Learn and Practice French Horn
New to French horn? Start with a steady buzz and a few easy notes. The notes on horn sit close together, so learning to hear each pitch before you play it matters as much as learning the fingerings.
Practice in the Brass Trainer
Practice Reading NotesGet faster at recognizing notes on the staff. Opens in treble clef.
Charts and sight-reading
Start here
BrassHow to make your first sound on French hornLearn how to make your first sound on French horn.BrassFrench horn fingering chart: single F and double hornLearn the fingerings for single F and double horn.BrassFrench horn fingerings: when to use the thumb trigger (F vs. B♭ side)When to use the thumb trigger on a double horn.BrassHow to get a better sound on French hornYour right hand, steady air, and long tones for a warm tone.
What should I practice first?
- 01Buzz on the mouthpiece alone, then play a few easy notes with your right hand cupped inside the bell.
- 02Sing or hum each note before you play it. Hearing the pitch first helps you land on it.
- 03Learn the fingerings for your first few notes, then practice them in Brass Trainer.
- 04Check your notes with the tuner or drone. If you play a double horn, learn when to use the thumb trigger.
More to explore
BrassWhy notes crack on French horn (and how to hit them)Hear each note first so you land on it.BrassThe harmonic series and brass valve combinationsWhy one fingering can play several notes.Band skillsConcert pitch and transposing instruments, explainedWhy your C sounds like a different note on piano.Band skillsPlaying in tune: hearing "beats" and matching pitchHear and fix notes that are sharp or flat.BrassBreathing exercises for brass playersBreathing exercises for a fuller sound and longer phrases.
All French horn guides
- The harmonic series and brass valve combinationsBrass
- French horn fingerings: when to use the thumb trigger (F vs. B♭ side)Brass
- How to make your first sound on French hornBrass
- French horn fingering chart: single F and double hornBrass
- How to get a better sound on French hornBrass
- Why notes crack on French horn (and how to hit them)Brass
- Breathing exercises for brass playersBrass
- Concert pitch and transposing instruments, explainedBand skills
- Playing in tune: hearing "beats" and matching pitchBand skills