How to Play a C Major scale on a Bb Trumpet

The C major scale (or concert Bb) is one of the easiest and most basic scales to play. With a little practice, you too can play it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Trumpet

1. C: Don't hold down any valves as you play. The C should be comfortably in the lower register of the instrument.
2. D: Hold down the first and third valves. The sound will be 1 step higher.
3. E: Hold down the first and second valves. Again a step higher.
4. F: Hold down the first valve only. This will be a half step higher than E.
5. G: Leave all valves open and play 1 step higher than F.
6. A: Hold down the first 2 valves. Play 1 step higher than G.
7. B: Hold down the second valve. This is 1 step higher than A.
8. C: Leave all valves open and play a half step higher than B (1 octave higher than the first C).

Tips & Warnings

• Note: Though trumpets read this scale as C major, in actuality it is a Bb major scale (Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb).