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How To

How to Play Trumpet Flats and Sharps

Contributor
By Edward Kasper
eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

Playing trumpet flats and sharps requires a basic knowledge of playing the trumpet and a basic knowledge of reading music. So it is a good idea to learn these concepts. The following guide will show you how to play flats and sharps from middle C to high C.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Trumpet
  1. Step 1

    Loosen your lips to play lower notes on the scale, and tighten your lips to play higher notes. When you attempt to play flat notes, these notes will be a half step lower on the scale and you'll slightly loosen your lips. When you attempt to play sharp notes, these notes will be a half step higher on the scale and you'll tighten your lips.

  2. Step 2

    Look for the pound sign next to a note on the sheet music. When you see this symbol, you should play a sharp.

  3. Step 3

    Watch for a lower case "b" next to a note on the sheet music. When you see this, you should play a flat.

  4. Step 4

    Play a flat middle C by pressing down the middle valve on the trumpet. Play a sharp middle C by pressing all three valves down on the trumpet. Play a flat D by pressing all three valves down, and play a sharp D by pressing down the second and third valves down. Play a flat E by pressing down the second and third valves, and play a sharp E by pressing only the first valve down. Press down the first and second valves to play a flat F, and press down only the second valve to play a sharp F.

  5. Step 5

    Press down the middle valve only to play a flat G, and press down the second and third valves to play a sharp G. Play a flat A by pressing down the second and third valves, and play a sharp A by pressing down only the first valve. Play a flat B by pressing down the first valve, and play a sharp B by not pressing down any valves. Play a flat high C by pressing down only the middle valve, and play a sharp high C by pressing down the first and second valves.

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