The Basic Tuba

Tuba is the backbone of any wind ensemble, marching band or brass ensemble. It's conical shape allows this brass instrument to have a mellow yet full and rich sound. It has three or four valves depending on which tuba that you are playing. The tuba is most commonly played in the key of Bb and the fingerings that I have below are for a Bb tuba.

The tuba, like all brass instruments is played with a mouthpiece in which you buzz your lips in. The tighter that you make your lips, the higher you can play on the harmonic series.

As a brass instrument, the tuba follows the harmonic series. In the open position (no keys down) the tuba can play Bb0, Bb1, F2, Bb2, D3, F3, Ab3, Bb3, C4, and D4. When the second valve is pressed down the tuba can play A0, A1, E2, A2, Db3, E3, G3, A3, B3 and Db4. With the first valve this instrument can play Ab0, Ab1, Eb2, Ab2, C3, Eb3, Gb3, Ab3, Bb3 and C4. With the first and the second valve down the tuba can play G0, G1, D2, G2, B2, D3, F3, G3, A3 and B3. The second and third valves together can make Gb0, Gb1, Db1, Gb2, Bb2, Db3, E3, Gb3, Ab3 and Bb3. With either the fourth valve or one and three the tuba can play F0, F1, C1, F2, A2, C3, Eb3, F3, G3 and A3. And last with either the second and fourth or the first, second and third valves E0, E1, B1, E2, Ab2, B2, D3, E3, Gb3 and Ab3. The notes in bold are notes that are common for beggining tuba players and the most common fingering for these notes.