Brass Instrument Notation & Embouchure Guide

Complete guide to reading and writing for all brass instruments — trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba — including transpositions, mutes, articulations, and breathing marks.

Brass Instruments Share Common Notation

Trumpet (Bb), French horn (F), trombone (Bb/C, bass clef), and tuba (bass clef) all read similar notation with key differences in transposition and clef. This guide covers what every brass player and arranger needs to know.

Transposition Essentials

Bb trumpet: sounds a whole step lower than written. To have the trumpet play a C, write a D. F horn: sounds a perfect fifth lower than written. To play C, write G. Trombone and tuba: non-transposing (in C) — they read concert pitch in bass clef.

Mute Notation

Mutes change the instrument's tone color. Straight mute: 'con sord.' (or 'con sordino') — nasal, piercing sound. Harmon mute: 'harmon mute' — Miles Davis's signature sound. Cup mute: 'cup mute' — warm, muffled. Plunger: 'plunger' — wah-wah effect. Always indicate 'senza sord.' when the mute is removed.

Breath Marks and Articulations

Brass players need explicit breath marks (a comma or check mark above the staff). Place them at phrase endings. Articulations — staccato, legato, marcato, accent — are produced with the tongue ('tonguing') and must be written clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions