Brass Family Instruments: The Differences in Sound and Playing Style

If you are new to the world of music, then you are likely just learning about the different types of musical instruments available. There are a few different musical families, including the strings, the woodwinds, the percussion, and the brass. Perhaps some of the loudest and most recognizable instruments fall into the latter category – the brass family instruments.

During the first week or two of band class, students learn about the different instruments before they must decide which one they would like to try. Learning about all the instruments and discovering which one you connect with is how you will find your instrument. Your band director and music teacher can help you with this process. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the brass family of instruments and uncover the differences in their sound and playing style. After all, just because they are brass, doesn’t mean they play or sound the same.

The History of the Brass Family Instruments

As we said, the brass family doesn’t hold back on their sound. They are usually the loudest instruments heard in a band or orchestra. And even if the exact instrument can’t be picked out, it is easy to tell when you are hearing the brass.

Before they became known as brass instruments, they were actually made of things like animal horns or tusks, shells, and even wood. Today, though, brass instruments are made purely of brass. Each one is shaped slightly differently than the next. Some are small, others are large, but they all have one characteristic in common when it comes to their shape — pipes that have been twisted in all sorts of shapes that end with what looks like a bell.

Unlike many woodwinds that use reeds or strings that use bows, brass instruments use metal mouthpieces that you blow into while making a buzzing sound with your lips. With only a couple of keys, hardening or softening the lips plays a vital role in hitting different pitches.

The Trumpet

The trumpet sections pride themselves on being in the front row of the brass instruments. Their tone is often bright and clear — and can be very fast when it needs to be. If you had to pick a soloist in the brass family, it would most commonly be the trumpet.

These brass instruments are some of the loudest and most dominant. They are found in all types of bands – and are especially important in jazz bands.

The Cornet

The cornet is incredibly similar to the trumpet but is smaller. In fact, it is the smallest brass instrument. It is well-known, commonly played, and can harmonize greatly in any type of band. It, too, can be very lyrical, often playing clear-sounding solos high and above other members of the band.

There are two types – the Bb corny and the even smaller Eb cornet.

The Flugelhorn

Still similar to the cornet and the trumpet is the Flugelhorn. They do appear similar but it is a bit smaller and wider. And their sounds are quite the same  – with the flugelhorn offering a bright, pleasant, and clear tone. Unless you have a good ear to tell the difference, it is hard for most people to differentiate between the trumpet, the cornet, and the flugelhorn.

Special note – this horn requires more air than the cornet or trumpet.

The French Horn

The French horn has a long history – even in French hunting. But that is a story for another time. The French horn comes with a very versatile sound. It can be beautiful and mellow and carry you away. But it can also be loud and brash.

French horns are known for playing both harmony and melody – and occasionally rhythm.

Here’s a fun French horn fact for you — when this brass instrument is not all twisted into its usual shape, it can reach up to 18 feet in length!

The Euphonium

The euphonium isn’t the lowest tone in the brass family, but it is one octave lower than the trumpet – and one octave higher than the tuba. There are different variations of this instrument – some having 4 valves, others only having 3.

The euphonium isn’t the most popular instrument in the band, but it is always a welcome addition.

The Trombone

Trombones are a little different than other brass instruments. They are long and don’t have valves or keys, but rather use a slide to hit different pitches. Often referred to as the easiest of the brass instruments, this long instrument requires great breath control.

Another thing to consider about the trombone is the need for being able to hear pitches. When you don’t have valves and you are relying on having a slide in just the right position, you have to have an ear for the pitch so you know you have the right note!

The trombone has a deeper tone than others, such as the trumpet. And it usually finds itself playing more harmony or rhythm rather than melody in a band setting.

The Tuba

If you are looking for the deepest of the deep when it comes to bellowing brass instruments, look no further than the tuba. The largest of the brass instruments, the tuba is also the lowest tone. It is deep, dark, and often sounds like the thunder in a thunderstorm. And, as you probably guessed, the tuba plays more harmony and rhythm than melody.

While they are all large, there are different designs of tubas. For those who are in a marching band, the tuba is known as a sousaphone and is shaped a bit differently, making it more suitable for carrying. For concert settings, the contrabass tuba is what you will find. It usually rests on the chair when being played due to its size.

Conclusion

Choosing a musical instrument is like finding a best friend. Together, you will be able to make beautiful music to impact the world around you. If any of the brass family instruments interest you, then go for it!

Stand out. Be bold. Go brass.