How to Play the Trombone: A Beginner's Guide
The trombone is a brass instrument that has a unique feature: a slide that allows the player to change the length of the tubing and thus the pitch of the notes. The trombone can produce a deep and powerful sound that can be heard in many musical genres, from classical to jazz to pop. Learning how to play the trombone can be fun and rewarding, as well as challenging and demanding. In this article, we will give you some basic information and tips on how to play the trombone, as well as some resources where you can download a free book that will help you improve your skills.
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History of the Trombone
The trombone is said to have been created in the middle of the 15th century in Europe. It was derived from an earlier instrument called the sackbut, which was a type of trumpet with a slide. The word "trombone" comes from Italian and means "large trumpet". The trombone was used mainly in religious music and court music until the 18th century, when it became more popular in orchestral music and opera. In the 19th century, the trombone was also adopted by composers of romantic music, who exploited its expressive and dramatic potential. In the 20th century, the trombone became a prominent instrument in jazz music, especially in big bands and swing music. The trombone also found its place in other musical styles, such as funk, rock, pop, reggae, and marching band.
Types of Trombones
There are many types of trombones, but the most common ones are:
Tenor Trombone: This is the standard type of trombone that most beginners start with. It has a cylindrical bore (the shape of the tubing) and a bell (the flared end) that are both about 9 feet long. It is pitched in B-flat, which means that when you play with no slide position (the slide is all the way in), you produce a B-flat note. The tenor trombone has a range of about three octaves, from E2 to B-flat5.
Bass Trombone: This is a larger and lower-pitched type of trombone that is often used in orchestral music and jazz music. It has a wider bore and bell than the tenor trombone, which gives it a deeper and richer sound. It is also pitched in B-flat, but it has an extra attachment called an F-trigger or F-valve that allows it to play lower notes. The bass trombone has a range of about four octaves, from B-flat1 to F5.
Alto Trombone: This is a smaller and higher-pitched type of trombone that is less common than the tenor and bass trombones. It has a narrower bore and bell than the tenor trombone, which gives it a brighter and more agile sound. It is pitched in E-flat or F, which means that when you play with no slide position (the slide is all the way in), you produce an E-flat or F note. The alto trom bone has a range of about three octaves, from A-flat3 to E-flat6.
There are also other types of trombones, such as the soprano trombone, the valve trombone, the contrabass trombone, and the trombone choir, but they are less common and more specialized.
Basics of Playing the Trombone
To play the trombone, you need to learn some basic skills, such as how to assemble, hold, and blow the instrument.
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How to Assemble the Trombone
The trombone consists of three main parts: the mouthpiece, the slide, and the bell. To assemble the trombone, you need to follow these steps:
Insert the mouthpiece into the receiver at the end of the slide. Make sure it is firmly in place and not loose or wobbly.
Attach the bell section to the slide section by aligning the two braces (the metal rings that connect the tubing) and twisting them together. Make sure they are securely locked and not crooked or misaligned.
Adjust the tuning slide (the U-shaped part of the tubing near the mouthpiece) to tune your instrument. You can use a tuner or a piano to check your pitch. The tuning slide should be about halfway out for most trombones.
To disassemble the trombone, you need to reverse these steps and carefully separate the parts. You should also clean and lubricate your trombone regularly to keep it in good condition.
How to Hold the Trombone
To hold the trombone, you need to use both hands: your left hand holds the bell section and your right hand holds the slide. Here are some tips on how to hold the trombone properly:
Your left hand should grip the brace between the bell and the slide with your thumb under the brace and your fingers over it. Your left arm should be slightly bent and relaxed.
Your right hand should grip the slide with your thumb and index finger forming a C-shape around the brace near the end of the slide. Your other fingers should be slightly curled and resting on top of the slide. Your right arm should be straight and relaxed.
Your elbows should be away from your body and not touching your ribs or chest. Your shoulders should be down and relaxed.
Your head should be up and facing forward. Your eyes should be looking at the music or the conductor. Your neck should be straight and relaxed.
