On a Bb trumpet, which tuning slide should I use and what notes should I use it

Question:

On a Bb trumpet, which tuning slide should I use and what notes should I use it for?

I recently started playing a Bach Strad 180-37. My old trumpet did not have a thumb throw and the 3rd slide was impossible to move so I never bothered with using it. Which slide should I use and what notes should I use it on?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Sit in front of a tuner for ages on end, and you will have your answer.

A quicker way is to know that generally, the 3rd valve slide is used on low D and C#, especially on sustained notes. If you try to do this in a fast etude, you'll trip all over yourself.

The first valve slide is used for the upper register when you tend to go sharp. Again, it is not very practical to use the slide because it messes with your embouchure when you move your thumb around. If you have a good ear, you really don't need slides- you can lip the notes down.

You can get both of them to move by getting some very fine steel wool and gently rubbing it around the valve. after that, get some slide grease and you should be good to go with two more tuning tricks in your bag.

good Luck and have fun playing!