| Left hand in very light "Vulcan" grip; two fingers below the 3rd slide, middle finger in the ring, first finger on 3rd casing. Sometimes I'll put my little finger "under" the 3rd bottom cap (more often on the Eclipse which is heavier than the Schilke).
Right hand pinky finger either resting lightly "on" or "waving about" (usually the latter!) the top of the hook. Right thumb up under the leadpipe and resting lightly on the "back-outside quadrant" of the 1st casing. I have fairly large hands and can't get the thumb comfortably "between" the 1 - 2 casings or even "against" the 1st casing.
Both of my trumpets are very well balanced "fore-and-aft" around the valves so the grip is very "light" with both hands. I do tighten up the left hand noticeably with a bubble mute (even aluminum) in place.
Vibrato comes from the right hand only. |