27 Instruments, 700+ Fingerings

Each instrument has unique pitch tendencies. Virtuosic knows them all and guides you in real-time.

Brass

Trumpet

Range: F♯3 to C6

The Bb trumpet has predictable tendencies based on valve combinations and the overtone series.

Open the Trumpet guide →

Flugelhorn

Range: F♯3 to C6 (written)

The flugelhorn uses trumpet fingerings and the same written range, but its wide conical bore gives it a completely different intonation character: slots are loose, the upper register drifts flat…

Open the Flugelhorn guide →

French Horn

Range: F♯2 to C6

The French horn has the most complex intonation challenges of any brass instrument due to its long tubing and tight partials.

Open the French Horn guide →

Trombone

Range: E2 to B♭4+

The trombone offers unique pitch flexibility through its slide, but this means positions are approximations that must be adjusted by ear.

Open the Trombone guide →

Bass Trombone

Range: B♭1 to B♭4

The bass trombone is a large-bore Bb trombone with one or two valves that carry the range below the straight horn's E2.

Open the Bass Trombone guide →

Euphonium

Range: B♭1 to B♭4+

The euphonium shares many characteristics with the trombone but uses valves. Compensating systems help correct valve combination issues, but tendencies remain.

Open the Euphonium guide →

Tuba

Range: E1 to F4

Tuba intonation varies significantly between BBb and CC instruments, and between 3, 4, 5, and 6 valve configurations.

Open the Tuba guide →

Woodwinds

Flute

Range: C4 to C7

Flute pitch is controlled primarily by air direction and embouchure. The low register tends flat while the high register tends sharp.

Open the Flute guide →

Piccolo

Range: D5 to C8

The piccolo is extremely sensitive to embouchure and air direction. Playing in tune requires exceptional control.

Open the Piccolo guide →

Clarinet

Range: E3 to G6+

The clarinet has significant intonation challenges in the throat tone region (G4-Bb4) and across the break.

Open the Clarinet guide →

Bass Clarinet

Range: E♭3 to C6 (written)

The bass clarinet reads treble clef like the soprano Bb clarinet but sounds a major 9th lower.

Open the Bass Clarinet guide →

Oboe

Range: B♭3 to A6

The oboe is the tuning reference for orchestras but has its own intonation challenges.

Open the Oboe guide →

English Horn

Range: B3 to C6 (written)

The English horn (cor anglais) reads like an oboe but sounds a perfect 5th lower.

Open the English Horn guide →

Bassoon

Range: B♭1 to E5

The bassoon has complex fingerings with many options for the same note. Reed and bocal selection significantly affect intonation.

Open the Bassoon guide →

Alto Saxophone

Range: B♭3 to F6 (written)

The alto saxophone has predictable tendencies related to palm keys and low register.

Open the Alto Saxophone guide →

Tenor Saxophone

Range: B♭2 to F5 (written)

The tenor saxophone shares tendencies with alto but in a lower register. Palm keys and low notes present the biggest challenges.

Open the Tenor Saxophone guide →

Baritone Saxophone

Range: A3 to E♭5 (concert)

The baritone saxophone has significant intonation challenges due to its size. Low A extension and palm keys require careful attention.

Open the Baritone Saxophone guide →

Soprano Saxophone

Range: B♭3 to F6 (written)

The soprano saxophone is notoriously difficult to play in tune due to its small size and sensitivity.

Open the Soprano Saxophone guide →

Strings

Violin

Range: G3 to E7+

Violin pitch is entirely controlled by finger placement and ear. Unlike fretted instruments, every note requires precise placement that varies with position, string, and musical context.

Open the Violin guide →

Viola

Range: C3 to E6+

The viola shares technique with violin but requires larger stretches. C string intonation is particularly challenging.

Open the Viola guide →

Cello

Range: C2 to A5+

The cello requires different technique from violin family due to size and playing position.

Open the Cello guide →

Double Bass

Range: E1 to G4+

The double bass uses different position system than cello. Large size makes intonation challenging, especially in higher positions.

Open the Double Bass guide →

Guitar

Range: E2 to E6+

The guitar uses frets for pitch placement, but intonation still varies with technique, string age, setup, and playing position.

Open the Guitar guide →

Bass Guitar

Range: B0 to G4+

The bass guitar provides the harmonic foundation. Low frequencies make pitch perception harder, and slight intonation errors become very audible in a mix.

Open the Bass Guitar guide →

Ukulele

Range: C4 to A5+

The ukulele's short scale length and nylon strings create unique intonation challenges.

Open the Ukulele guide →

Keyboard

Piano

Range: A0 to C8

The piano is a fixed-pitch, equal-tempered instrument: the player cannot bend or adjust pitch in real time.

Open the Piano guide →

Voice

Range: Varies by voice type

The singing voice has no mechanical pitch reference - all pitch control comes from the ear, vocal tract, and breath support.

Open the Voice guide →

Your Instrument Has Tendencies. Learn Them.

Know exactly which notes run sharp or flat on your instrument — and how to fix them — while you play

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