Topmusicanswers
The reason is that most wind instruments are transposing. The "open" note (no valves down, trombone in home position) is B flat. It is best to tune to this to set the main instrument tuning. If other notes are out of tune, then the valve slides (or on smaller instruments "lipping" the note) will bring them into tune.
- What makes an instrument B flat?
- What makes a trumpet B flat?
- Why are some instruments BB?
- Why is the clarinet in B flat?
What makes an instrument B flat?
If you want a B flat instrument and a C instrument to play together, one of them has to transpose their note so they are playing the same sound (pitch). The B flat euphonium is 1 full tone (2 half tones) lower than a C instrument such as a piano.
What makes a trumpet B flat?
Instruments Not in Concert Key are “Transposing Instruments”
The most common trumpet is a B flat trumpet, which means when you play a C you will hear a Bb. Any note played on the trumpet sounds a whole step lower. That's right!
Why are some instruments BB?
IN orchestral (and other instrumental) music, the notation like "Clarinet in Bb" (or "Klarinette in B") means that the instrument is a "transposing instrument." When the clarinetist plays what his music shows as a "C." the note comes out as a Bb.
Why is the clarinet in B flat?
Because the clarinet is a Bb instrument, it sounds a whole step lower than the written notes it plays. For example, when the clarinetist plays a C, the instrument sounds a Bb. That's why it's called a Bb clarinet.
