Chapter 5: Operating the Slide
IN THIS LESSON:
Learn the 7 slide positions on the trombone and how to utilize a slide position chart.
There are 7 slide positions on the Trombone, and it is important to become comfortable with these to ensure technical facility on the trombone. Use these photos to help you learn where each slide position belongs.
1st Position - all the way in
4th Position - slide tubing a bit past bell
2nd Position - slightly out
5th Position - arm extended *almost* all the way out
6th Position - arm extended all the way out
Slide Position Chart
Use this slide position chart as you are learning to become more comfortable with your slide positions. Notice that these are laid out so that you can view them chromatically from left to right, but also vertically by octaves.
The purpose behind the vertical octaves is to allow beginner students to quickly find the correct note and the correct octave. Use the large boxes at the top of each column to determine the note you are looking for, then match the note in your music to the correct octave in the chart!
Note that this slide chart will end at High A#/Bflat - for extended upper register, consult a method book or private teacher.
3rd Position - slide brace just before bell
7th Position - arm extended plus a little more (a little past the “stockings” of the inner tubing
