Trumpet Pedal Tones - Why and How you should practice them daily

[@oddstreet11]

Great tutorial, I practice pedals everyday, after watching your tutorial I think i may have been doing it incorrectly. Look forward to more tutorials thank you.

[@thompsonemmanuel3838]

Good 👍

[@Locutus2k]

I have an issue with pedal C (concert Bb) played open (not 123). I can play pedal notes fine with right fingering above and below the pedal C but the open C is always very flat at the point i have an A instead. It plays fine and "in tune" (a sort of) with 123. I suppose there's something wrong with my air/embouchure but i don't know what. Any suggestion? Thanks for your great videos.

[@PhillONeillTrumpet]

Hi Luigi this is a common challenge. The open Pedal C can often be flat when getting used to pedals. It's often caused by changing the embouchure when playing in the pedal range. I'd suggest practising pedals as part of a phrase including notes from the "regular ranger" and notes in the pedal range. Focus on minimising movement as you descend and ascend. After spending time on this try alternating the pedal c between 123 fingerings and 0. This will help keep the same embouchure throughout the range of the trumpet.

[@francescomaimone8865]

Awesome video, Phill. Your instructional videos are unmatched. Started introducing pedals at the end of each flexibility exercise.

[@da11king]

I can't play a low F if my life depends on it! Forget about pedal E, Eb...But I can play a double-low F and below! I don't know..😢

[@colinbarberic5553]

Looks cool! Always wondered why they were helpful.

[@PhillONeillTrumpet]

Have you tried pedal tones before? Make sure you use the correct approach when playing them. If you don’t they can be detrimental to your playing.

[@colinbarberic5553]

@@PhillONeillTrumpet My lesson teacher told me about them, but I haven't used them extensively. After watching I feel like I should give them another shot!

[@PhillONeillTrumpet]

100% of your teacher is recommending you do them there is good cause for you to work on them. Had your teacher given you a fundamentals routine to work on?

[@colinbarberic5553]

@@PhillONeillTrumpet Yep, I have a general framework of what I do. Mainly long tones and flow studies, Stamp studies, that sort of thing. I do pedal tones, but it tends to be only every few days or so and not for very long. Typically, it's more of a cooldown or an in between piece than an exercise.

[@clink69]

the only guy who picks up a 4 vale trumpet and plays "pedal tones"

[@PhillONeillTrumpet]

HAHA. Actually Pacho Flores also plays pedal tones on his 4 valve trumpet. I rotate through using the 4th valve and playing them as a pedal. Pedals are like the secret sauce for trumpet playing

[@michaelfkilleen7390]

Phill awesome video and exercise - instant success with it. Do you recommend this exercise as a warm up or for a little later on in the practice session?

[@PhillONeillTrumpet]

Good question Michael. I usually love using pedals in my warm up. But I find them the most beneficial as a warm down.

[@anteroprihatrumpet]

Hi Phil, thank you for good explanation for using pedal tones. I have now practise them several months and they really work! My sound is more open and relaxed also in upper register where i have tension and pinching before. Great exercise, thank you! Small question; Do you have a break or a moment pause between every key? Here in video you have cut them in together...

[@PhillONeillTrumpet]

This is a good question Antero, Usually I will take a small break between each key. Usually long enough to empty my water and keep going. If I make a mistake I will think about how I made the mistake, how to fix it then do it again. I dont usually take many rests during practice time. I use it as a way to increase endurance for performances. Which method have you been working on pedals with? #HappyPractising

[@anteroprihatrumpet]

Very good! Thanks

[@stewartl9169]

I can tongue pedal C, but I can't slur down to it if I start in the above-pedal range. Any tips?

[@PhillONeillTrumpet]

Check out my follow up troubleshoot video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHOZkKV4gLZ0oNU

[@stewartl9169]

Thanks. The lip bends are helping.

[@PhillONeillTrumpet]

Thats awesome! Glad to hear you're making progress.

[@rik-keymusic160]

Is this an exercise for the more advanced students or should "beginners"(I play 3 years now almost every day) also incorporate such exercise?

[@PhillONeillTrumpet]

Hi Richard Thanks for getting in touch. This depends on what your current ability is. Some students who have been playing for 3 years I have given pedal tones to however most of my students with your experience I do not recommend pedal tones for. Instead I recommend flexibilities, scales, long tones and tonguing exercises. If you want more details on what you should be practising check out my FREE guide. Play like a Pro on the Side. It works for players of all abilities. learntrumpetonline.mykajabi.com/proontheside Feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions. #HappyPractising

[@jppirr1031]

I find 123 for pedal tone F comes out more open I noticed your tongue on the bottom lip when you play Do you have it anchored all the time That’s how I play

[@PhillONeillTrumpet]

The tongue position is complicated to write about. It moves around depending on what I'm doing. It can vary depending on range, articulation, volume etc. Generally the lower the note being played ill have a lower tongue position.

[@jppirr1031]

@@PhillONeillTrumpet When its anchored to the bottom lip or if you play through the teeth Are we not producing the sound with the tongue also ?

[@PhillONeillTrumpet]

My tongue is usually behind my teeth and not near my lips. I don't know any players whose tongue touched their lips while they're playing.

[@jppirr1031]

@@PhillONeillTrumpet Your a great player not trying to disrespect you at all 😊🎺 But there is a lot of history about this Many players play this way Look up TCE 😊

[@michaelagbolan8943]

Wow four valve trumpet Gift me🥺