Want to play the trombone? You're not alone! The trombone is just as popular as ever, but should never be confused with a slide trumpet.
The Trombone: Fluid Sound
The concept of the trombone isn't all that different from the basic idea of the trumpet. With a trumpet, lip tension (embouchure) is used to shape the natural harmonics, which is just a limited number of notes. Other notes can be produced by adjusting the length of the tubing via the valves. While trombones are based on a similar system, they feature a telescopic slide mechanism instead of valves to change the pitch, allowing for fluid transitions from one note to the next. Big melodic transitions are a little trickier to pull off with a trombone, so that's where the trumpet comes in. In orchestras, trombones are generally used to play sustained sounds like chords and bass parts.
The Slide Trombone and Slide Trumpet: Two Different Instruments
Most trombones are slide trombones, meaning the lip tension combined with the right slide position allows you to play any note. The lesser-known valve trombone is the only kind of trombone that doesn't feature a slide, but valves - just like a trumpet. The slide trumpet, lastly, looks like a scaled-down trombone but is in fact a different instrument. Check out our blog: The Trombone: Types, Playing Techniques and More! for more information.
Plastic Trombones: Also Great for Beginners
In addition to metal models, you can also pick up a plastic trombone nowadays. While these may come in dapper colours, they're no toys: even experienced players admit that plastic trombones can sound just as good as metal trombones. The quality of sound hinges more on the build quality than the material, but that's not to say that the gold sheen of a 'normal' trombone isn't worth something, especially since metal trombones are generally more expensive. Besides a lower price, plastic trombones also offer the perk of a lower weight, making them better suited for young players.
The Sound of the Alto Trombone, Tenor Trombone and Bass Trombone
The tenor trombone (the most popular of the three) has a lightly lilting, kind of woolly sound, but with enough volume, these trombones can also sound more explosive. The larger bass trombone, meanwhile, packs an even fuller sound and is able to create beautiful timbres in the lower registers. If you're mainly looking for a fat, deep and rich bass sound, have a look at a tuba. The alto trombone is a classic Germanic instrument and is a tad smaller than the tenor trombone and, as such, has a slightly higher pitch. While many have been replaced with tenor trombones, alto trombones are still part of some orchestras, along with the bass trombone.
Playing the Trombone
From symphony orchestras where they usually need three to five, to harmony ensembles and marching bands, trombones are played all over. Their rounded sound even does well in smaller jazz line-ups as well as big-bands and salsa groups, but can also serve as backing for pop tunes in combination with trumpets and saxophones. Look up a good trombone solo and have a listen to hear just what a stunning impact this instrument can have.
Trombone Accessories: Stands, Cases and More
There are various useful accessories you can get for a trombone, including a stand, a case and a lyre.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Trombone
How many kinds of trombones are there?
There are various types of trombone: the piccolo trombone, the alto trombone, the tenor trombone, the bass trombone and the double-bass trombone. Symphony orchestras usually incorporate tenor and bass trombones, which are sometimes joined by a double-bass trombone.
What are trombones made of?
Just like trumpets, French horns and tubas, trombones are generally made of brass. Nowadays you can also get your hands on plastic models, most of which sound surprisingly good.
How much does a trombone cost?
Trombones for beginners can cost up to several hundreds of pounds, while professional models typically cost thousands. For beginners, our advice would be to start out with a plastic trombone. They're not only more affordable, but lightweight and sound great.
Which mouthpiece do I need with a trombone?
The mouthpiece is the single most important sound-defining part of the trombone. Some mouthpieces are designed to shape a warmer sound, while others may be designed to provide a brighter, more focussed sound. Teachers and experienced players will usually know which mouthpiece matches a given style.
Where does the trombone come from?
The word 'trombone' comes from the Italian word 'tromba', meaning 'big trumpet'. Historic trombones are referred to as sackbuts.
