Using the Third-Valve Slide for Tuning Alternate Fingerings on Bb Trumpet

Who

This technique benefits Bb trumpet players, particularly middle school beginners with weaker embouchures, and band directors guiding them in school or community ensembles. It helps students achieve precise intonation in band settings.

What

The challenge is correcting the flat intonation of higher notes like third-space C# and fourth-line D, often caused by beginners’ weaker embouchures, and the sharpness of alternate fingerings like 1-2-3 for first-space F# and third-space C# or 1-3 for second-line G and fourth-line D, which disrupt ensemble blend.

Why

The 1-3 and 1-2-3 valve combinations are slightly short on Bb trumpet to compromise for other valve combinations (e.g., open, 1, 2), ensuring they aren’t too far out of tune, as noted in The Art of Brass Playing. This shorter tubing makes notes like low F#, middle C#, low G, and below-staff D sharp relative to A=440 Hz. The 2-3 combination, however, aligns more closely with ideal tubing length, as it uses fewer valves, reducing sharpness. Notes require different tuning adjustments based on the key (e.g., Bb or Eb major), context (e.g., chordal role), and ensemble factors (e.g., temperature, other instruments’ pitch), necessitating flexible slide corrections.

Where

Corrections are applied via:

• Third-Valve Slide: Extending the slide to flatten alternate 1-2-3 (first-space F#, third-space C#) and 1-3 (second-line G, fourth-line D) fingerings.
• First-Valve Saddle: Using the saddle or trigger (on equipped trumpets) to fine-tune 1-3 notes.
• Embouchure: Strengthening lip tension to counter flatness, complementing slide adjustments.

When

Use third-valve slide for alternate fingerings in:

• Higher-Note Passages: In melodies with third-space C# or fourth-line D, where beginners’ weak embouchures cause flatness.
• Technical Runs: In runs using 1-2-3 for first-space F# or third-space C#, or 1-3 for second-line G or fourth-line D, like in Holst’s First Suite in Eb.
• Flat-Key Repertoire: In Bb or Eb major, where these notes are frequent.
• Ensemble Tuning: In rehearsals ensuring blend with brass or woodwinds (A=440 Hz).

How

To master third-valve slide tuning for alternate fingerings:

1. Practice with a Tuner: Check first-space F#, third-space C# (1-2-3), second-line G, and fourth-line D (1-3) with a tuner, extending the third-valve slide to correct sharpness.
2. Incorporate First-Valve Saddle: Use the saddle for 1-3 notes (second-line G, fourth-line D), practicing with a tuner for precision, as advised in The Art of Brass Playing.
3. Strengthen Embouchure: Practice long tones on third-space C# and fourth-line D to counter flatness, supporting slide adjustments.
4. Practice Scales: Play Bb or Eb major scales, using 1-2-3 for first-space F# and third-space C#, and 1-3 for second-line G and fourth-line D, to build muscle memory.
5. Annotate Repertoire: Mark alternate fingerings and slide adjustments in parts for pieces like Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever.
6. Maintain Slides: Ensure third- and first-valve slides move smoothly, checking for sticking or wear.
7. Listen in Ensemble: Match pitch with low brass or a concert Bb drone, adjusting slides by ear for blend.

Conclusion

Using the third-valve slide, and first-valve saddle when available, corrects the sharpness of alternate 1-2-3 (first-space F#, third-space C#) and 1-3 (second-line G, fourth-line D) fingerings on Bb trumpet, while addressing flatness in higher notes due to beginners’ weaker embouchures. By practicing with tuners, scales, and ensemble listening, annotating parts, and maintaining slides, directors and trumpeters ensure precise intonation in technical runs and flat-key repertoire, enhancing the band’s harmonic clarity.