The French Horn

The French horn is a brass instrument that looks like a big golden circle. Its tube is wound around and around in loops. The player buzzes their lips into a small cup-shaped mouthpiece. The sound comes out of a wide bell at the end.

How It Looks and Sounds

If you uncoiled a French horn, the tube would be about 12 feet long. The player rests one hand inside the bell to help control the sound. The French horn can play soft and smooth or bright and strong. Its warm tone blends well with other instruments. It is used in orchestras, bands, and movie music.

Playing the Horn

French horn players press three or four valves to change notes. They also change the shape of their lips to make different sounds. The instrument can be tricky because the notes are very close together. Many movie soundtracks use French horns for hero scenes. The horn makes music sound exciting and grand.

Fun Facts

• The French horn was not actually invented in France.
• It grew from horns that hunters used long ago.
• French horn players sometimes call their instrument just a 'horn'.

Did You Know?

The French horn is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as one of the most difficult instruments to play.