How to Hold the Button Note on a Trumpet
The trumpet is a small brass instrument that has three valves for fingering notes. When played, the trumpet produces a high-pitched brass sound. The valves, or buttons, are used in combination with the mouthpiece to create different sets of notes. A button note refers to any note that is played while pushing one of the valves. Holding a note can be difficult for inexperienced trumpet players, but with enough practice, it will become much easier.
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Instructions
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1
Open a basic trumpet book that includes a fingering chart. Place it on a music stand or other type of stand where it can be seen easily.
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2
Pick up the trumpet, holding it in the left hand. Grip the trumpet firmly, placing the fingers of the right hand in the middle of the valves between the bottom tubing and the top of the trumpet.
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3
Move the index finger on the right hand to the top of the valve closest to the mouthpiece. Place the middle finger on the second valve and place the ring finger on the remaining valve. Relax the fingers so that no tension is in the hands and place the pinkie finger on the top hook.
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4
Follow the fingering chart to practice different notes. Look for the three circles below each note on the chart. Examine the circles to see which, if any, are darkened, which will indicate which button to press down.
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Find a note to play, such as a G. Press the two outside keys down, leaving the middle button open to produce the note. Take a deep breath and blow air through the trumpet, keeping both of those buttons pressed down.
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Use a tuner to determine if the note is in tune. Adjust your embouchure, or your facial muscles, until the note comes into tune. Stop playing when the air control begins to lessen. Repeat the steps to play other notes, continuing to practice to improve sound quality.
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Tips & Warnings
Notes that require no buttons pushed down are called open notes. These notes rely on small variances with the mouth and embouchure to produce different sounds.
References
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