Page 13 - 2017-BMR-December

The Pocket Guide to Teaching Trombone

THE F-ATTACHMENT (or trigger)

• The F-attachment adds extra tubing to the tenor trombone, allowing it to play lower.
• Pressing the trigger puts the harmonic series of the trombone into F, (rather than Bb.)
• Its primary function is for the convenience of having alternate positions in the low register.
• It adds 4 notes to the low register to help bridge a gap between low E and pedal Bb. (The low B is
attainable if practiced by “lipping” down.)
• It is a convenience but is not necessary. Many principal trombonists play “open” horns in symphonies.
• Open wrap is preferable

Memorize this:
Tune to LOW F
C should be slightly out in 1st. (Do not play higher than this note on the trigger.)
B in long 2nd with the trigger
Bb in short fourth is available; use it!

TUNING THE D-ATTACHMENT (2nd Trigger—Bass Trombone only)
The D-attachment is operated by the middle finger of the left hand while the F-attachment is simultaneously
pressed by the thumb of the left hand.

(Pedal B-flat)
Memorize this:
The second trigger is in “D”.
Tune to LOW D, below the staff
Learn Low Db (D2++)
Learn Low C (D4)

Bandmasters Review • December 2017 11 Texas Bandmasters Association