Struggling with how to tune a trumpet? Or maybe your slides are stiff and don't know where to start. In this complete guide to trumpet tuning we'll explore easy methods on how to tune a trumpet as well as the maintenance hacks pro trumpeters use to have their tuning slides in perfect condition.
To tune a trumpet you should play a long comfortable C (low or high) and compare to either a digital tuner or another instrument as a reference pitch. If you hear wobbles, adjust your lips to pitch up or down until the speed of the wobbling slows down. Adjust your tuning slide and add slide grease if needed.
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How to Tune A Trumpet With Another Instrument
1. What Note Do Trumpet Players Use To Tune
Beginners should tune to a low C (concert Bb), as it’s easier to play consistently. More experienced players can tune to a high C, but only if this note can be played without straining. For the best results, tune to both low and high C, and take the average, as one may be in tune while the other is not.
Advanced Trumpet Players: Usually tune to high C
Beginner Trumpet Players: Usually tune to low C
2. Determine What Note The Other Instrument Should Play (Reference Pitch)
Trumpets are tuned in Bb which means that when they play a C pitch it actually sounds like a Bb on non transposing instruments (also called concert pitched instruments).
Concert-Pitched Instruments (They Play Bb when you play C): Flute, Trombone, Piano, Oboe, Bassoon, Violin, Cello, Tuba & Guitar.
Bb Instruments (Everyone Plays C): Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone & Euphonium.
Other Transposing Instruments: Eb Alto Saxophone (They play a G) & French Horn (they play an F)
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3. Play At The Same Time And Analyze Wobbling
When two notes are played together and don’t wobble, they are in tune. Start by playing a C pitch note on your trumpet, letting the note resonate naturally without forcing it to match. Listen for wobbles or beats as the sounds combine—these indicate the notes are out of tune.
If the wobbles slow down as you tighten your lips, the note is sharper, so shorten the tuning slide. If loosening your lips slows the wobbles, the note is flatter, so lengthen the slide.
How to Tune a Trumpet with a Tuner
1. Set the Tuner to the Correct Pitch Standard
A440 is the standard pitch used for tuning, where the note A vibrates exactly 440 times per second. Some orchestras, like the Vienna Philharmonic, use a slightly higher pitch of A443 for a brighter sound. Most tuners are set to A440 by default but it's good to make sure.
2. Play a Long Steady C
Playing a long tone on a low C (beginner) or high C (advanced) allows time for the tuner to accurately assess your pitch. It also gives you time to settle into a comfortable note that has a clear tone and doesn't feel strained.
3. Adjust the Main Tuning Slide
Flat: If your trumpet tuner reads that your pitch is flat (usually left and red) the pitch is too low so you need to bring it up by shortening the tuning slide.
Sharp: If the trumpet tuner indicates that you are sharp (usually to the right and yellow) you are too high and need to lengthen your main trumpet tuning slide.
In Tune: If the line is in the middle at 12 o'clock and turns green you are perfectly in tune!
The Best Tuner For Trumpet
1. The Snark Clip-On Tuner
The Snark Clip-On Tuner is a favorite among trumpet players for its bright, colorful display that clearly shows the pitch name and whether it’s flat, sharp, or in tune. It clips easily to the end of a trumpet bell, allowing players to maintain proper posture and use both hands to hold the trumpet while tuning.
2. Digital Metronome Tuner
The Donner DMT-01 is a versatile tuner with a large, easy-to-read display and a built-in metronome, making it perfect for trumpet players. The battery life is impressively long, and the metronome's loud volume ensures it can be heard clearly, even over the sound of a trumpet.
How To Use the 3rd Valve Slide On a Trumpet
The 3rd valve slide is used on low D and C#. These notes are naturally sharp on the trumpet and need the 3rd valve slide to lengthen to bring them into tune.
Low D: Slightly sharp so use a little bit of 3rd valve slide.
Low C#: Very sharp so use a lot of 3rd valve slide.
How To Use The 1st Valve Slide On a Trumpet
The 1st valve slide is useful for some pitches on the trumpet that are naturally sharp.
What does the first valve slide do on a trumpet? It allows a player to lower the pitch when the 1st valve is being used, such as on a F and an A.
How To Unstick a Tuning Slide
If your trumpet tuning slide is stuck there are easy ways to make it move more freely to make tuning easier. The Music Nomad slide grease is popular for good reason. It just works!
Directions: Remove the main trumpet tuning slide, as well as the 1st, 2nd and 3rd valve slides. Clean the slides with a microfiber cloth and then apply a small amount of grease. Reinsert the slide, moving it back as if you are playing the trombone to spread out the grease.
How To Pull Out A Stuck Tuning Slide
Apply Penetrating Oil: Use a small amount of Kroil Original Penetrating Oil around the stuck joint and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen corrosion. Carefully twist and pull the slide without bending the instrument. If needed, use a soft mallet or cloth-wrapped tool to gently tap the slide ends and break the seal.
Can You Use WD-40 On A Stuck Trumpet Slide?
WD-40 is a water displacer, not a lubricant, and isn’t suitable for trumpet slides. It leaves residue that attracts dirt and doesn’t provide proper lubrication. Use a slide grease designed for brass instruments instead.
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