How to Play Trumpet Flats and Sharps

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.

Things You'll Need

• Trumpet

Instructions

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

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. 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. 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.

Resources

• Video of someone playing the trumpet
• Trumpet fingering chart