G♭1 on the BB♭ Tuba
To play Low G♭ (G♭1) on tuba, press valves 2 + 3.
What’s a partial?
With the same valves down your lips can buzz several notes. Each one is a partial, counted from the lowest. Low G♭ is the 2nd.
Play along: hear the note for 2 beats, then you play it for 2.
Second partial with 2-3, the best-tuned of the very low notes. Written G♭ or F♯ depending on the key of the piece; the fingering is the same.
Second partial with 2-3, the best-tuned of the very low notes. Written G♭ or F♯ depending on the key of the piece; the fingering is the same.
Sound and display
Next moves
Teaching a class? Class mode keeps Stand mode and Test me on the notes your class is learning.
Same fingering, different note
Your lips choose between these notes: the fingering stays the same.
More for advanced players
Written and sounding pitch, and how the note works
About this note
Low G♭ sounds G♭1 (the tuba reads at concert pitch). It is on the 2nd partial.
Second partial with 2-3, the best-tuned of the very low notes. Written G♭ or F♯ depending on the key of the piece; the fingering is the same.
- Primary fingering: Valves 2 + 3
- Written pitch: G♭1
- Sounding frequency: 46.25 Hz
- Harmonic partial: 2: the valves set the tube length, but your air and embouchure (the shape of your lips) select the partial.
Questions
How do you play Low G♭ on tuba?
To play Low G♭ (G♭1) on tuba, press valves 2 + 3. Low G♭ sounds G♭1 (the tuba reads at concert pitch). It is on the 2nd partial.
Is Low G♭ written or concert pitch?
The name on this page is the written note you read. It sounds G♭1.
BB♭ Tuba fingering data last updated . Every diagram here, in the printable PDF and in the chart image comes from one dataset, so the paper and the screen cannot disagree.