Every B♭ trumpet player has seen it: you play a C and the tuner says B♭. That is concert pitch. This trumpet tuner starts with the B♭ transposition switched on, so it shows the note you read, while the needle and cents tell you how far to move the main tuning slide.
It also works for cornet and flugelhorn, both in B♭. On a C trumpet, choose C (concert pitch) in the Transposition menu. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is recorded or uploaded.
How to use it
- Buzz a little and play a few long tones first: a cold trumpet plays flat.
- Tap Turn on microphone and play your tuning note, usually written C (concert B♭) or written G (concert F).
- Needle left (flat): push the main tuning slide in. Needle right (sharp): pull it out.
- Play the note again without looking, then check: your ear and the slide should agree.
Slides and the notes that are always off
The main tuning slide moves the whole instrument. The valve slides fix notes that are out of tune by design: low D (first and third valves) and low C♯ and F♯ (all three valves) are sharp, so trumpeters kick the third-valve slide out with the ring finger. Use the tuner to learn how far each slide has to move, then trust your ear.
Tips
- Mark the main slide position with a pencil line once you are in tune.
- Tune at a mezzo-forte; very loud or very soft playing pulls the pitch around.
- Grease the slides so small adjustments are easy during rehearsal.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my tuner say B♭ when I play C on trumpet?
A B♭ trumpet sounds a whole step lower than written and normal tuners show concert pitch. This page adds the step back, so written C reads as C.
Which note should I tune my trumpet on?
Whatever your director uses, most often concert B♭ (your written C in the third space) or concert F (your written G).
Do I push the tuning slide in or pull it out?
Flat: push in. Sharp: pull out. Most trumpets play in tune with the main slide a little way out, not pushed all the way in.
Can I tune a cornet or flugelhorn here?
Yes. Both are in B♭ like the trumpet, so keep the B♭ setting.
What about a C trumpet?
Choose C (concert pitch) in the Transposition menu, or open the chromatic tuner, which starts in C.