How to Properly Hold a Trumpet, Cornet, Mellophone, Marching Baritone or Flugal Horn

Please use the steps and pictures below to easily learn how to properly hold a standard trumpet, cornet, mellophone, marching baritone or flugal horn.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Grab the instrument with both hands and point the mouthpiece towards you.

2. Place your left thumb into the thumb key which is next to the 1st valve, the valve closest to the mouthpiece end of the instrument.

3. Wrap your left hand middle and index finger around the 3rd valve, the valve closet to the bell end of the instrument.

4. Place your ring or pinky finger (which ever is most comfortable for you) into the key ring that is located next to the 3rd valve. If your instrument does not have a key ring at this location, wrap both your ring and pinky finger around the third valve, just like your middle and index finger in step 3.

5. 

   To see the position for the LEFT HAND, please see the attached image.

6. Keeping your left hand in place, take your right hand and insert your pinky into the pinky key located on the top of your instrument.

7. Keeping your pinky finger in the key, place your ring finger on top of the 3rd valve, your middle finger on top of the 2nd valve, and your index finger on top of the 1st valve. Your thumb should just rest against the side of the instrument.

8. 

   To see the position for the RIGHT HAND, please see the attached image.

9. Now you are properly holding your instrument and ready to play!

Tips & Warnings

• Many marching bands will require you to hold your instrument in this position for long periods of time. To be able to hold your instrument like this for longer periods of time, try some form of strength training.
• Holding your instrument in this position away from your body can put a lot of strain on your muscles if you are not properly trained. If you feel faint for any reason, place the instrument down and take a few minutes to regain composure.
• Some bands may require you to place some of your fingers in different positions than the ones mentioned above. Please check with your band director for band specific instrument holding techniques and requirements.