What is a trombone fingering chart?

A trombone fingering chart is a visual guide showing which slide positions to use for each note. It helps beginners learn the correct slide positions, making it easier to play different notes accurately.

How many slide positions does a trombone have?

A standard trombone has 7 slide positions. Position 1 is closest to the player, and position 7 is fully extended. Each position changes the tube length to produce different pitches.

What is the trombone's range?

The standard trombone range is from E2 to F5, spanning about 3 octaves. Advanced players can extend this range higher with practice and technique.

How do I read a trombone fingering chart?

A trombone fingering chart shows note names with numbers 1-7 representing slide positions. For example, '3' means slide in position 3, while '1' means slide closest to the player.

What are the best trombone brands for beginners?

Popular beginner trombone brands include Yamaha YSL-354, Bach TB300, Conn 52H, King 606, and Jupiter JSL-430. These offer quality instruments at student-friendly prices, typically ranging from $400 to $1,200.

Trombone Fingering Chart

Interactive slide position demonstration + beginner learning guide + free PDF download

Interactive Trombone Slide Position Chart

🎺 How to Use This Interactive Chart

Step 1: Choose Key Signature

Select your desired key signature from the dropdown menu. This will show you which notes are sharp or flat in that key.

Step 2: Click on a Note

Click any note button below to see the correct slide position. The trombone diagram will highlight the slide position you need to use.

Step 3: Learn the Position

Study the highlighted slide position on the trombone and read the position description. Practice until it becomes automatic!

Key Signature:

Current Key: C Major

Current Note: Select a note

Click on a note button to see slide position

Musical Notation

Select a note to see notation

Select a Note

Trombone Slide Position Chart Image (PRINTABLE)

High-quality color PDF perfect for printing and carrying with you. Go to Download Page or open PDF directly: Open PDF

BEGINNER TROMBONE FINGERING CHART

(Tenor Trombone | 7 Slide Positions)

1. Basic Slide Position Combinations

Note	Slide Position	Position Description	Description
Bb2	1	Slide closest to player	Fundamental note, easiest to produce
A2	2	Slide slightly extended	One whole step down from Bb
Ab2	3	Slide moderately extended	Minor third from Bb
G2	4	Slide halfway extended	Perfect fourth from Bb
Gb2	5	Slide mostly extended	Tritone from Bb
F2	6	Slide nearly fully extended	Perfect fifth from Bb
E2	7	Slide fully extended	Major sixth from Bb
Bb3	1	Slide closest to player	One octave above Bb2

Tip: The same slide position can produce different notes by changing embouchure (lip tension) and air speed. Position 1 is the easiest to start with!

2. Essential Beginner Scales

Practice these scales to build slide position accuracy and embouchure control.

Bb Major Scale

Bb2 (1) - C3 (6) - D3 (4) - Eb3 (3) - F3 (1) - G3 (4) - A3 (2) - Bb3 (1)

F Major Scale

F2 (6) - G2 (4) - A2 (2) - Bb2 (1) - C3 (6) - D3 (4) - E3 (2) - F3 (1)

C Major Scale

C3 (6) - D3 (4) - E3 (2) - F3 (1) - G3 (4) - A3 (2) - B3 (1) - C4 (6)

3. Simple Practice Melodies

(Great for applying new slide positions!)

"Hot Cross Buns":

Bb3 (1) - A3 (2) - G3 (4)
Bb3 (1) - A3 (2) - G3 (4)
G3 (4) - G3 (4) - G3 (4) - G3 (4)
A3 (2) - A3 (2) - A3 (2) - A3 (2)
Bb3 (1) - A3 (2) - G3 (4)

"Mary Had a Little Lamb":

E3 (2) - D3 (4) - C3 (6) - D3 (4) - E3 (2) - E3 (2) - E3 (2)
D3 (4) - D3 (4) - D3 (4)
E3 (2) - G3 (4) - G3 (4)

"Ode to Joy":

E3 (2) - E3 (2) - F3 (1) - G3 (4)
G3 (4) - F3 (1) - E3 (2) - D3 (4)
C3 (6) - C3 (6) - D3 (4) - E3 (2)

4. Trombone Slide Position Tips for Beginners

Keep the slide parallel to the ground - avoid sideways pressure or tilting.
Use smooth, even slide movements - avoid "slamming" the slide into position.
Maintain a relaxed embouchure (lip position) for clear tone.
Use consistent air support from your diaphragm.
Practice finding each position accurately - use a tuner to check intonation.
Start with position 1 (Bb) as it's the easiest to produce a clear sound.
Keep your right hand relaxed - thumb and index finger grip the slide brace.
Practice long tones on each position to develop a steady sound.
Use a mirror to check your posture and slide angle.
Don't grip the slide too tightly - allow it to move freely.
Practice glissandos (sliding between positions) to improve slide technique.
Listen to professional trombone players for inspiration.
Clean and lubricate your slide regularly for smooth movement.
Be patient - mastering slide positions and embouchure takes time.
Practice with a metronome to develop consistent timing.

Common Trombone Slide Position Combinations Chart

Here are the most frequently used trombone slide position combinations. The same slide position can produce different notes depending on your embouchure (lip position and tension).

Note	Slide Position	Position Description	Description
B♭ (B♭2)	1	Slide closest to player	Fundamental note, easiest to produce
A (A2)	2	Slide slightly extended	One whole step down from B♭
A♭ (A♭2)	3	Slide moderately extended	Minor third from B♭
G (G2)	4	Slide halfway extended	Perfect fourth from B♭
G♭ (G♭2)	5	Slide mostly extended	Tritone from B♭
F (F2)	6	Slide nearly fully extended	Perfect fifth from B♭
E (E2)	7	Slide fully extended	Major sixth from B♭
B♭ (B♭3)	1	Slide closest to player	One octave above B♭2

Tip: Notice how position 1 can produce B♭2, B♭3, and B♭4 - the difference is in your embouchure and air support!