Chapter 4: Your First Notes
IN THIS LESSON:
Learn the first five notes on the Trombone! (B-flat, C, D, E-flat, F)
This lesson is intended for beginner Trombone players - you may skip this if you do not need this lesson.
B-flat:
The first note we are going to learn is “B-flat”. Hold your slide in 1st position (shown in the photo), and while seated with good posture take a full low breath. Form your embouchure and blow air into your mouthpiece, ensuring your lips come together to create the buzz. Start your note with a “tooh” syllable to get a clear start! Sustain this for at least 3 seconds.
TIP #1: Use the audio sample to the right to hear what this note should sound like.
TIP #2: If your note is too high, try using a slower air stream. If it is too high, use faster air. If you are still struggling to get the note, try buzzing and matching the pitch on your mouthpiece.
Practice this note until you are able to match the example 4 times in a row!
C:
The second note we are going to learn is “C”. Hold your slide in 6th position (shown in the photo) - 6th position is almost all the way out on your instrument - it could be as far as you are able to reach depending on your size. While seated with good posture take a full low breath. Form your embouchure and blow air into your mouthpiece, ensuring your lips come together to create the buzz. Start your note with a “tooh” syllable to get a clear start! Sustain this for at least 3 seconds.
TIP #1: Use the audio sample to the right to hear what this note should sound like. If it does not sound quite right - try adjusting your slide position slightly in or out.
TIP #2: If your note is too high, try using a slower air stream. If it is too high, use faster air. If you are still struggling to get the note, try buzzing and matching the pitch on your mouthpiece.
Practice this note until you are able to match the example 4 times in a row!
D:
The third note we are going to learn is “D”. Hold your slide in 4th position (shown in the photo), which is where the brace is just past the bell. Repeat the steps for creating a sound like you did with the first two notes.
TIP #1: Use the audio sample to the right to hear what this note should sound like. If it does not sound quite right - try adjusting your slide position slightly in or out.
TIP #2: If your note is too high, try using a slower air stream. If it is too high, use faster air. If you are still struggling to get the note, try buzzing and matching the pitch on your mouthpiece.
Practice this note until you are able to match the example 4 times in a row!
E-flat:
The fourth note we are going to learn is “E-flat”. Hold your slide in 3rd position (shown in the photo), which is where the brace is just before the bell. Repeat the steps for creating a sound like you did with the first two notes.
TIP #1: Use the audio sample to the right to hear what this note should sound like. If it does not sound quite right - try adjusting your slide position slightly in or out.
TIP #2: If your note is too high, try using a slower air stream. If it is too high, use faster air. If you are still struggling to get the note, try buzzing and matching the pitch on your mouthpiece.
Practice this note until you are able to match the example 4 times in a row!
F:
The fifth note we are going to learn is “F”. Hold your slide in 1st position (shown in the photo), much like you did for B-flat (Yes, you can play multiple notes on each slide position!). In order to play “F”, you need to use a faster airstream. Repeat the steps for making a sound like you did for the first four notes, and remember to use the audio example.
TIP #1: Use the audio sample to the right to hear what this note should sound like. If it does not sound quite right, remember to use a fast air stream. If it sounds too high, try to meet somewhere in the middle between a fast and slow airstream.
TIP #2: If you are still struggling to get the note, try buzzing and matching the pitch on your mouthpiece.
Practice this note until you are able to match the example 4 times in a row!
Your first piece of music!
Now that you know the first three notes on the trombone, try this short piece of music that can help you get more comfortable with these patterns and slide positions.
TIP #1: Practice this slowly! 6th position to 1st position is very tricky - so start slow, and ensure your right hand is relaxed.
Remember to always take a full, low breath, set your embouchure before you play and start your note with a
”tooh” syllable!
Once you feel comfortable with these first three notes, go on!
Let’s put it all together now!
Now that you know the first five notes on the trombone, try this short piece of music that can help you get more comfortable with these patterns and slide positions.
Remember to always take a full, low breath, set your embouchure before you play and start your note with a
”tooh” syllable!
Now that you have learned how to properly set up your instrument and create a sound, let’s learn the first note on the Trombone.