Chapter 7: Tuning
IN THIS LESSON:
Learn how to tune on the Trombone and the best notes to tune to.
Example of a flat B-flat when playing into the tonal energy tuner. When notes are flat, we need to adjust the pitch up.
Intonation on the Trombone is a unique skillset as we have the slide which allows us to adjust quickly and simply by moving our slide slightly in or out. This is useful when adjusting pitches that may be naturally out of tune which we will cover in the next lesson.
For now, let’s just focus on the main tuning slide and getting our instrument “in tune”. This ensures that our instrument is in a good starting point that allows us to at least be close to in tune with other ensemble members.
To play a tuning note on the trombone, we must first understand what playing “in tune” means. When tuning, we refer to pitches as either sharp, flat or in tune. Tuning a note is often referred to in terms of “cents”. Cents are a value out of 100 between two half steps.
See the photos below for a description with a visual representation of what each of these mean.
Example of a sharp B-flat when playing into the tonal energy tuner. When notes are sharp, we need to adjust the pitch down.
Now that we understand the concept of tuning, let’s learn how to apply that to the trombone.
The trombone has a main tuning slide, which is at the end behind the bell with the “U” shape to the slide. Refer to the picture on the right or Chapter 1 Lesson 1 to find this on your trombone if needed.
Example of an in tune B-flat when playing into the tonal energy tuner. When notes are in tune, we need to keep them steady!
The operation of this slide is quite simple. All you need to remember is an acronym we refer to as SOFI.
Sharp - Out, Flat - In
If your tuning note is sharp, push the slide in.
If your tuning note is flat, pull the slide out.
Another way to think about this is to remember that the longer the tubing is, the lower the pitch will be, and the shorter the tubing is, the higher the pitch will be.
By pushing the slide in, we are making the instrument shorter and raising the pitch.
By pulling the slide out, we are making the instrument longer and lowering the pitch.
Okay… NOW we are ready to tune our instrument!
Grab your instrument and your tuner. If you do not have a tuner, there are free apps on smart phones you can use (they are okay, but not preferred). It is much better to invest in a Chromatic Tuner (can be found at any local music store) OR even better - one of the best tuning apps out there; Tonal Energy! For just $6 on the app store, you can have one of the best tuners out there!
On Trombone, the best tuning note is going to be our B-flat just above the staff. Take a full, low breath, set your embouchure and play a long tone WITHOUT looking at your tuner first. Then once your pitch is stable, compare with the tuner. Determine if you are sharp, flat, or in tune and make the appropriate adjustment.
Repeat the steps as necessary until you are in tune. Try to not stare directly at the tuner while adjusting your pitch. That will not teach you how to adjust the pitch with your ears and will hold you back from learning how to play in tune. Your ears are the best device you have for playing an instrument, so we want to train them above all else!