beginning player


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Posted by Bill Johnson on April 12, 2003 at 14:12:47:

I played trombone in high school and I have dabbled with other instruments: trumpet, guitar, etc. Recently, I got a sousaphone at a garage sale. It seems to be in pretty good shape. I have downloaded a fingering chart from the internet and have been trying to learn how to play it. I have a few questions:

1. I found several fingering charts for different types of tubas, Eb, CC, BBb, etc. I gathered that the sousaphone is always BBb. Is that correct?

2. Although I played trombone and a little trumpet, I have a hard time getting the scale to sound right. I am not sure if it is me, the fingering chart or that the individual valves need tuning. I never have tuned the individal valves on my trumpet. Does the tuba need individual tuning?

3. What does BBb, CC signify? Why are there two letters?

4. Is it harder to blow the low notes than the higher notes? I can play the trumpet and get the right pitches. I just can't play it long. But I have a hard time getting right pitches with the sousaphone. I thought it would be easier.

Thanks for any help.

Bill Johnson


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