How to play the different open trumpet notes?

How to play flat notes on a trumpet? Band problems? ?

• A while ago I joined a marching band and I was basically given the trumpet and expected to know how to play it! Seriously I was given like 2 lessons and that's it! The leader was ...show more

• Answer:

  Every note has a different fingering, and I don't have the time to write out a complete harmonic theory so you can understand how to flat every note--you wouldn't understand it anyway. So, here's the deal you need a fingering chart--I've got a link to one below. To play higher you tighten your embouchure. Some people will tell you to tighten your smile, but that is a very limited way to accomplish what you need to accomplish. Basically your top lip remains stationary while you press upward into it with your lower lip. A bit harder to grasp, but once you do you're way ahead of the game. To practice adjusting your embouchure choose any valve combination-- and play up and down from one note to another. 1st and 3rd is a good one to start with because you can start with a low "D", slur up to a second line "G" (alternate fingering) then up to a 3rd line "B" (also an alternate fingering). These lip slurs are a great way to develop flexibility and embouchure strength. Learning scales is sort of boring, but it is certainly the best way to learn fingerings for notes. There are lots of major scale charts you can download. Since you have limited time only worry about those in the same keys as the music you're playing. Good luck--it will be difficult, but if you work at it you may just make it.