How to Blow the Trombone
To blow the trombone, you need to use your lips, tongue, teeth, and breath to create a sound. Here are some steps on how to blow the trombone correctly:
Form an embouchure (the shape of your mouth) by rolling your lower lip slightly inward and placing it over your lower teeth. Your upper lip should be slightly curved and resting on your upper teeth. Your lips should be firm but not tense.
Buzz your lips by blowing air through them while keeping them closed. You should feel a vibration in your lips and hear a buzzing sound. You can practice buzzing without the mouthpiece first, then with the mouthpiece only, then with the mouthpiece attached to the trombone.
Use your tongue to start and stop each note by tapping it against your upper teeth or behind your upper lip. You should say "tah" or "too" for each note. This is called tonguing.
Breathe deeply from your diaphragm (the muscle below your lungs) and use your abdominal muscles to control your air flow. You should breathe through your mouth and not through your nose. You should also breathe in time with the music and not hold your breath or gasp for air. You should also avoid blowing too hard or too soft, as this will affect your tone and pitch.
These are the basic skills you need to play the trombone. However, to play well, you also need to learn how to use the slide to change the pitch of the notes.
Positions of the Trombone
The slide of the trombone is divided into seven positions, each corresponding to a different length of the tubing and a different pitch. The positions are numbered from 1 to 7, with 1 being the shortest and 7 being the longest. The positions are as follows:
PositionLengthPitch
19 feetB-flat
29 feet 3 inchesA
39 feet 6 inchesA-flat or G-sharp
49 feet 9 inchesG
510 feetF-sharp or G-flat
610 feet 3 inchesF
710 feet 6 inchesE or F-flat
To move the slide from one position to another, you need to use your right arm and wrist, while keeping your left hand steady. You should move the slide smoothly and quickly, without jerking or sliding too far or too short. You should also keep your slide parallel to the ground and not tilted up or down. You can use your ears and a tuner to check if you are in tune.
Tone of the Trombone
The tone of the trombone is the quality and character of the sound you produce. To improve your tone, you need to pay attention to several factors, such as your embouchure, your breath, your slide, and your posture. Here are some tips on how to improve your tone on the trombone:
Maintain a consistent and firm embouchure that allows your lips to vibrate freely and evenly. Avoid changing your embouchure too much or too often, as this will affect your tone and intonation.
Breathe deeply and use your diaphragm and abdominal muscles to support your air flow. Avoid using too much or too little air, as this will make your tone either too loud or too soft, or cause unwanted noises such as squeaks or cracks.
Use the correct slide position for each note and adjust your slide slightly if needed. Avoid playing out of tune, as this will make your tone sound unpleasant and discordant.
Keep your posture straight and relaxed. Avoid slouching or tensing up, as this will restrict your breathing and movement. Keep your head up and face forward, and avoid moving your head or jaw while playing.
Listen to other trombonists and try to imitate their tone. You can also record yourself and listen back to evaluate your tone. Try to find a tone that suits your style and personality.
Techniques of the Trombone
Besides playing the right notes with a good tone, you also need to learn some techniques that will help you play more expressively and musically on the trombone. Some of these techniques are:
Tonguing
Tonguing is the technique of using your tongue to start and stop each note by tapping it against your upper teeth or behind your upper lip. There are different types of tonguing, such as:
Single Tonguing: This is the most basic type of tonguing, where you use a single "tah" or "too" syllable for each note. This is suitable for slow or medium tempos.
Double Tonguing: This is a type of tonguing where you use two syllables for each note, such as "tah-kah" or "too-koo". This is suitable for fast tempos where single tonguing is too slow.
Triple Tonguing: This is a type of tonguing where you use three syllables for each note, such as "tah-tah-kah" or "too-too-koo". This is suitable for very fast tempos where double tonguing is too slow.
Slurred Tonguing: This is a type of tonguing where you use a soft "dah" or "doo" syllable for each note, without stopping the air flow. This is suitable for creating a smooth and legato sound.
Staccato Tonguing: This is a type of tonguing where you use a sharp "tut" or "tik" syllable for each note, with a short and detached sound. This is suitable for creating a crisp and articulate sound.
To practice your tonguing, you can use a metronome and practice different patterns and rhythms with different types of tonguing. You can also practice with different articulation marks, such as accents, tenutos, and marcatos.
