The finite element transfer matrix method was applied to analyze the natural vibration characteristics of some slender rocket/projectile,which was validated by experimental data.The finite element transfer matrix method has not only the merits of finite element method, such as flexible model and wide application, but also the advantages of low matrix order and fast computation of transfer matrix method. So it can be used to easily analyze the vibration characteristics of rocket/projectile with complex variant sections. Stiffness matrices and mass matrices that are essential to simulate can be obtained directly by commercial finite element software.