Trombone Fingering Chart

Trombone Slide Position Chart Image (PRINTABLE)

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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.

3. Simple Practice Melodies

(Great for applying new slide positions!)

4. Trombone Slide Position Tips for Beginners

Understanding Trombone Slide Positions

Trombone Anatomy and Parts

Before learning slide positions, it's essential to understand the trombone's main components and how they work together to produce sound.

Key Components:

• Mouthpiece: Where you buzz your lips to create sound
• Lead pipe: Connects mouthpiece to main slide
• Inner slide: Movable inner tubing
• Outer slide: Stationary outer tubing
• Bell: Amplifies and projects the sound
• Water key: Releases condensation from the instrument
• Tuning slide: Adjusts overall pitch of the instrument

How Slide Positions Change Trombone Pitch

The trombone uses a slide mechanism instead of valves. When you extend the slide, you increase the tube length, which lowers the pitch. Each position represents a specific tube length.

Slide Position Functions:

• Position 1: Slide closest to player (shortest tube)
• Position 2: Slide slightly extended
• Position 3: Slide moderately extended
• Position 4: Slide halfway extended
• Position 5: Slide mostly extended
• Position 6: Slide nearly fully extended
• Position 7: Slide fully extended (longest tube)

Understanding Musical Notes

Musical notes are organized in a specific pattern. Understanding this pattern is crucial for reading music and learning slide positions.

Want a deeper primer? Read our Music Notes Guide for beginners.

The Musical Alphabet:

Musical notes use the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, then repeat. In trombone music, middle C is written as C4.

• Natural Notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B
• Sharp (♯): Raises a note by one half step (e.g., C♯)
• Flat (♭): Lowers a note by one half step (e.g., B♭)

Note: Trombone is a non-transposing instrument - when you play "C", it sounds as C on piano.

Half Steps and Whole Steps

Understanding the distance between notes is essential for learning scales and slide position patterns.

Half Step (Semitone):

The smallest distance between two notes. On a piano, it's from one key to the very next key (including black keys).

Examples:

• C to C♯ (or D♭)
• E to F
• B to C

Whole Step (Tone):

Equal to two half steps. Skip one key on the piano.

Examples:

• C to D (2 half steps)
• F to G (2 half steps)
• A to B (2 half steps)

Trombone Octaves and Pitch Ranges

An octave is the interval between one note and another with the same letter name but different pitch. The trombone typically covers about 3 octaves.

Trombone Range:

• Low Register: E2 to B♭2 (pedal tones and bottom of range)
• Middle Register: B2 to F4 (most comfortable for beginners)
• High Register: F4 to F5 and above (requires advanced technique)

Octave Example: B2 to B3 is one octave. Same slide position, different lip tension and air speed.

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).

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

Harmonic Series on Trombone

The trombone produces notes based on the harmonic series. With changes in lip tension and air flow, the same slide position can produce different harmonic levels.

The harmonic series for position 1 (slide closest to player):

• 1st harmonic: Pedal B♭ (B♭1) - rarely used
• 2nd harmonic: B♭2 - fundamental, easy to produce
• 3rd harmonic: F3 - perfect fifth above B♭2
• 4th harmonic: B♭3 - octave above B♭2
• 5th harmonic: D4 - major third above B♭3
• 6th harmonic: F4 - perfect fifth above B♭3

Each slide position has its own harmonic series, giving the trombone its full range of notes.

How to Hold the Trombone Correctly

Right hand: thumb and index finger grip the slide brace, middle, ring, and pinky fingers support the slide. Left hand: thumb in the tuning slide ring (for fine-tuning), index and middle fingers wrap around the tubing, keep relaxed. Keep the instrument level with your mouth centered on the mouthpiece.

How to Learn to Play the Trombone

• Start with basic notes: establish steady breath support and embouchure, focus on middle register (B♭2-F3).
• Practice slide positions: use the interactive chart above to click through positions while practicing sound production.
• Scale practice: work on B♭ major and F major scales to reinforce slide positions and improve intonation.
• Keep slide position chart handy: reference during lessons and practice to avoid developing bad habits.
• Practice simple melodies: like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Ode to Joy" to improve musical flow.
• Expand range: gradually explore higher and lower notes while maintaining relaxation.
• Use interactive tools: utilize this page's interactive chart or other slide position simulators for practice.

Best Beginner Trombone Brands and Models

High-value beginner options: Yamaha YSL-354, Bach TB300, Jupiter JSL-430, Eastman ETR420. Before purchasing, check build quality, slide action, intonation, and warranty. We recommend trying instruments in person with guidance from a teacher or professional.

Practice Tips and Common Mistakes

• Incorrect slide technique: keep slide parallel to ground, avoid sideways pressure.
• Too much or too little slide pressure: aim for smooth, even movement, avoid "slamming" the slide.
• Lack of practice structure: set weekly goals (scales, pieces, long tones) and track progress.