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Resources
Free Tuba & Sousaphone Fingering Chart (3 & 4 Valve)
The tuba is the foundation of the brass section — and getting those low notes in tune and in position is what holds the whole ensemble together. This chart covers both 3-valve and 4-valve tuba, as well as the sousaphone, giving you a complete reference for the full range of the instrument. What's in the Chart This chart covers the standard range of the BBb tuba and sousaphone, with separate sections for 3-valve and 4-valve instruments. The fourth valve — found on many intermediate and advanced tubas — adds a lower range and provides alternate fingerings that improve intonation on certain notes. Both are covered clearly in this chart. Who This Is For Beginning tuba and sousaphone students Students moving from a 3-valve to a 4-valve instrument Band directors who need a reference for their low brass section Parents and students practicing at home Why the Fourth Valve Matters On a 3-valve tuba, certain valve combinations — particularly 1+3 and 1+2+3 — tend to play sharp because of the physics of the tubing lengths. The fourth valve provides an alternative that keeps those notes in tune without having to lip them down. Once students understand this, they start using the fourth valve not just for extra low notes, but as a regular intonation tool.↓ Download the Tuba & Sousaphone Fingering Chart (PDF)
Read moreFree Euphonium & Baritone Fingering Chart (3-Valve)
The euphonium and baritone horn are among the most accessible brass instruments for new players — their mellow tone and mid-range pitch sit comfortably in the band texture. This chart covers the 3-valve system used on most student and intermediate models, and also applies to 3-valve trombone. What's in the Chart This chart covers the full standard range of the 3-valve euphonium, baritone horn, and valve trombone. Each note is shown with its valve combination, from open through all single, double, and triple valve combinations. Treble clef and bass clef players will both find this chart useful, as both clef conventions are common for these instruments. Who This Is For Beginning euphonium and baritone students Students coming from trumpet who are doubling on euphonium Valve trombone players Band directors looking for a classroom reference Treble vs. Bass Clef In the United States, baritone players often read treble clef (where the part sounds a major ninth lower than written), while euphonium players typically read bass clef (concert pitch). If you're not sure which clef your part uses, check with your director — and note that the fingerings on this chart remain the same regardless of which clef you're reading.↓ Download the Euphonium & Baritone Fingering Chart (PDF)
Read moreFree Trombone Fingering Chart (Tenor & F Attachment)
Unlike most brass instruments, the trombone uses a slide rather than valves — which means "fingering" is really about slide position. Getting those positions right, and understanding how the F attachment expands your range, is fundamental to good trombone playing. What's in the Chart This chart covers all seven slide positions for the tenor trombone, as well as the additional notes made available by the F attachment (also called the trigger). Each note is shown with its position number and whether the F attachment is engaged, giving you a complete picture of the instrument's range. Who This Is For Beginning trombone students learning the seven positions Students who have recently added an F attachment trombone Band directors who need a quick-reference handout Parents helping a child practice at home Understanding Slide Positions The seven slide positions correspond to different tube lengths, each lowering the pitch by a half step. Position 1 is all the way in; position 7 is fully extended. Because there are no fixed stops like on a keyed instrument, developing a good ear for intonation is especially important for trombonists — and knowing your positions inside out is the first step.↓ Download the Trombone Fingering Chart (PDF)
Read moreFree French Horn Fingering Chart (Single & Double Horn)
The French horn is one of the most rewarding — and most challenging — instruments in the brass family. Its wide range, mellow tone, and complex fingering system set it apart, and having a reliable fingering chart is essential whether you're playing single or double horn. What's in the Charts We offer two separate charts: one for single horn and one for double horn. The single horn chart covers the standard three-valve system in F. The double horn chart includes both the F side and the Bb side of the instrument, along with the thumb trigger that switches between them — an essential reference for students making the transition from single to double horn. Who This Is For Beginning horn students on single horn Intermediate students transitioning to double horn Band and orchestra directors with horn players in their ensemble Private teachers looking for clear, printable handouts Single Horn vs. Double Horn Most beginners start on a single horn in F, which has a warm, full sound well-suited to the lower and middle range. The double horn adds a second set of tubing in Bb, giving players a brighter, more secure option for the upper register. Download both charts to have a complete reference as you progress.↓ Download the French Horn Fingering Chart (Single) (PDF)↓ Download the French Horn Fingering Chart (Double) (PDF)