Slurring
Slurring is the technique of playing two or more notes in one breath without tonguing. To slur, you need to use your slide to change the pitch of the notes, while keeping your embouchure and air flow steady. You also need to use your ears to listen to the intervals between the notes and adjust your slide accordingly. There are different types of slurs, such as:
Natural Slur: This is a type of slur where you play two or more notes that are in the same harmonic series (the series of notes that can be played with the same slide position). For example, you can play B-flat, F, B-flat, D, F, A-flat, B-flat with no slide movement in first position.
Lip Slur: This is a type of slur where you play two or more notes that are not in the same harmonic series, but are close enough that you can change the pitch by adjusting your lip tension. For example, you can play C, D, E-flat, E, F with slight lip adjustments in third position.
Slide Slur: This is a type of slur where you play two or more notes that are not in the same harmonic series and are too far apart to be played with lip adjustments. You need to use your slide to change the pitch of the notes. For example, you can play C, E, G with slide movements from third to second to first position.
To practice your slurring, you can use a tuner and practice different intervals and scales with different types of slurs. You can also practice with different legato marks, such as ties and slurs.
Articulation
Articulation is the technique of playing each note with a clear and distinct sound. To articulate, you need to use your tongue to start and stop each note with the appropriate syllable and force. You also need to use your breath and slide to shape each note with the appropriate length and accent. There are different types of articulation, such as:
Legato: This is a type of articulation where you play each note smoothly and connectedly, without any gaps or breaks. You should use slurred tonguing or slurring to create a legato sound.
Staccato: This is a type of articulation where you play each note short and detached, with a gap or break between each note. You should use staccato tonguing or tonguing to create a staccato sound.
Accent: This is a type of articulation where you play a note louder and stronger than the surrounding notes. You should use an extra burst of air and tongue force to create an accent.
Tenuto: This is a type of articulation where you play a note longer and more sustained than the surrounding notes. You should use a steady air flow and slide movement to create a tenuto.
Marcato: This is a type of articulation where you play a note louder, shorter, and more marked than the surrounding notes. You should use a combination of accent and staccato to create a marcato.
To practice your articulation, you can use a metronome and practice different patterns and rhythms with different types of articulation. You can also practice with different articulation marks, such as dots, dashes, wedges, and lines.
Dynamics
Dynamics are the technique of playing with different levels of loudness and softness. To play with dynamics, you need to use your breath and embouchure to control the volume and intensity of your sound. You also need to use your ears and eyes to listen to the music and follow the dynamic markings. There are different levels of dynamics, such as:
Piano (p): This means soft or quiet. You should use less air and lip pressure to create a piano sound.
Forte (f): This means loud or strong. You should use more air and lip pressure to create a forte sound.
Moderato (mf): This means moderately loud or soft. You should use a balanced amount of air and lip pressure to create a moderato sound.
Pianissimo (pp): This means very soft or quiet. You should use very little air and lip pressure to create a pianissimo sound.
Fortissimo (ff): This means very loud or strong. You should use a lot of air and lip pressure to create a fortissimo sound.
There are also other dynamic markings, such as crescendo (gradually getting louder), decrescendo (gradually getting softer), sforzando (suddenly getting louder), and subito (suddenly changing dynamics).
To practice your dynamics, you can use a tuner or a decibel meter to measure your volume and adjust your air and lip pressure accordingly. You can also practice with different dynamic markings, such as p, f, mf, pp, ff, , sfz, and sub.
Styles of the Trombone
The trombone is a versatile instrument that can play in many musical genres and styles. Some of the most common styles that feature the trombone are:
Classical
This is the style of music that is composed by classical composers, such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and others. Classical music is usually played by orchestras, chamber groups, or soloists. The trombone is often used in classical music to create a majestic and powerful sound, especially in symphonies and concertos. Some examples of classical pieces that feature the trombone are:
Trombone Concerto by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov: This is a concerto for trombone and orchestra that was composed in 1877. It has three movements: Allegro vivace, Andante cantabile, and Allegro-Allegretto.
