We get many e-mails asking what an alpha angle is so here goes.

The alpha angle is basically the first angle (alpha being the first letter of the Greek alphabet) of the mouthpiece wall as it falls into the cup. Some manufacturers call this "relief" or "undercut" but without defining the actual angle, this information is not really helpful.

To describe what an alpha angle is and does, I like to compare it to double doors that swing into a building.

Open both doors the same amount but open them very little. You have to squeeze through to get into the building. This is a high alpha angle.

Swing those doors all the way open and 10 people can run through. This is a low alpha angle. What does this mean to trumpet players?

The correct alpha angle for you can support your chops in your natural playing position. It will assist in holding the chops in a natural equilibrium for you. Attacks will be crisp, sound will be full and fluid, range will not be hindered. This is critical depending upon the amount of lip engagement you have into the cup. Alpha angle is player specific!

If that alpha angle is too high for you, then you may bottom out, blow resistance will be too high as the chops are help too tightly closed, attacks will be hindered, sound will be scratchy. If the alpha angle is too low, the chops will be allowed to protrude too far into the cup in too opened a position. Attacks will be blatty and sluggish, sound will suffer, range and endurance will be hindered.

We have some playing tests to help determine correct alpha angle. E-mail me if you need some assistance in this area.

Every mouthpiece has an alpha angle. GR is just the first to define it in terms of degrees. This will help in finding the correct mouthpiece for you.

Also see the page on Alpha Angle in our Tutorial section.

Thanks! Bri

Brian Scriver