French Horn Chromatic Scale Finger Chart

On the left-hand side is the French horn finger chart. This shows you in detail which valves to press when playing each note. Explore the instrument using your keyboard or by clicking the note buttons with your mouse. The chart includes the usual range of the horn from F3 up to G5. It demonstrates how the pitches functions on either side of a double horn. This will help link what you read to the physical action needed to perform each note.

Each of these notes are represented by a button in the main grid. These buttons display the note name and three little dots for the valves. If a dot is filled-in, then you should activates this valve when playing the chosen note. Additionally, the buttons indicates which combination of valves is active depending on what side of the horn you’ve selected. To select a note, simply click the button which will highlight it in the grid, it will update the diagram on the right too. You can tab from note-to-note with the Tab key too, and space bar/Enter plays the note. This allows you to work your way up the scale without using your mouse.

How to Use the French Horn Chart

Your main screen is the big panel to the right. Here you see the note in large, clear letters and just below that, the concert pitch. That’s because the French horn is a transposing instrument. What you write down isn’t necessarily the sound that come from the horn. You’ll also notice there are three big circles below these representing valves you operate with your left-hand. These will illuminate whenever a valve need to be pressed for the chosen note. This provides an obvious visual clue for where your fingers should of go.

At the top there are toggle buttons that allows you to choose between the Bb side or the F side. Generally speaking, the F side is the one used for the lower register and is warmest. The Bb side has better fingering for higher notes. When you choose which side to play, the main display and the grid of valve combinations alters accordingly. In this way, you can see how the same note can be created on both the F and the Bb side of the double horn. It is a helpful aid for understanding what happens to fingerings when moving up through the staff.

You can also click the Play Note button to play sound of whatever note you have selected. This gives you aural feedback on the tone and intonation of the chosen note. The Play All button plays all notes in the chromatic scale from lowest to highest pitch. It stops for a second at every note allowing you to keep up with the scale, clicking the button again will stop the sequence wherever you are in the scale. With these controls, you can learn at your own speed, turning down the volume if necessary to avoid annoying anyone.

Here are a few pointers that will give you more from this tool. Listen for when a high note changes to the Bb side of the horn using the toggle. You’ll notice there is none on the F side, as they’re already open notes (C & G). Also, listen to where the concert pitch falls beneath the written note. That reinforces the idea of transposition in your mind. Play around with the next two notes going forward and back. You’ll hear the valve combinations changes. This aids your muscle memory for rapid response.

First choose a basic tune that you are familiar with. Identify which notes is present in the grid. Match the valve pattern. Listen out for the correct note sounding. For those who wish to have a larger view of the charts, there is the full screen option. It is perfect for viewing the finer details when using smaller screens.

Your aim should be to develop a sound image of how your fingerings work on the horn. Rehearse regularaly until the chart becomes second nature and part of your practice routine. It will give you plenty to explore as you listen to the sounds of the French Horn from home.