Lesson 13: Tuning the Horn
In Lesson 13 we will learn how to properly tune the horn and what to do with each of those slides!
Before Tuning the Horn
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Main tuning slide affects BOTH the F and Bb side of the horn. You will use this slide when you start tuning the Bb side of the horn first.
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The F tuning slide only affects the F side of the horn. You will adjust this next when you tune the F side of the horn.
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The Bb tuning slide only affects the Bb side of the horn and you can use this for fine adjustments when you tune the Bb side.
Check out this article for more information on tuning the horn, including more pictures of different horns with the slides labeled.
Tuning the Horn
Step 1: Tune the Bb Side
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Have tuner ready, set to 440
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Press down thumb trigger
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Play open notes, primarily concert F and Concert C
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Adjust the MAIN TUNING SLIDE and the Bb TUNING SLIDE only.
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If you're sharp, pull out; if you're flat, push in
Step 2: Tune the F Side
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Have tuner ready, set to 440
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Have all valves open
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Play open notes, primarily concert F and Concert C
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Adjust the F TUNING SLIDE only
Step 3: Tune the Specific Valve Combinations
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Have tuner ready, set to 440
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Start with Bb side. Press down thumb trigger and first valve and tune your first valve notes like Bb and F. Then continue with middle valve and other valve combinations. Make sure you are adjusting the BACK set of slides for the Bb side of the horn.
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Switch to F side of the horn and do the same with each valve combination. Make sure you are adjusting the FRONT set of slides for the Bb side of the horn.
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Make sure you know your valve tendencies!
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Open notes, first valve only and second valve only will generally be more in tune.
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Valve combinations 1/2 ,1/3, & 1/2/3 will be sharp.
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Valve combination 2/3 will be flat.
Things to Keep in Mind
1. Know the tendency of yourself and your instrument. Every player and every horn is different. It doesn't hurt to do a quick Google search of your horn brand and model to know the tendencies of the horn and where all of the tuning slides are.
2. Know how and when to adjust.
If you're sharp=pull out
If you're flat=push in
Hot=Sharp
Cold=Flat
3. Your right hand has a HUGE affect on your intonation. The more open your bell is, the sharper you are going to play. So if you find yourself playing sharp a lot, you may want to get used to playing with your hand in a bit farther.
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If you're sharp=put your hand in farther
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If you're flat=bring your hand out
DON'T HOLD THE HORN LIKE THIS!
You'll be very sharp if you play with your horn this open. Make sure you always play with proper right hand technique.
4. Bands and orchestras tune to concert A and Bb which aren't great notes to tune on the horn. So make sure you tune yourself to your C before class starts.
5. Mark your slide with a pencil so you can quickly set your slides to where they are most likely going to be the best in tune.
