TROMBONE
PITCH TENDENCIES AND REMEDIES
There are several notes on trombone that will always play out of tune even if your instrument is in good working order, a good mouthpiece is used, it is tuned with itself, and proper air support is being used. Although tuning a trombone can vary from model to model, the chart below will highlight notes that are commonly out of tune.
Use the picture of the trombone below to find the main tuning slide on your trombone. Your ear is your most reliable resource when tuning a note on trombone. Your main slide is also a huge tuning slide you can use to tune any note. Pull the main slide in slightly to raise pitch and pull out the slide slightly to lower pitch.
Use the graphic below to interpret the Trombone Pitch Tendencies Chart. Not all notes will have alternate slide positions, as many alternate slide positions will not improve pitch dramatically. If you need a general slide position chart, click HERE.
Slide positions on the top are the standard slide positions. The green slide positions on the bottom represent slide positions used with the f-attachment trigger.
Use the Trombone Pitch Tendencies Chart below and your tuner to experiment playing these notes in tune. The combination of using a proper embouchure, air support, voicing the correct syllable, alternate fingering, or using valve slides will help you on your way to playing with good intonation.
Use the picture of the trombone below to find the main tuning slide on your trombone. Your ear is your most reliable resource when tuning a note on trombone. Your main slide is also a huge tuning slide you can use to tune any note. Pull the main slide in slightly to raise pitch and pull out the slide slightly to lower pitch.
Use the graphic below to interpret the Trombone Pitch Tendencies Chart. Not all notes will have alternate slide positions, as many alternate slide positions will not improve pitch dramatically. If you need a general slide position chart, click HERE.
Slide positions on the top are the standard slide positions. The green slide positions on the bottom represent slide positions used with the f-attachment trigger.
Use the Trombone Pitch Tendencies Chart below and your tuner to experiment playing these notes in tune. The combination of using a proper embouchure, air support, voicing the correct syllable, alternate fingering, or using valve slides will help you on your way to playing with good intonation.
Tuning With The Ensemble
Now that you've learned the specific pitch tendencies of your instrument, and some possible solutions, we are ready to talk about Equal Temperament and Just Intonation. Understanding these concepts will allow you to play in tune with other musicians. Click the link below or use the navigation bar at the top of the page.