Trumpet Lip Slurs: Flexibility Exercises
A lip slur moves from one partial to another without changing valves, using only your lips and air. It is the core flexibility exercise on trumpet: choose how many partials to slur, press Play and follow the notes through the 7 positions.
Position 1 0
Position 2 2
Position 3 1
Position 4 1-2
Position 5 2-3
Position 6 1-3
Position 7 1-2-3
The harmonic series of each position
Each valve combination gives these notes. The 7th partial (marked *) is flat and rarely used.
| 0 | C | G | C | E | G | B♭* | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | B | F♯ | B | D♯ | F♯ | A* | B |
| 1 | B♭ | F | B♭ | D | F | A♭* | B♭ |
| 1-2 | A | E | A | C♯ | E | G* | A |
| 2-3 | A♭ | E♭ | A♭ | C | E♭ | G♭* | A♭ |
| 1-3 | G | D | G | B | D | F* | G |
| 1-2-3 | F♯ | C♯ | F♯ | A♯ | C♯ | E* | F♯ |
Tips for practicing lip slurs
- Start slowly (60 bpm) with 2 partials; only raise the tempo when the changes are clean.
- To go up, speed up the air and let the lips follow; don't press the mouthpiece harder.
- Keep the same pressure and tone in every position, including the low ones (1-3 and 1-2-3).
- Rest as much as you play: flexibility is built with consistency, not fatigue.
Frequently asked questions
What are lip slurs on the trumpet?
A lip slur is a change between notes of the same harmonic series without moving the valves, using only air speed and the lips. They build flexibility, range and a centered sound, which is why most trumpet players do them every day.
How should a beginner practice lip slurs?
Start with 2 partials (low C to G open) at a slow tempo, keep the sound full and relaxed, and repeat the same slur in all 7 positions. Add a third and fourth partial only when the changes are clean.
What are the 7 trumpet valve positions?
Open, 2, 1, 1-2, 2-3, 1-3 and 1-2-3. Each one lowers the whole harmonic series by one more semitone, from C down to F#.