Trumpet: Pedal Tones

   Pedal tones are bass tones not part of the trumpet's conventional register.  The pedal register is not difficult but it is a bit tricky until you develop the feel for producing it.
   I have read some fanciful suggestions for playing pedal tones on a trumpet.  For instance, one trumpet authority insists pedal tones are all but impossible to produce unless you extend the valve slides before attempting to play the super low notes.  While another authority is equally convinced pedal tones are possible only if you use alternate fingering.  But the most interesting account I read belongs to the authority claiming the player comes and goes from being able to play pedal tones.  That is...if they can play them at all.  Seems it has to do with a trumpet's bore size.
   Phooey.
   The bores on my horns range from .468 to .470.  But I have played the pedal register (and did so for years) on a .459 bore.  As to the mouthpiece (another pet peeve of pedal tone critics) I play pedal tones (three octaves) using a Parduba #5.  And prior to the Parduba # 5, I used a Bach 10.5E.  So forget the need for mouthpieces that would look more at home on a trombone.
   The easiest way to start playing pedal tones is by playing first space F.  Then let the entire face relax while holding first space F and drop to pedal F.  Continue practice in this fashion down to pedal C until you develop the feel for producing the notes.  And once you grasp the feel, continue developing the pedal register until you are able to descend (chromatically) to third pedal C.
   Do not extend slides.  And do not use alternate fingering.
   Pedal tones require total relaxation of the various facial muscles.  They also require a broad airstream.  So constantly think "Taw" as you play them.  And do not worry about tongue level.  The "Taw" takes care of it for you.
     Proper pedal pitch might be a problem at first.  But it will improve once you master the register.
   I play the pedal register (three to four times) as my daily warm-up.  And I have done so for years.  Pedal tones help correct the embouchure, add endurance, flexibility and help form the habit of directing the lips towards the mouthpiece.