Symphony No. 3 by Gustav Mahler: This is a symphony for orchestra and vocal soloists that was composed in 1896. It has six movements: Kräftig. Entschieden, Tempo di Menuetto. Sehr mäßig, Comodo. Scherzando. Ohne Hast, Sehr langsam. Misterioso, Lustig im Tempo und keck im Ausdruck, and Langsam. Ruhevoll. Empfunden. The trombone plays an important role in the first movement, where it introduces the main theme.
Trombone Sonata by Paul Hindemith: This is a sonata for trombone and piano that was composed in 1941. It has three movements: Allegro moderato maestoso, Allegretto grazioso, and Lied des Raufbolds: Allegro pesante.
Jazz
This is the style of music that is influenced by African-American culture and originated in New Orleans in the early 20th century. Jazz music is usually played by small groups or big bands, and features improvisation and syncopation. The trombone is one of the main instruments in jazz music, as it can create a wide range of sounds and effects, such as glissandos, mutes, growls, and multiphonics. Some examples of jazz pieces that feature the trombone are:
Livery Stable Blues by Original Dixieland Jass Band: This is one of the first recorded jazz pieces that was released in 1917. It features a trombone playing animal sounds with a plunger mute.
Trombone Cholly by Bessie Smith: This is a blues song that was recorded in 1927. It features a trombone solo by Charlie Green that mimics the vocal style of Bessie Smith.
Trombonology by Tommy Dorsey: This is a swing piece that was recorded in 1947. It features a trombone solo by Tommy Dorsey that showcases his virtuosic technique and smooth tone.
Funk
This is the style of music that is influenced by soul, jazz, and rhythm and blues, and originated in the mid-1960s. Funk music is usually fast and energetic music that features strong rhythms, grooves, and syncopation. Funk music is usually played by groups that include electric guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, horns, and vocals. The trombone is often used in funk music to create a funky and soulful sound, especially with the use of mutes, glissandos, and multiphonics. Some examples of funk songs that feature the trombone are:
Chameleon by Herbie Hancock: This is a funk jazz fusion song that was released in 1973. It features a trombone solo by Bennie Maupin that uses a wah-wah mute to create a funky effect.
Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars: This is a pop funk song that was released in 2014. It features a horn section that includes a trombone that plays a catchy and groovy riff.
Walking Trombone by The Essential FUNK Trombone: This is a funk song that was released in 2021. It features a trombone solo by The Essential FUNK Trombone that uses various techniques and effects to create a funky and fun sound.
Pop
This is the style of music that is popular and mainstream, and covers a wide range of genres and styles. Pop music is usually played by singers or bands, and features catchy melodies, hooks, and lyrics. The trombone is sometimes used in pop music to add some flavor and variety to the sound, especially in ballads, rock, or reggae songs. Some examples of pop songs that feature the trombone are:
Hey Jude by The Beatles: This is a pop rock song that was released in 1968. It features a trombone as part of the orchestral arrangement that plays in the final chorus.
I'm Yours by Jason Mraz: This is a pop reggae song that was released in 2008. It features a trombone as part of the horn section that plays in the bridge and the outro.
Thriller by Michael Jackson: This is a pop disco song that was released in 1982. It features a trombone as part of the brass quintet that plays in the intro and the interlude.
Tips for Playing the Trombone
To play the trombone well, you need to practice regularly and diligently, as well as follow some tips and tricks that will help you improve your skills and performance. Here are some tips for playing the trombone:
Warm up before playing: You should always warm up your lips, tongue, teeth, breath, and slide before playing the trombone. You can do some lip buzzing, mouthpiece buzzing, long tones, scales, arpeggios, and slide exercises to prepare your body and mind for playing.
Practice with a metronome and a tuner: You should always practice with a metronome and a tuner to improve your rhythm and intonation. You can also use other tools such as recordings, play-alongs, backing tracks, or apps to help you practice.
Practice with a variety of materials: You should practice with a variety of materials to develop your technique, musicality, style, and repertoire. You can use books, videos, websites, teachers, or other sources to find exercises, etudes, solos, duets, or ensemble pieces to practice.
Practice with a goal and a plan: You should always practice with a goal and a plan to make your practice more effective and efficient. You can set short-term and long-term goals for yourself, such as learning a new piece, mastering a technique, or performing in an event. You can also make a plan for each practice session, such as what to practice, how long to practice, how to practice, and how to evaluate your progress.
