Playing the trumpet—everything you need to know about the woodwind instrument

In Germany it is one of the most popular instruments: the trumpet. If you want to play the trumpet yourself, it opens up a diverse world of the most varied genres and areas of application. The trumpet is at home in classical music, as well as in modern pop or classical jazz. In this article we will show you how to play the trumpet, what there is to know about the instrument, and how to get started with it. 

The trumpet throughout history

Historically, the trumpet has been an important standard not only since ancient Rome. Even the ancient Egyptians were already dedicated to the varied tones of the trumpet, albeit in a slightly different constellation. The long bronze tube has been able to evolve over time and went from being a rather secondary solution to a worthy accompaniment. Thus, over time, the trumpet has been able to assert itself in all eras, albeit in different forms.

The classical trumpet as we know it today has existed since about the 19th century. At that time the trumpet got its pump valves, which are almost always present on the instrument today. It has been about 250 years since the first long trumpet was made, and the structure and tonality have changed only slightly since then. With this history, the trumpet fits today not only when playing older pieces, but also in modern songs.

This is how the trumpet, with its many valves, is constructed

A look at the trumpet's valves turns out to be not so easy at first. While earlier trumpets had no valves at all, today there are three and thus a higher number of tones and possibilities. The valves can be used to adjust the tonality while playing. But what does each valve do?

• If you press the first valve when playing the trumpet, you reduce the natural tone by a whole tone step. This makes it possible to gain a clear distance from the previous note or to change the entire key right away.
• The second valve provides a lighter reduction. In this case, pressing the valve leads to a reduction by a semitone step, i.e., by half of the first valve.
• Also very important is the main tuning slide. This can be shortened and lengthened by using a finger ring. In this way, many tunings can be achieved.

Even though the many valve functions for playing the trumpet can be a bit confusing at first sight, you will quickly get used to the functionality. Also very important for learning the trumpet quickly, however, is that you choose the right instrument to practice on. Above all, the type and texture of the trumpet will shape your initial learning success.

The right trumpet for you to learn on as a beginner

Basically, the many trumpets available on the market differ in their sound, which is created by weight, material, and air resistance. As a beginner, you do not necessarily have to buy the best instrument right away. Many entry-level models range in price between 300 and 700 euros, which is perfectly adequate for the first trumpet. Here is a small selection of currently popular trumpets for beginners and advanced players, which we can recommend to you:

These basics are important for playing the trumpet

Once you have your own trumpet with the right mouthpiece, it's about the first tips and tricks for playing. Especially the first note is often more difficult than expected, because you first have to find the right position on the mouthpiece. This should lie as centrally as possible on both lips and cover both the lower and upper lip. The better your lips can vibrate afterwards, the easier it will be for you to produce sound.

A mouthpiece that is too small can lead to frustration for beginners. It's best to choose a size 3C mouthpiece, as this version has a slightly larger width and is particularly suitable for the first steps. The correct posture is also important, whereby your fingers should remain as round as possible. This way you hit the valves directly from above and move your fingers faster. Don't be irritated by the fact that your little finger has no role to play.

How to develop the right approach to playing the trumpet

If you do not press any of the valves on your trumpet, you will produce natural notes. This applies to the C of the respective octave, but also to the note G in the middle position. For all notes further in between, the valves come into play. As already mentioned, the first valve reduces the tone by a whole tone step, the second by a half tone, and the third then by 1.5 tones.

To help you play the trumpet, a fingering chart is often used for learning. On it you can see exactly which valves you should press for which tone and how the matching combinations are created. The number 0 stands for the natural tone in the fingering chart. All other valves are numbered 1 to 3. For example, if you see a 12, you have to press the first and second valve for the tone. This way you can quickly recognize which tone should be produced.

These are the mistakes to avoid when playing the trumpet

Even the best musicians can't play their instruments right away. Mistakes are normal and part of the learning process, even on the trumpet. While minor playing mistakes happen to even the best, there are common, yet avoidable mistakes that you should be aware of:

• Failing to use your tongue By using your reed, you are able to regulate the air supply for the trumpet even more precisely. Especially for beginners, controlling the tongue is one task too many. If you push the reed up, the air pressure increases. If you push it down, it drops again. Practice this movement as often as possible, especially at the beginning.
• Wrong rhythm when breathing in Many beginners get the timing of breathing wrong when playing the trumpet. So pay special attention to the right moment. It is important to breathe as deeply as possible from the belly. This is the only way to produce clear tones on the trumpet without the tones losing strength over time.
• Performing finger movements too slowly Rapid finger movements are especially important for rapidly varying pitches. This makes faster pieces a real challenge, especially for beginning musicians. Therefore, practice pieces with rapidly changing pitches to get your fingers more accustomed to them.
• Unsuitable objectives to start with A classic mistake with any new instrument is misjudging your own success. Even with regular practice, you won't be able to play the most difficult pieces and perfect every finger position from the start. For this reason, make your learning goals a little smaller.

Practicing for clearer, better tones

The trumpet is a popular instrument choice, not only for adults, but also for children. In this case, the use of a special children's trumpet is recommended so that all the valves remain accessible. With increasing experience, the instrument can then also grow until the standard size is no longer a problem. Otherwise, of course, it's practice, practice, and practice again.

For even better progress in learning the trumpet, it is worthwhile to attend a music school or private lessons. Under the watchful eye of trained experts, finger position and breathing can be corrected much better and deeper mistakes can be avoided before they become a habit. Once children and adults get into the habit of playing incorrectly, changing these routines becomes a real challenge.

Visit mukken for new insights on your instrument

If you are still not sure whether the trumpet is really something for you, you are welcome to take a look at our other articles on topics such as learning to play the piano.

Every musician has their own individual experience playing their instrument. Right here at mukken, we offer you the perfect place to exchange ideas with other musicians and gain new insights. This makes it easy for you to learn more about other people's experiences playing the trumpet and to put the related tips into practice. Take a look at our new personals for musicians.