Trumpet Fingering Guide

Every note on the trumpet comes from one of seven valve combinations played on different partials of the harmonic series. Choose a note to see which valves to press, any alternate fingering, whether the third-valve slide needs extending, and the concert pitch it sounds — then press play to hear it.

Trumpet fingering chart

Valve 1 is nearest your mouth. Fingerings are for the B♭ trumpet at written pitch — what appears in trumpet music. The same chart works for cornet and flugelhorn.

How the valves work

With seven combinations each lowering the open notes by 0 to 6 semitones, the trumpet can play every chromatic note between the harmonics. Higher notes are played on higher partials by changing lip tension and air speed, not fingering — which is why C4, G4, C5, E5, G5 and C6 are all open.

Transposition

The B♭ trumpet is a transposing instrument: a written C sounds as a concert B♭, a whole step lower. That is why trumpet parts are written a tone higher than piano or flute parts playing the same pitch. The finder shows the concert pitch alongside the written note, and the play button sounds the concert pitch.

Tuning slides and alternates

• Low D4 and C#4 (1-3 and 1-2-3) are naturally sharp — push the third-valve slide out with your ring finger.
• Many players extend the first-valve slide on E5 or D5 when played 1-2 or 1.
• Valves 1-2 and valve 3 both lower by three semitones; 3 is slightly flat but useful in fast passages.
• Use a tuner to learn which notes on your instrument need adjusting.

How to use the finder

1. Choose a written note from low F♯ to high C.
2. The diagram lights up the valves to press.
3. Read any alternate fingering and tuning tip.
4. Press play to hear the concert pitch and match it with your lips.

Worked example

Reading a concert B♭ major scale on trumpet, you play written C major: C4 open, D4 1-3 (with the third slide out), E4 1-2, F4 1, G4 open, A4 1-2, B4 2 and C5 open. Notice that C4, G4 and C5 all use the open fingering — the difference is the partial you play, controlled by your embouchure and air.

Practice tips for beginners

• Start with long tones on open G4 and C5 to build a steady sound.
• Practise lip slurs: play C4, G4 and C5 open without changing fingers.
• Learn the fingerings for the C major scale first.
• Keep fingers curved and press valves straight down with the fingertips.
• Rest often — short, frequent practice builds endurance safely.

The harmonic series on the trumpet

Each valve combination lengthens the tube and shifts the whole series down, so the chart repeats the same seven fingerings on different partials as you go up the range.

Common beginner mistakes

• Pressing valves halfway, which gives a stuffy, out-of-tune sound — press fully and quickly.
• Pressing too hard with the mouthpiece to reach high notes instead of using air support.
• Puffing out the cheeks.
• Forgetting the third-valve slide on low D and C♯.
• Practising only high notes — long tones in the middle register build a better sound.

Caring for your trumpet

Oil the valves regularly with valve oil, grease the tuning slides with slide grease, and empty water from the water key after playing. Once a month, give the trumpet a bath in lukewarm soapy water (not hot, which can damage lacquer) and brush the leadpipe. Always put valves back in the right casings: the numbers on the valves match the casings, and the guides must click into place.

Cornet, flugelhorn and other trumpets

The B♭ cornet and flugelhorn use the same fingerings and written pitch as the B♭ trumpet. Trumpets in C (common in orchestras), E♭ and piccolo trumpets also use the same valve logic but sound at different pitches, so players read differently or transpose.