Brass is an essential element of popular music that can be traced back from orchestras and marching bands to modern rock and electronica.
While some of the earliest brass instruments were simple horns used to alert and notify, the brass instruments available today are amongst the most expressive and diverse of all the musical instruments.
If you’re looking to play in a band or brass section or you just want to learn an instrument for fun, check out our recommendations of the easiest instruments to play from the brass family:
Cornet / Trumpet
While trumpets have been around for at least 1500 years, (early trumpets were discovered in Ancient Egyptian excavation sites), the modern Bb trumpet was first invented in the 1900s when valves were introduced to change pitch.
The trumpet is the most popular instrument in the brass family, being relatively easy to play for novices and beginners – the main factors to consider as a newbie are breath control and hand positioning. Remember to stand up straight when playing the trumpet, as good posture will improve the flow of air from your diaphragm. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, consider learning the cornet, a similar (yet slightly more difficult) brass wind treble horn that first emerged in 1800s France.
Tenor Horn / French Horn
Valved tenor horns and French horns were first popularised in the 1840s, but both remain popular with novice players. Tenor horns are usually pitched in Eb and used by British brass bands and Mexican ‘bandas’, whereas modern French horns usually feature two separate tubes pitched to F and Bb respectively – French horns produce a more ‘classical’ sound typically favoured by concert bands and symphony orchestras.
Both instruments are relatively easy to play, but extra care should be taken when you’re learning to play the tenor horn or French horn – they are notoriously delicate and even changes in temperature can have a negative effect. If your horn goes missing on a flight or is damaged or stolen, you can cover yourself with musical instrument insurance to avoid unnecessary stress and expense.
Trombone
Because it’s the only brass instrument to feature a single slide control rather than multiple valves and buttons to manipulate pitch, the trombone is the classic choice for beginners – in order to make the pitch higher, all you have to do is pull the slide closer to your chest. In order to lower the pitch, simply push the slide in the opposite direction.
Despite the fact that trombones are generally considerably larger and heavier than some other brass starter instruments, there are ten types of trombones available, each varying in size and pitch; if you’re a new player or you’re buying an instrument for a child, go with the smaller model. The main pro point of the trombone is that it’s possible for new learners to achieve instant results.
