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The Pocket Guide to Teaching Trombone

Dr. Deb Scott

You feel comfortable teaching beginning trombone, but what do you tell your more advanced trombone players? Help
encourage the musical growth of your section from the podium and for the individual player. Improve intonation, tone,
technique, and learn what to tell students about the “F” attachment as well as the “D” attachment for the bass trombone.
The following information outlines the “nuts and bolts” of how to teach trombone.

TUNING
I. Tuning Notes in First Position

• Tune the main tuning slide on all trombones to top of the staff “B-flat”. Beginners may tune to 4th line F.
• Tune the tenor trombone F-attachment tuning slide to the bottom of the staff low “F” in first position (all the way in).
• Bass trombonists should tune their main tuning slide and F-attachment as above, then the D-attachment should be
tuned to the below the staff “D” in first position.

II. Tuning and Tone
Many factors affect tone quality. One of the least talked about is the relationship of the slide to the note produced. In
other words, there is a “sweet spot” for each note that improves tone quality (and of course, pitch). Learning to “blow
straight” and adjust with the slide creates a slightly better tone. It is possible for a trombonist to play in-tune without
micro slide adjustments by “lipping” which may produce an “okay” tone. However, to produce the best sound possible,
the slide should be placed in exact positions. Check outer positions with a tuner often.

III. Tuning Adjustments (The trombone actually has 41+ positions, not 7.)
First position notes (or partials) on the open trombone are written below. Solid notes indicate that an adjustment
should be made to get the note in tune. The arrows indicate which way the adjustment should be made. A downward
arrow means move the slide outward. An upward arrow means move the slide inward. Note that only the partials that
are octaves of the fundamental “B-flat” are in tune. The first position “A-flat” on the seventh partial should not be played
because it is too flat.

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Bandmasters Review • December 2017 9 Texas Bandmasters Association