Fingerings

In this section

• Technique

  Intonation, alternate fingerings, fourth-valve logic, and building range — the working craft of playing the instrument in tune and across its full compass.

• How do I articulate cleanly on the euphonium

  Support the note with moving air, let the tongue define its beginning, and coordinate that release with the valves. Practise slowly enough to hear whether the attack, pitch, or fingers are actually causing the blur.

• What is the fourth valve for

  The fourth valve lowers the euphonium a perfect fourth. It extends the range down toward the fundamental and provides in-tune alternatives to the sharp 1+3 and 1+2+3 combinations.