Trumpet fingering chart
On a B♭ trumpet, written C4 uses no valves and sounds B♭3. The chart lists written notes from F♯3 to C6, so use the note on your trumpet part when choosing a fingering.
Fingering chart
On a B♭ trumpet, written C4 uses no valves and sounds B♭3.
| Written note | Finger position |
|---|---|
| F♯3/G♭3 | Press: 1, 2, 3 |
| G3 | Press: 1, 3 |
| G♯3/A♭3 | Press: 2, 3 |
| A3 | Press: 1, 2 |
| A♯3/B♭3 | Press: 1 |
| B3 | Press: 2 |
| C4 | All open |
| C♯4/D♭4 | Press: 1, 2, 3 |
| D4 | Press: 1, 3 |
| D♯4/E♭4 | Press: 2, 3 |
| E4 | Press: 1, 2 |
| F4 | Press: 1 |
| F♯4/G♭4 | Press: 2 |
| G4 | All open |
| G♯4/A♭4 | Press: 2, 3 |
| A4 | Press: 1, 2 |
| A♯4/B♭4 | Press: 1 |
| B4 | Press: 2 |
| C5 | All open |
| C♯5/D♭5 | Press: 1, 2 |
| D5 | Press: 1 |
| D♯5/E♭5 | Press: 2 |
| E5 | All open |
| F5 | Press: 1 |
| F♯5/G♭5 | Press: 2 |
| G5 | All open |
| G♯5/A♭5 | Press: 2, 3 |
| A5 | Press: 1, 2 |
| A♯5/B♭5 | Press: 1 |
| B5 | Press: 2 |
| C6 | All open |
How to use it
- Check the selected instrument and fingering system; this page opens with the combination named in the title.
- Choose a staff note, list entry or keyboard key. Filled circles show covered holes or pressed keys.
- Use Hear the note to compare pitches; the microphone switches off before playback to avoid feedback.
- Enable the microphone, allow access and play a single note without accompaniment. Let the reading settle.
- Match the A reference to your lesson or ensemble, then use Print / PDF to save the selected chart.
Help and explanations
Numbers 1, 2 and 3 refer to the valves operated by the right index, middle and ring fingers. Press a selected valve fully; the diagram is not an instruction to cover a recorder hole or use a thumb vent.
One valve combination can produce several pitches
Open valves are used for C4, G4, C5 and other notes in the harmonic series. That is why the right fingers alone cannot guarantee the selected note: air, embouchure and the intended partial also matter. Listen to the reference, then try a comfortable sustained sound rather than squeezing harder to reach a higher partial. Compare open C and G slowly if the relationship is unfamiliar.
For the microphone, concert-pitch display reads a B♭ trumpet one whole tone below its written note. Choose B♭ transposition if you want the label to match the part. Intonation remains a separate job: valve combinations lengthen the tubing, and some notes need slide adjustment or an appropriate alternate fingering. Learn those choices with your teacher instead of assuming every centred valve pattern must be perfectly in tune.
Tips
- Move combinations together so a passing half-pressed valve does not disturb the note.
- Read the octave as well as the note letter when two entries share a valve pattern.
- For low C♯ and D, ask about using the third-valve slide.
Frequently asked questions
What valves do I use for C on trumpet?
Written C4 and C5 are open. C♯ is a different note with a different combination, so check accidentals too.
Why can the same valves play several notes?
The trumpet can sound different partials with one tubing length. Valve position is only part of producing the intended pitch.
What is written C on a B♭ trumpet in concert pitch?
Written C4 sounds B♭3. The interval is one whole tone downward.
What is the fingering for low F♯?
Written F♯3 uses valves 1, 2 and 3. It is the lowest entry in this basic chart.
Can I save a B♭ trumpet fingering chart as a PDF?
Use Print / PDF with trumpet selected. The saved table uses the written trumpet notes shown here.