recommended Trumpets and Accessories
Trumpets
Choosing the right trumpet for you is all about finding an instrument that fits your needs and preferences. It’s also important to consider the sound you want and your budget.
In this list, check out some of the best trumpets we’ve gathered to help you choose the perfect one for you.
DESIGNED FOR: Grades 1-4
FEATURES: Rose brass lead pipe produces a fantastic tone
ELKHART 100TR STUDENT TRUMPET
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Sound quality will take you up to Grade 4 level
- Manufactured by the Conn-Selmer corporation, known for providing robust construction and a good quality finish
- Screws and fittings are slightly weak
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Grade 1-5
FEATURES: Medium Bore With Durable Monel Valves
COPPERGATE INTERMEDIATE TRUMPET
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Avoid unwanted undertones with Monel Valves
- Some reports were made about sticky valves
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Grade 1-5
FEATURES: Monel valves offer a smooth and fast action
CONN SELMER TR510 TRUMPET
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Quality of sound will help you reach up to a Grade 5 level.
- Round and pleasant tone with first and third valve tuning rings.
- Higher price compared to its counterparts
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
FEATURES: With a customisable grip
YAMAHA YTR2330 STUDENT TRUMPET
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Produces consistent and vibrant tones
- Made by Yamaha, a world-renowned company
- Quite expensive for a beginner trumpet
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
FEATURES: Steel valves are light, smooth, and durable
BACH TR650 TRUMPET
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Made with a red-brass lead pipe, with two water keys and stainless steel valves
- Can take you right up to the conservatoire level
- Higher price range (but with outstanding quality)
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Trumpet Accessories
As a trumpet player, you know how important it is to have the right accessories. Having all of these on hand can help you get the most out of your trumpet-playing experience.
If you want more information on accessories, read our article “13 Trumpet Accessories“.
DESIGNED FOR: Trumpet and brass instruments
FEATURES: Synthetic, odourless, and very long-lasting
ULTRA-PURE PROFESSIONAL VALVE OIL
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Used by world-class musicians such as Wynton Marsalis, Alison Balsom, and Arturo Sandoval
- Great value for money
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Every musician
FEATURES: Sturdy and well-made
CAHAYA PORTABLE MUSIC STAND
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Strong and portable
- Comes with a carrying bag and a sheet music folder
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Trumpet players of all levels
FEATURES: Made with SFF coating to protect the instrument's finish
HERCULES TRUMPET STAND
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Detachable peg for compact packing
- Adjustable peg height
- Slightly more expensive than other brands
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Musicians on the move
FEATURES: Precise tap tempo function to maintain accurate timing, pitch and rhythm
KORG MA-2 DIGITAL METRONOME
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Comes with a wealth of handy controls
- Features a 'Timer' and 'Sound out' modes
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginners and advanced trumpet players
FEATURES: Lightweight construction
SSHHMUTE BY BREMNER TRUMPET PRACTICE MUTE
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Fits all trumpets
- Provides highly accurate intonation
- Allows minimal back pressure for players
- Higher price range than other counterparts
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Trumpet Fingering Chart
Summary
This trumpet fingering chart is a handy reference guide perfect for beginners, as well as those who want to refine their skills and become a better trumpeter. It can help you play with better intonation, consistency and accuracy, as well as faster and more confidently.
All in all, using a trumpet fingering chart and understanding every fingering combination can help players get the most out of their instrument.
super cool article! i’m just getting into playing the trumpet and also love all things tech. the recommended accessories part was like, perfect for me. any chance you’ll dive into music tech for trumpets in the future? would love to hear about apps or gadgets that could help with practice.
Seeing your interest in music tech for trumpets, have you explored any silent practice systems? They could be quite beneficial, allowing practice without disturbing others, and some even offer integrated apps for progress tracking!
While the article does a decent job of outlining the basics, it somewhat glosses over the nuances that differentiate a good trumpet player from a great one. For example, the section on finger placement is adequate for beginners but lacks depth concerning advanced techniques and how they impact sound production. It would be beneficial to see more on breath control and how it plays into fingering and overall sound quality.
Really digging the article, especially the parts about beginner player tips. Was wondering, do you have suggestions for jazz-specific practice routines? Would love to incorporate some of those into my sessions. Cheers!
Hey there, stumbled upon your article while I was searching for some tips for my daughter who just started playing the trumpet in her school band. Really appreciate the section on how to hold the trumpet properly. It’s something she’s been struggling with, and your tips seem like they could really help. Gonna share this with her and hopefully, it’ll make things easier for her. Thanks a bunch!