How the 3 Piston Valves Work
Hold the weight of the trumpet with your left hand (ring finger inside the 3rd-slide ring, thumb in the 1st valve saddle). Rest your right fingertips lightly in a natural C-curve on top of the three pearl valve caps:
- Valve 1 (Index Finger): Closest to the mouthpiece; lowers pitch 1 whole step.
- Valve 2 (Middle Finger): Center piston; lowers pitch 1 half step.
- Valve 3 (Ring Finger): Closest to the bell; lowers pitch 1.5 steps.