Q&A for How to Play the French Horn

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How do I teach someone else to play French horn?

Community Answer

Generally, you can teach them the way that you learned. Since there are two different base-scales, it would be best to find which one the other person is best at. Get a book. I started with the Standard of Excellence.

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Question

Is there a difference in the fingering chart for key C between the US and England?

Community Answer

There should not be a fingering chart difference for different countries because instruments will function the same way, regardless of where they're being played.

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Question

How can you make fast notes one after another? Is there some tongue technique?

Community Answer

Try double tonguing. Just say "tick," and you'll notice that your tongue touches the roof of your mouth twice. That will be two "tongues" when you're playing. Making the mouth movements for "tick-a tick-a" will make four quick, staccato notes.

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Question

How do I remember the notes?

Community Answer

I suggest playing long notes and scales and exercising your knowledge of the treble clef notes. Doing this consistently will provide you with the knowledge of notes.

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Question

How do I prevent myself from putting too much pressure on the instrument?

Spaghetti Sauce

Community Answer

The instrument can handle the pressure, but remember not to play it as you would another brass instrument. With the smaller mouthpiece, it will require more finesse.

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Question

How do you change the notes you play, just by blowing on the mouthpiece?

Community Answer

Changing notes on the French horn is like changing notes on any brass instrument; it takes not only practice, but a keen ear to the pitches. Depending on how far the notes are apart, you may need to increase or decrease the amount of air pressure you have on the mouthpiece. Typically, notes that are close together need little embouchure and air adjustment. But notes that are many staff lines apart need embouchure adjustment, and that all depends on if you are going high or low. Do not tighten the embouchure to hit the higher notes. Increase the air pressure you have on the mouthpiece to go higher. Also, remember your basic tonguing exercises as well.

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Question

How do I know if I'm playing the right note and in tune, since so much of it depends on changing embouchure?

Community Answer

You can use a tuner, especially if your tuner has a signal-like item that shows you how many "cents" away you are from a perfect note. Once you play for a while you will have an idea of which note is which.

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Question

What do I do when there’s a crackling sound?

Ruby

Top Answerer

The most likely cause of this is water building up from condensation. Let the water out with the water keys. You may need to turn your horn around a few times first to get the water in the right place to be let out.

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