Our top 3 trumpet songs for beginners

Before we dive into the full list, here are our favourite trumpet songs to get you started:

1. “All You Need is Love” by The Beatles
2. “When the Saints Go Marching In”
3. “Penny Lane” by The Beatles

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Easy trumpet songs for beginners 

1. ”All You Need Is Love” By The Beatles 

“All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles features a simple, repetitive melody that stays within a comfortable range, making it easy to play if you’re just starting out. This song has a steady rhythm, making it relatively easy to pick up and maintain a clear tone throughout. 

As you begin to learn this song,  break down the melody into small sections and practise slowly with a metronome. Keep your breathing steady and ensure smooth transitions between notes. More importantly, take your time and have fun learning this Beatles classic!

2. “When The Saints Go Marching In” 

At number two we have “When the Saints Go Marching In”. Its recognisable melody is easy to follow, and it includes simple notes and scales, so it’s a great piece to learn basic techniques with. 

If you’re playing this piece for the first time, we recommend practising keeping each note at a consistent volume. Pay attention to the rhythm, as it has a steady and uplifting feel. Practise slowly, and maybe consider humming the tune beforehand to help you learn the flow. 

3. ”Penny Lane” by The Beatles 

A Beatles’ classic, “Penny Lane” is undeniably catchy – and yet, it’s pretty easy to learn on trumpet! One interesting part of this song is the solo section. It’s relatively short and has a bright, clear tone. 

One tip for learning ‘’Penny Lane’’ is to focus on breath control. By honing your breath control skills, you can sustain the long notes and maintain a consistent tone. 

4. “Greensleeves” 

“Greensleeves” is a piece that spans many instruments and arrangements, and for good reason. It has a classic, recognisable melody, and introduces you to dynamics and control over multiple octaves. 

On trumpet, beginners often play louder during higher pitches due to the embouchure technique. So, if you want to learn how to maintain a consistent volume, “Greensleeves” is a good place to start. In brass bands, dynamic control is often addressed during warm-ups, and learning “Greensleeves” aligns well with these foundational exercises, enhancing both musicality and technique. 

5. “Happy Birthday”  

It’s a classic! Wow your friends with your trumpet rendition of “Happy Birthday” – its melody is simple and stays within a limited range of notes, making the song perfect for absolute beginners. With it, you can master basic finger placement, breath control, timing, and articulation. 

6. “Jurassic Park Theme Song” by John Williams 

The theme from Jurassic Park is a fun song to learn, with a slow tempo and flowing melody that stays within a comfortable range of notes.

Start by practising the long, sustained notes to ensure they sound smooth and full. Use a metronome to maintain consistent timing, and pay close attention to the song’s dynamics. Breaking the melody into smaller sections can make it easier to learn. 

7. “Hot Cross Buns” 

One of the easiest songs on this list, “Hot Cross Buns” is made up of just three notes. It might be too basic for some, but it’s especially great for children as it reinforces simple fingerings and consistent breath control in such a straightforward way. 

8. “Amazing Grace”  

“Amazing Grace” is slow and fairly straightforward in its phrasing. Plus, the melody uses a limited range of notes, making it manageable for new players. Where it gets difficult, however, is its long, smooth phrases – this really teaches you how to sustain your breath control for extended periods. Practise each phrase individually to ensure accuracy before linking them together.

Playing with a metronome can also help maintain a steady tempo.

9. “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven 

If you’re looking for a trumpet song with a slower tempo “Ode to Joy” is a fun piece to learn. Its slow tempo allows you to focus on producing clear, sustained notes and improving your breath control.

10. “Auld Lang Syne” 

“Auld Lang Syne” is another easily recognisable song, and you’ll be the life of the party when you play this on New Year’s Day! We recommend tonguing lightly to practise clear articulation, especially in the opening notes. And like any song, it’s also good to break it up into small sections before tackling the whole piece. 

11. “Für Elise” 

“Für Elise” is moderately paced and has a limited range of notes, making it accessible for any skill level. As it has such a fluid melody, focus on maintaining smooth transitions between notes and keeping an even tone. 

Our tips for learning the trumpet

1. Maintain good posture

When learning the trumpet, building good technique from the start is crucial – and having good posture aids with this. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, your knees slightly bent, and your back and shoulders relaxed. If sitting, position yourself at the edge of the seat with your feet flat and shoulder-width apart.

It’s also important to hold the trumpet correctly and develop steady embouchure. Avoid pressing the mouthpiece too firmly against your lips as this can cause fatigue and limit your range.

2. Warm Up

A proper warm-up prepares your lips and breath control for playing. Begin with simple buzzing exercises on the mouthpiece, followed by low, sustained notes on the trumpet. Gradually work up to higher notes to avoid straining your muscles. Warming up every time you play helps improve tone quality and reduces the risk of injury. 

3. Practising with a metronome

Using a metronome ensures you stay in time and develop a strong sense of rhythm. Start with slower tempos to focus on accuracy, then increase the speed as you improve. A metronome is especially useful when learning new pieces or practising challenging sections, helping you maintain a steady pace.

4. Set realistic goals

Set achievable goals for your practice sessions, such as mastering a particular scale or playing a few bars of a song smoothly. Break larger goals into smaller steps to track your progress. Realistic goals keep you motivated and make learning the trumpet feel rewarding rather than overwhelming. Consistent practice and patience are key to building your skills as a trumpet player. 

5. Practise notes G and low C

Notes G and low C are usually among the first notes a beginner will learn on the trumpet. The most important thing to work on is achieving a smooth, clear tone – try not to blast out the notes at high volumes. Begin with the G and focus on mastering this note. When moving to the low C, maintain a relaxed posture and practise sounding the note without forcing it.

FAQs

What is the easiest song to learn on the trumpet?

The easiest song to learn on the trumpet is “Hot Cross Buns,” as this only has three notes. More recommendations include:

1. “Auld Lang Syne”
2. “When the Saints Go Marching In”
3. “Greensleeves”

What are common trumpet songs?

Common trumpet songs include classics like “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “All You Need Is Love,” and “Penny Lane” by The Beatles. These pieces showcase the trumpet’s range and versatility, making them popular choices for performances, studies, and ensemble practice in various styles. 

What are the easy notes to play on the trumpet?

The easy notes to play on the trumpet include C4 (middle C), G4, C5, E5, C6. These notes are straightforward as they use the same fingering which is 0 valves down, making them perfect for beginners to play. 

Final thoughts  

If you’re looking for a brass instrument to learn, the trumpet is perfect! Hopefully, these easy trumpet songs for beginners have given you some good inspiration for the things you can play when just starting out. Or, if you already have a trumpet at the ready, work your way through this list and you’ll build up some good foundational skills for taking to more complex pieces of music.

For more brass guides, check out the following articles:

Flugel Horn vs. Trumpet – What‘s the Difference? 

Cornet vs. Trumpet – What’s the Difference?

The 9 Types of Trumpets Every Brass Player Should Know