Have fun while playing: You should always have fun while playing the trombone, as this will make your playing more enjoyable and expressive. You can play music that you like, play with other musicians or friends, play in different settings or occasions, or experiment with different sounds and effects. You can also challenge yourself to learn new things, play harder pieces, or play in front of an audience. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the music.
Resources for Playing the Trombone
If you want to learn more about playing the trombone, you can find many resources online or offline that will provide you with more information and guidance. Some of these resources are:
Books
There are many books that can help you learn how to play the trombone, such as:
Essential Elements 2000: Trombone Book 1: This is a book that teaches you the basics of playing the trombone, such as how to assemble, hold, blow, and tune the instrument, how to read music notation, how to play simple melodies and rhythms, and how to play in a band. It also comes with a CD that has audio tracks and video lessons that you can follow along. You can download this book for free from this link: [Essential Elements 2000: Trombone Book 1].
The Art of Trombone Playing by Edward Kleinhammer: This is a book that teaches you the advanced techniques of playing the trombone, such as how to improve your tone, intonation, articulation, range, endurance, flexibility, and expression. It also covers topics such as how to practice effectively, how to perform confidently, how to maintain your instrument, and how to prevent injuries. You can buy this book from this link: [The Art of Trombone Playing by Edward Kleinhammer].
Jazz Trombone Improvisation by David Gibson: This is a book that teaches you how to improvise on the trombone in jazz music, such as how to play over chord changes, how to use scales and modes, how to create melodies and motifs, and how to develop your style and vocabulary. It also comes with a CD that has backing tracks and examples that you can listen to and play along. You can buy this book from this link: [Jazz Trombone Improvisation by David Gibson].
Videos
There are many videos that can help you learn how to play the trombone, such as:
Trombone Lessons by Paul The Trombonist: This is a series of videos that covers various topics and tips on playing the trombone, such as how to warm up, how to practice scales and arpeggios, how to play high notes and low notes, how to use mutes and effects, and how to play different styles of music. You can watch these videos from this link: [Trombone Lessons by Paul The Trombonist].
Trombone Masterclass by Christian Lindberg: This is a video that shows a masterclass by Christian Lindberg, one of the most famous and accomplished trombonists in the world. He demonstrates and explains his technique and musicality on the trombone, as well as gives feedback and advice to some students who perform for him. You can watch this video from this link: [Trombone Masterclass by Christian Lindberg].
Trombone Tips by Christopher Bill: This is a video that gives some tips and tricks on playing the trombone better, such as how to improve your slide technique, how to play faster and smoother, how to play louder and softer, and how to play with more expression. You can watch this video from this link: [Trombone Tips by Christopher Bill].
Websites
There are many websites that can help you learn more about playing the trombone, such as:
The Online Trombone Journal: This is a website that has articles, reviews, interviews, forums, and other resources on everything related to the trombone. You can find information on topics such as history, pedagogy, repertoire, technique, equipment, and more. You can visit this website from this link: [The Online Trombone Journal].
Trombone Page of the World: This is a website that has a directory of trombonists, trombone teachers, trombone ensembles, trombone manufacturers, trombone festivals, and trombone links from all over the world. You can find information on topics such as biography, discography, contact, location, and more. You can visit this website from this link: [Trombone Page of the World].
Trombone Excerpts: This is a website that has a collection of orchestral excerpts that are commonly asked in trombone auditions. You can find information on topics such as composer, piece, movement, measure, difficulty, and more. You can also listen to recordings and watch videos of professional trombonists playing the excerpts. You can visit this website from this link: [Trombone Excerpts].
Teachers
One of the best ways to learn how to play the trombone is to find a good teacher who can guide you and give you feedback. A good teacher can help you with topics such as posture, breathing, embouchure, tone, intonation, articulation, technique, style, expression, and more. A good teacher can also help you with topics such as motivation, confidence, practice habits, goal setting, performance preparation, and more. To find a good teacher, you can ask for recommendations from other trombonists, music stores, schools, or online platforms. You can also look for teachers who have credentials, experience, reputation, and compatibility with your needs and goals.
