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How to Make a Growling Trumpet

The trumpet can make various effects that are often used in jazz and blues music. A growling trumpet is one of the simpler effects for advanced trumpet players and is often played during an improvisation solo. Wynton Marsalis and Cootie Williams often used growls to add depth and uniqueness to their performances. The effect is created by clearing the throat, and can be enhanced by using a trumpet mute. Growling can be difficult to master, but will help you to stand out in your ensemble.

Things You'll Need

  • Trumpet
  • Trumpet mute or plunger
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Instructions

    • 1

      Tighten your neck and push your chin backward. Growl from the back of your throat. The sound should be rough, like gargling or clearing the throat. It may help to relax your tongue so the front of the tongue is down and the back is raised. Practice making the sound until you are comfortable.

    • 2

      Bring the trumpet to your mouth, and play a lower note, such as a second-line G. Growl from the back of the throat while playing the note. If you are having trouble holding the note, make the inside of your mouth smaller with an "E" vowel shape. Practice until you are comfortable, gradually attempting the sound on higher notes.

    • 3

      Hold the trumpet with your right hand and bring it to your mouth. Hold the plunger with your left hand. Play a growling note, and slowly cover the bell of the trumpet.

    • 4

      Fan the plunger up and down to make your instrument talk. Experiment with the effect to see the different sounds you can make. This method should be attempted only when you have mastered the growling trumpet.

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