Mute intonation help needed

[DNMH]

My biggest weakness is knowing when I am playing in tune. I can somewhat tell with open cornet, but with a mute I get lost.

I am in a situation where I need to use bucket, cup, straight and Harmon.

Please tell me what to expect from these.

Thanks

[Seymor B Fudd]

[zaferis]

Yes, make tuning, tuning practice part of your daily routine! With a tuner, and teach your "ear" what your trumpet tendencies are.

Each mute will affect pitch in slightly different ways (most play sharp). Tune then stick the mute in and see what you need to do to correct the change. Note that cup mutes and straight mutes, to a lesser degree, need to have the corks filed for proper fit. One trick with non-adjustable cup mutes is to play down to a low F#; if it warbles or doesn't speak the corks are too thick.
There are well designed mutes that minimize pitch issues. This is why it is worth spending a bit more on the good ones.

my "go to" list when suggesting mutes:

Straight - Denis Wick, Jo-Ral, Soulo
Cup - Denis Wick, Stonelined (corks filed), MuteMeister (corks filed)
Harmon - Jo-Ral Bubble, Denis Wick
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[dstdenis]

For mutes like the straight mute and cup mute, make sure the corks are filed so the mute inserts the proper depth into the bell. Here are instructions how to do this from Roger Ingram.

I've never had intonation problems with bucket mutes. That is, the bucket mutes don't introduce new intonation problems—I still have to play in tune, though.

Harmon mute intonation can vary. Many play a bit sharp, while some don't change pitch very much. Just know the pitch tendencies of your mute. It also helps to be sure not to overblow the harmon mute, which can make pitch problems worse, make the tune you're playing sound strained, and make your lips tired really fast.

I've found that practicing with a drone is a fantastic way to improve pitch awareness. I use the TonalEnergy tuner app on my iPhone. I sync the phone to a bluetooth speaker and turn on the drone pitch for the exercise I'm going to play. I usually like to have the drone play the 5th of the key signature. For example, if I'm going to play something in F, I'll turn on a drone C. Then while I'm playing, I listen to my pitches and see if the intervals sound correct with respect to the drone. It's amazing how much a simple thing like this can improve pitch awareness. And this improved awareness carries over to rehearsals and performances, when you're playing along with the ensemble instead of a drone.
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[Nonsense Eliminator]

Rather than attempting to chart the horn's peculiarities, practice playing in tune. Play duets with somebody who plays in tune, or practice with a drone. Don't try to intellectualize it; there's just too much data to process. Instead, get used to hearing the notes where they go and trusting that you will put them there.
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Richard Sandals
NBO

[Lionel]

I'm glad we're discussing tuning. A grave omission in my mind. As if you're playing out of tune? You're playing wrong notes.

Once in a while I get asked if I think I'm playing well in tune. The only proper answer, for me appears to say,

"I think I'm playing pretty well in tune. Certainly better than I used to..."

Because there's no such human being who plays the trumpet perfectly in tune. Some mouthpieces, like the ancient Al Cass series could create the appearance of better tuning. Especially within amateur trumpet sections. Whether these mouthpieces actually played better in tune, blended better with others or made playing the trumpet easier physically? I couldnt say. Probably a mixture of all three.

When I used to blow the Cass 1-28 I noticed that the tone made was usually superior to my bandmates. As such I sounded closer in tune even when very slightly off pitch compared to the guy next to me who was blowing dead on the money.
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Carl Spackler (aka Bill Murray, 1980).

[Anthony Miller]

Interesting - what drone sound on the TE tuner do you use to play to?

[dstdenis]

[Seymor B Fudd]

[Craig Swartz]

The general tendency is that a mute will cause the trumpet to play sharp. As per being able to tell whether you are sharp, flat or in tune with yourself and those around you, most of the advice above is good. Ear training is much more important to musical performance than is usually emphasized, particularly in the beginning. It's never too late to get started. Good luck.

[Nonsense Eliminator]