Learn and Practice Tuba
New to tuba? Start with a big, relaxed breath and a steady sound on a few low notes. Tuba takes a lot of air, so breathing exercises help as much as learning the fingerings.
Practice in the Brass Trainer
Practice Reading NotesGet faster at recognizing notes on the staff, including ledger lines below the staff. Opens in bass clef.
Charts and sight-reading
Start here
BrassHow to make your first sound on tubaLearn how to make your first sound on tuba.BrassTuba fingering chart: beginner notes and full referenceLearn the fingerings for your first notes.BrassHow to get a better sound on tubaBig breaths and an open throat for a full tone.For developing playersHow to play low notes on tubaPlay clear low notes without forcing.
What should I practice first?
- 01Sit tall with the tuba resting on your lap or a stand, so you don't have to bend down to the mouthpiece.
- 02Make a steady sound on a few easy notes with slow, full breaths. Take a break when your lips get tired.
- 03Learn the fingerings for your first few notes, then practice them in Brass Trainer.
- 04Practice reading bass clef in Note Trainer, including the ledger lines below the staff.
More to explore
BrassThe 4th valve on euphonium and tubaWhat the 4th valve does and when to use it.Reading notesHow to read bass clef ledger linesRead the notes above and below the bass clef staff.BrassBreathing exercises for brass playersBreathing exercises for a fuller sound and longer phrases.BrassThe harmonic series and brass valve combinationsWhy one fingering can play several notes.Band skillsPlaying in tune: hearing "beats" and matching pitchHear and fix notes that are sharp or flat.
All tuba guides
- How to read bass clef ledger linesReading notes
- The harmonic series and brass valve combinationsBrass
- The 4th valve on euphonium and tubaBrass
- How to make your first sound on tubaBrass
- Tuba fingering chart: beginner notes and full referenceBrass
- How to get a better sound on tubaBrass
- How to play low notes on tubaBrass
- Breathing exercises for brass playersBrass
- Playing in tune: hearing "beats" and matching pitchBand skills