Trombone slide positions and alternate positions

The trombone is the only band instrument that uses a slide instead of valves or keys. That makes it flexible and expressive, but it also means there are no buttons to show you where a note is: you have to learn each position by feel and by ear. This guide covers the seven positions, the most useful alternate positions, and how to practice slide technique.

The seven positions

Each position lowers the pitch by a half step from the one before. 1st position is the slide all the way in, and 7th is nearly all the way out. Each position has its own set of partials (see The harmonic series and brass valve combinations), so each one plays several notes depending on your embouchure and air.

The distance between positions gets a little bigger as the slide goes out. That's because each half step needs a bit more tubing than the one before. The exact spots also vary slightly between trombones and between players. If you're still learning to read the notes themselves, see Reading bass clef ledger lines.

Finding positions by ear

Because there are no markings on the slide, the most important tool you have is your ear. Positions are really ranges, not exact spots, and you adjust them constantly.

• Play a note, then listen. If it sounds sharp, move the slide out a little. If it sounds flat, move it in.
• Use a tuner while you practice to learn what "in tune" feels like for each position, then check your ear without looking.
• Sing or buzz the note before you play it. If you can hear it in your head first, your slide will find it faster.
• Practice slow scales, holding each note and adjusting until it rings.

Some partials naturally sit a little out of tune. Notes on the 5th partial, such as the D in 1st position, the C♯ in 2nd, and the C in 3rd, tend to be a bit flat, so you bring the slide in slightly. Notes on the 7th partial are quite flat. You'll need to play those higher than their normal position.

Common alternate positions

Many notes can be played in more than one position, because different partials overlap. These are the alternates you'll use most:

Brass Trainer accepts common alternate positions, so you won't be marked wrong for using one. Try answering with the alternate on purpose to make sure you know both.

When to use alternates

Alternate positions exist to make passages smoother and easier to play in tune. Use them when:

• The slide would have to jump a long way. A passage going from F (4th line) to C (2nd space) and back is easier with F in 6th, the same position as C, than jumping between 1st and 6th.
• You need a smooth legato. Staying in nearby positions reduces the chance of a smeared "glissando" sound between notes.
• Tuning is easier. Sometimes the alternate position sits in tune better on your instrument.

Try both versions of a passage, slowly, and choose the one that sounds and feels best. Mark your choice in your music in pencil so you're consistent.

Slide technique drills

• Loose wrist. Hold the slide lightly with your thumb and first two fingers. Move from the wrist and elbow, not the shoulder.
• Quick, late moves. Move the slide quickly at the last moment, not gradually. Slow slides create smears.
• Tongue with the slide. In most music, tongue each note so the slide change is hidden. Legato tonguing ("doo") keeps it smooth.
• Position patterns. Play 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 and back on a single partial, slowly, with a tuner. Then try skips: 1-3-5-7, 1-4-1-6.
• Daily sprint. Do a quick 10-note Brass Trainer sprint before you practice, to keep the positions fresh.