The trumpet is a brass instrument with a distinct, powerful sound. Used across many genres, it plays a key role in jazz, classical music, marching bands, and mariachi ensembles. Whether you are learning how to play a trumpet or exploring its different types, this guide provides a complete overview.
Though the cornet started in the late 1920s, the trumpet in the mariachi ensemble eventually replaced the cornet in the 1930s. The history of this brass instrument spans many centuries. Did you know that in Egypt, a silver and bronze trumpet type was found in King Tutankhamen’s (Tut’s ) tomb? It is interesting to know that people from around the world have been using some kind of wind instrument or object to produce a sound for many, many years. The early civilizations in Mexico, Central, and South America would use conch shells, large snail shells, or make a clay-type flute or animal-effigy (sculpture) ocarina for military or religious exercises. Some of these early objects were made with only a 1-note pitch and others with up to 5 notes. In early mariachi recordings, as well as other early genre musical recordings, the instrumentation of violins, guitars, and harps did not record very well because of the not-yet refined recording practices. The trumpet was introduced to the mariachi in the 1930s because of its recording sound capabilities. The sound was focused and loud. “Miguel Martinez is considered the creator of the mariachi-style trumpet performer and teacher”.
The modern trumpet is constructed of brass tubing. A trumpet produces sound by blowing air through closed lips into a mouthpiece creating a “buzz”. The Trumpet has piston valves to lengthen and shorten the length of the tubing to lower or raise the pitch. The embouchure (the lip opening and tension on the mouthpiece) also aids in pitch selection and execution. Single, double, and triple tonguing is an important technique for the mariachi trumpet player. Trumpet parts include the mouthpiece, leadpipe, tuning slide, piston valves, and bell, each contributing to its tone and playability.
While the B♭ trumpet is the most common, other types of trumpets include the piccolo trumpet (for baroque music), the C trumpet (common in orchestras), and the flugelhorn (used in jazz for a mellow sound). Below is a quick comparison:
| Trumpet Type | Sound Characteristic | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| B♭ Trumpet | Pitched in B♭ | Bands, jazz, orchestras |
| C Trumpet | Pitched in C | Classical, orchestras |
| Piccolo Trumpet | Pitched in B♭, one octave higher than standard B♭ trumpet | Baroque, solo performances |
| Flugelhorn | Pitched in C or B♭. Warmer, mellower tone than trumpet | Jazz, brass ensembles |
The role of the trumpet in the mariachi ensemble is to provide melodic lines. Extensive training in breathing and playing techniques is crucial in the stylization of this genre of music. Most mariachi ensembles will have at least one trumpet player while large show groups may have up to three trumpet players. The trumpet section usually plays the lead, in harmony, and at times, counter melodies to the violin section. Since it is a loud instrument, many people associate the trumpet with the mariachi as a required instrument and also an instrument that characterizes the mariachi. But we all know that the trumpet was introduced to the mariachi ensemble in the 1930s. The instrumentation roots of the modern-day mariachi ensemble started with the Harp, Guitarra de Golpe, Vihuela Mexicana, and Violin.
Learning how to play a trumpet starts with forming the correct embouchure, using controlled breathing, and mastering trumpet notes. Beginners start with basic trumpet notes (C, G, D) before advancing to complex melodies.
