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How to Improve Trumpet Pedal Tones

Having solid and clear trumpet pedal tones will increase your ability to perform on a professional level. A trumpet player that is unable to play pedal tones is missing a crucial part of their training. Pedal tones require an unusual embouchure and a specific breathing technique to sound these extremely low tones effectively. While you may not use a pedal tone in an ensemble, learning to play these tones will increase your overall tone quality, strength and endurance.

Instructions

    • 1

      Play an F below middle C on your trumpet, then remove your mouthpiece and match the pitch by buzzing on the mouthpiece. You may use a piano to match pitch as well.

    • 2

      Hold the low F for four beats with closed lips and the attempt to jump down to pedal C on the mouthpiece. The trick to playing low notes is to relax your embouchure, which will make the lips vibrate slower. Use a slow airstream to prevent the lips from vibrating too quickly. The correct embouchure resembles a frown.

    • 3

      Hold pedal C for four beats to ensure you have a solid sound. Then using all open valves, move up to E on the staff, then G, then down to E and down to middle C. Practice this exercise several times with the instrument and with the mouthpiece until it is comfortable.

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