Conclusion
The trombone is a wonderful instrument that can produce a wide range of sounds and styles. Learning how to play the trombone can be fun and rewarding, as well as challenging and demanding. In this article, we have provided you with some basic information and tips on how to play the trombone, as well as some resources where you can download a free book that will help you improve your skills. We hope that this article has inspired you to start or continue your trombone journey. Remember to practice regularly and diligently, have fun while playing, and enjoy the music.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the trombone:
Q: How do I choose a trombone?
A: There are many factors to consider when choosing a trombone, such as your level of skill, your budget, your preference of sound and style, and your physical comfort. You should also try different types and brands of trombones before buying one. You can ask for advice from other trombonists, teachers, music stores, or online reviews to help you choose a trombone.
Q: How do I clean and maintain my trombone?
A: You should clean and maintain your trombone regularly to keep it in good condition and prevent damage or corrosion. You should also follow these steps:
Wipe your trombone with a soft cloth after each use to remove any moisture, dirt, or fingerprints.
Wash your mouthpiece with warm water and mild soap once a week to remove any saliva, bacteria, or debris.
Clean your slide with a slide cleaning rod and a cloth once a month to remove any grease, dust, or rust. You should also lubricate your slide with slide oil or cream before each use to make it move smoothly and prevent friction.
Clean your bell section with a snake brush and warm water once every few months to remove any buildup or deposits inside the tubing. You should also rinse your bell section with cold water after each use to prevent corrosion.
Take your trombone to a professional repair shop once a year for a checkup and adjustment. They can fix any problems or issues that you may not notice or be able to fix yourself.
Q: How do I play higher or lower notes on the trombone?
A: To play higher or lower notes on the trombone, you need to use a combination of slide, lip, and breath control. Here are some tips on how to play higher or lower notes on the trombone:
To play higher notes, you need to move your slide in (towards you) to shorten the length of the tubing and raise the pitch of the notes. You also need to tighten your lips and blow faster air to create a higher vibration and sound.
To play lower notes, you need to move your slide out (away from you) to lengthen the length of the tubing and lower the pitch of the notes. You also need to loosen your lips and blow slower air to create a lower vibration and sound.
To play notes that are beyond the range of the slide positions, you need to use lip slurs or lip adjustments to change the pitch by altering your lip tension. You can also use an F-trigger or F-valve if you have a bass trombone to play lower notes.
Q: How do I read music notation for the trombone?
A: To read music notation for the trombone, you need to learn how to read the treble clef and the bass clef, as well as the key signatures, time signatures, note values, rests, accidentals, and other symbols. You also need to learn how to transpose music for the trombone, as some music is written in different keys than what you play on the trombone. For example, if you play a B-flat tenor trombone, you need to transpose music that is written in C up a whole step (two semitones) to match your instrument's pitch. You can use books, videos, websites, teachers, or other sources to help you learn how to read music notation for the trombone.
Q: How do I improve my musicality and expression on the trombone?
A: To improve your musicality and expression on the trombone, you need to listen to other trombonists and musicians, as well as yourself. You also need to practice with different techniques and tools that will help you play more expressively and musically on the trombone. Here are some ways to improve your musicality and expression on the trombone:
Listen to other trombonists and musicians who play in different genres and styles of music. Try to imitate their tone, phrasing, articulation, dynamics, and emotion. You can also learn from their mistakes and successes.
Listen to yourself by recording yourself and listening back to evaluate your playing. Try to identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as areas that need improvement. You can also ask for feedback from other trombonists, teachers, friends, or family to help you improve your playing.
Practice with different techniques and tools that will help you play more expressively and musically on the trombone. For example, you can practice with a metronome and a tuner to improve your rhythm and intonation, practice with different articulation and dynamic markings to improve your clarity and contrast, practice with different mutes and effects to create different sounds and colors, and practice with different musical genres and styles to expand your repertoire and vocabulary.
Play with emotion and expression by conveying the mood and meaning of the music. You can use your breath, embouchure, tongue, slide, and posture to create different expressions, such as happy, sad, angry, calm, etc. You can also use your eyes, face, and body language to communicate with the audience and the other musicians.
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