Read moreFree Trumpet & Cornet Fingering Chart
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.↓ Download the Trumpet & Cornet Fingering Chart (PDF)
Read moreHow to Care for Your Trombone
The trombone is one of the more forgiving brass instruments when it comes to maintenance — but the slide is the one area that needs real attention. A smooth, fast slide is everything on trombone, and it only stays that way with consistent care. Slide Care The trombone slide is a precision instrument within an instrument. Even a small dent or bend in the inner slide can make it stick or move unevenly. Keep it clean and lubricated, and handle it carefully. For lubrication, spray the inner slide tubes with water and apply a thin coat of slide cream or oil — whatever product you prefer. Wipe the inner slide tubes clean with a soft cloth before applying lubricant to remove any old residue or grit. A well-lubricated slide should glide effortlessly through all seven positions. F Attachment Care If your trombone has an F attachment (a rotary valve triggered by a thumb lever), it needs regular oiling with rotor oil, just like a French horn. The trigger and linkage mechanism should also be kept lightly lubricated. A sluggish trigger is almost always a sign that it needs oil. Emptying Condensation Open the water keys regularly during playing to empty condensation from the main slide section and the bell section. After playing, remove the slide and let it drain completely before storing. Regular Cleaning Clean the inner and outer slides with a slide cleaning rod and cloth every few weeks, and do a full bath a few times a year. When cleaning, handle the inner slide with care — avoid laying it on hard surfaces where it could pick up dents. Even a tiny dent in the inner slide is enough to affect its action.↓ Download the Trombone Care Tips (PDF)
Read moreHow to Care for Your French Horn
The French horn is a complex instrument with a lot of tubing and a rotary valve system that differs from most other brass instruments. With a little regular attention, it stays free-moving and responsive — and avoids the kind of valve problems that can sideline a player unexpectedly. Rotary Valve Care Unlike piston valves, French horn rotary valves use a different type of oil. Use rotor oil (also called rotary valve oil) specifically designed for this purpose — standard piston valve oil is too thin and won't provide adequate lubrication. Apply a few drops to each rotor through the ports on the side of the valve casing, and also oil the rotor string or mechanical linkage at the top of each valve. Rotors that feel sluggish or sticky usually just need fresh oil. If cleaning doesn't resolve the issue, take the horn to a technician rather than attempting to disassemble the rotors yourself. Slide and Tuning Slide Care The French horn has many slides, and keeping them all moving freely is important both for tuning and for maintenance. Apply slide grease to all slides periodically. If a slide has seized from lack of lubrication, don't force it — a technician can remove it safely. Emptying Condensation The French horn accumulates a significant amount of condensation during playing due to its long tubing length. Empty the water keys frequently during practice, and after playing, tilt the horn in different orientations to drain moisture from the bell and various tubing sections. General Cleaning A full cleaning of the horn every few months keeps buildup from accumulating in the valves and tubing. Because the rotary valve mechanism is delicate, it's generally best to have the first full cleaning done by a technician who can show you the proper process for your specific instrument.↓ Download the French Horn Care Tips (PDF)
Read moreHow to Care for Piston Brass Instruments
Piston brass instruments — including trumpet, cornet, baritone, euphonium, and tuba — share a common family of care requirements. Keep the valves moving freely, keep the slides lubricated, and clean the instrument regularly, and it will reward you with reliable, responsive playing for years. Valve Care Valves are the heart of a piston brass instrument. Oil them regularly — for most players, this means every time you play. Use a quality valve oil: remove each valve one at a time, apply a few drops to the valve casing, and replace it carefully in the correct position (valves are numbered and must go back in the right slot in the right orientation). If a valve feels sluggish even after oiling, it may need to be cleaned. Remove the valve and rinse it in warm water to remove old oil residue and buildup before re-oiling. Slide Care Slides should move freely and be greased regularly. Use slide grease (not valve oil — the consistency is different) on the main tuning slide and any slides you move regularly. Slides that are left dry and unused can seize, requiring a technician to remove them without damage. Emptying the Water Keys During playing, condensation collects in the tubing. Open the water key (spit valve) and gently blow the moisture out regularly. This keeps the instrument responsive and prevents water from pooling in awkward places. Regular Cleaning A full bath — removing all slides and valves, soaking the body in lukewarm soapy water, and running a flexible brush through the tubing — should be done every few months. After cleaning, dry everything thoroughly before re-lubricating and reassembling.↓ Download the Piston Brass Instrument Care Tips (PDF)
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