List of Horn Techniques - Tips and Tricks

Tips and Tricks

Quick valve water emptying

Every horn is different and every hornist must learn how to get the water out of their instrument. This trick however is nearly universal across all standard double horns. Hold the horn so the bell is up in the air. Press down the third valve and flip the first and second while rotating the horn back to the normal position. All the water in the valves is now in the third valve tubings. This is for removing water from the valves during a concert where too much noise or blowing should not be risked.

Fake high C

On some horns a high F' (concert pitch) can pop out while pressing the first valve of the F side down halfway. This is not recommended for performance as the tone quality of this note suffers. A way to try it is to play a normal third space c on the f side and slowly press down the first valve. (discussion)

Fake high D

Pull out completely the first tuning slide of the F-horn. Playing this combination (1+F) produces a stable, well centered tone, which blends quite well in the context of baroque music (e.g J.S.Bach kantata nr.100 in G). This is of course not the case with symphonic, post-romantic parts, or with contemporary music.

Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly usage on slides

Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly make fair and inexpensive slide greases. They will work like the expensive slide greases that one might find in music shops, just don't go overboard with the stuff. This is not advised for expensive or professional quality horns, however.

Any rotary oil in the valves would be liable to act as a solvent and wash the vaseline into the valves from the sides of the piping. This can affect precision rotary valves quite a lot, so proper slide grease is advised for professional players as good quality ones will not be soluble in the rotary oil. A good alternative is anhydrous lanolin—this is available from pharmacies, and can remedy loose slides.