Trumpet Tunings

The standard Bb trumpet, the most common trumpet in use today. Open partials are concert Bb3, F4, Bb4, D5, and F5. Used in jazz, classical, marching band, and virtually all other trumpet genres.

A non-transposing trumpet pitched in C, commonly used in orchestral settings. Its brighter, more focused tone cuts through the orchestra. Open partials are concert C4, G4, C5, E5, and G5.

A piccolo trumpet pitched one octave above the standard Bb trumpet. Used for baroque repertoire including Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2. Its high register and brilliant tone make it ideal for ornate melodic lines.

A Bb cornet with the same tuning as the Bb trumpet but with a more conical bore that produces a warmer, mellower tone. The standard instrument in British brass bands and a common choice for beginners.

A Bb flugelhorn with an even more conical bore than the cornet, producing a dark, rich, velvety tone. Popular in jazz ballads and brass ensembles. Often used for lyrical solos where a warm sound is desired.

A trumpet pitched in D, used primarily in baroque and classical repertoire. Works well for music originally written for the natural trumpet in D, including many Handel and Telemann works.

A trumpet pitched in Eb, sometimes found in marching bands and certain orchestral works. Also used as a soprano voice in brass ensembles. Its slightly higher pitch gives it a bright, carrying quality.