How to Tune a French Horn

The French horn is one of the most intriguing instruments among brass instruments. They are widely known for the fox hunts in England, but are also a unique addition to a concert orchestra. The instrument is created in the key of F for the general player and has quite a wide range. It is also the only brass instrument where the valves are played with the left hand. The other hand generally holds the horn up by placing it in the bell of the horn. Further more, it is the only brass instrument that can change its pitch from the key of F to the key of B-flat.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Tuning the French Horn

1. Locate and push all the tuning slides in all the way. Push the change valve down to bring the instrument to B-flat pitch.

2. The main tuning slide is only used to tune the B-flat side of the horn. Tune all open valve sounds to the B-flat pitch by pulling the main slide out until its pitch is right.

3. Tune to the F pitch by first releasing the valve that changes it to B-flat. Locate and adjust the F tuning slide until the desired pitch is found. Check the tuning by alternating back and forth from the B-flat and F open valve sounds.

4. Check the tuning combination of first and second valves by adjusting the slides for the respective valves as you alternate between B-flat and F. Make a note of the ratio difference between the two keys.

5. Tuning the third valve is done by playing a note that is a combination of the second and third valves. Pull the third valve slide to its needed length for the desired pitch.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice, practice, practice.
• Remember that the F side of the horn is usually flat while the B-flat side of the horn is a bit sharp.
• Once tuning is completed, the only other slide you will need to adjust while you are playing is the main tuning slide.
• Never try to remove a stuck mouthpiece by yanking on it. This may break the welds on the horn.

Resources

• French Horn