How to Play Voice Trumpet - For Everyone!
Trumpet and uke sound great together, so give it a go!
Welcome back to Ukuleles Unanimous! What can be more fun than playing your ukulele? How about strumming your uke while playing the melody on a trumpet - using only your voice?!
We’re talking mouth trumpet and artists such as the great Cliff Edwards (Ukulele Ike), Lawrence ‘Lipbone’ Redding, Victoria Vox and Yancarlos Sanchez have all incorporated mouth trumpet into their music.
What is Mouth Trumpet? 🎺
Mouth trumpet is exactly what it sounds like - imitating the sound of a trumpet using nothing but your mouth, lips, and a sprinkle of imagination. This vocal technique is also called ‘voice trumpet’ ‘lip trumpet’ or ‘human trumpet’. It first became popular in the 1920s but has recently made a major comeback.
It really is beatboxing’s jazz-loving cousin, and it’s been sneaking its way into jam sessions, live loops, and TikTok videos across the globe. You can do it too. Yes, even you!
Why Learn to Play Voice Trumpet?
It's fun - Like, embarrass-yourself-in-the-best-way fun.
It adds flair - Your uke cover of ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ just got 100% smoother!
It’s portable - Can’t carry a trumpet in your pocket? Your mouth’s got you.
It’s a party trick - Play a voice trumpet solo from ‘Aint No Sunshine’ at a campfire. People will talk.
Let’s Break It Down
1. Find Your Buzz
This is the foundation of the mouth trumpet.
• Purse your lips like you’re about to give a tiny kiss.
• Hold your teeth slightly apart, close your lips and practise simply blowing air out through a small opening in your mouth.
• Now tighten your lips enough to make them vibrate (Don’t stretch your mouth into a smile – try and keep your lips relaxed).
• You’re aiming for a buzzy, raspberry-ish sound. Think "brrr" but with finesse.
2. Add Pitch With Your Vocal Cords
Now that you’ve got the buzz, it’s time to control the pitch.
• Hum while buzzing. Yes, at the same time. It’s a bit like patting your head and rubbing your belly!
• The tone (sound quality) will change depending on how tightly your lips are closed.
• Experiment to find the right balance of lip tension and air flow.
• Start with basic notes: try going up and down a scale slowly.
🎵 Top Tip
Try familiar tunes like ‘Twinkle Twinkle’ or ‘You Are My Sunshine’ to lock in the pitch.
3. Shape Your Sound Like a Trumpet Player
Use your cheeks, tongue, and throat to modify tone.
• Puff cheeks slightly for a rounder, more trumpet-like timbre.
• Experiment with tonguing (yes, it’s a thing) - use "tuh" or "duh" to articulate notes.
• Cup your hands in front of your mouth and move them like a mute.
Boom💥 instant jazz club vibes!
Human Trumpet + Ukulele = Magic✨
Try strumming a gentle ukulele chord progression and layering a mouth trumpet solo over it.
Good pairings:
• C Am F G with a soulful mouth trumpet solo.
• A reggae-style strum with staccato trumpet bursts.
• A loop pedal to build trumpet layers on your uke tracks.
Congratulations, you’re now a one-person ska band! 🎶
Final Steps to Mouth Trumpet Success
Practice in the shower - The acoustics will make you sound amazing.
Record yourself - You’ll be surprised how much you improve.
Stay hydrated - Dry lips = sad trumpet.
Don’t be afraid to look silly - You’re literally making brass noises with your face, embrace it!
Show Off Your Skills!
Your mouth trumpet will have a unique sound, just like your speaking and singing voice. Find yours and strum along!
Once you’ve mastered the basics, tag us on IG or TikTok with your best mouth trumpet + uke combo. Bonus points for sunglasses and a fedora!
Until next time - keep smiling, buzzing, and being unapologetically weird!
Happy Strumming 😊
