The trumpet and cornet share the same three-valve fingering system, making this chart useful for players of both instruments. Whether you're a brand new student or helping someone get started, having a clear fingering reference on the stand is one of the simplest ways to make practice sessions more productive.
What's in the Chart
This chart covers the full standard range of the trumpet and cornet, from low F-sharp up through high C and beyond. Each note is shown with a valve combination diagram — open (0), first valve (1), second valve (2), third valve (3), and combinations — making it easy to see at a glance exactly which valves to press.
Who This Is For
- Beginning trumpet and cornet students
- Band directors looking for a clear classroom handout
- Students working on extending their upper range
- Parents helping a child practice at home
Understanding Valve Combinations
The three-valve system on trumpet and cornet gives you seven possible fingering combinations (including open). Many notes have more than one valid fingering — for example, first and third valve together produces the same pitch as second valve alone (in theory). As you advance, you'll learn which alternate fingerings help with intonation and technical passages.