The trombone is a brass instrument known for its distinctive sliding mechanism, which allows it to change pitches smoothly. Unlike most brass instruments that use valves, the trombone has a long U-shaped slide that the player extends or shortens to adjust the pitch. This slide system gives the trombone a unique ability to perform glissandos (sliding between notes) and allows for a highly expressive and fluid style of playing. The instrument has a rich, mellow tone in its lower register and a bright, penetrating sound in the higher register, making it versatile for both melody and harmony.
Keys of the Trombone
Trombones are generally pitched in B♭, but there are several different types of trombones, each suited to different roles in music:
- Tenor Trombone in B♭:
- This is the most common type of trombone, used in a wide range of genres including classical, jazz, and popular music. It has a fundamental pitch of B♭, but because it is written as a non-transposing instrument, the notes appear as written.
- Some tenor trombones come with an F-attachment (a valve that redirects air through extra tubing), which allows the player to reach lower notes and play certain passages more easily.
- Bass Trombone:
- The bass trombone is pitched in B♭ like the tenor trombone but has a larger bore and a wider bell, giving it a richer, deeper sound.
- It often comes with two valves (F and G♭ or D) that make it easier to play in the lower register. It is commonly used in orchestras, concert bands, and jazz ensembles to provide a solid low end.
- Alto Trombone in E♭:
- The alto trombone is smaller and pitched in E♭, a fourth higher than the tenor trombone. It is often used in orchestral settings or chamber music when a lighter, more agile sound is required.
- The alto trombone is particularly suited for music from the Baroque and Classical periods, where its higher pitch can blend more easily with other instruments like trumpets and horns.
- Soprano Trombone in B♭:
- The soprano trombone, also called the slide trumpet, is pitched an octave higher than the tenor trombone and shares the same range as the trumpet.
- It is less common and mostly used as a novelty instrument or in specialized ensembles, as its tone is more penetrating than other trombones.
- Contrabass Trombone:
- This instrument is pitched even lower than the bass trombone and can be found in F or B♭. It is primarily used in some orchestral settings and film scores, where an extra-low brass sound is required. The contrabass trombone has a larger bore and an extended slide length to reach its low pitches.
History of the Trombone
The trombone has a long and varied history, evolving from its origins in the late Middle Ages to become a key instrument in both classical and modern music. Here’s a brief overview of the trombone’s development over time:
Early Origins: Sackbut (15th – 16th Century)
- The trombone’s predecessor, the sackbut, appeared in 15th-century Europe, around the late 1400s. Its name comes from the Old French term sacquer (to pull) and bouter (to push), referring to the slide mechanism that characterizes the instrument.
- The sackbut was similar to the modern trombone in terms of its sliding design, but it had a smaller bell and a softer, more mellow tone. The narrower bell allowed for a more subdued and blending sound, which made it ideal for both church music and court ensembles.
- During the Renaissance, sackbuts were used in consorts, often alongside cornetts (early brass instruments) and voices, playing harmonized music that was both religious and secular.
Baroque Era: The Trombone in Sacred Music (1600 – 1750)
- The trombone (still known as the sackbut) became more prominent in Baroque music and was often used to accompany choirs and church music. Its ability to play in a soft, reverent manner suited it for sacred settings.
- Composers like Giovanni Gabrieli used trombones in Venice’s St. Mark’s Basilica, integrating them with voices and other brass instruments to create rich, spatial compositions.
- Despite its role in sacred and ceremonial music, the trombone did not feature prominently in orchestral music during this period. It remained mostly within the domain of religious and civic settings.
Classical Era: Evolution and Expansion (1750 – 1820)
- By the Classical era, the instrument began to evolve more towards the modern trombone, with a slightly larger bell and more robust sound. However, it was still relatively rare in orchestras until the late 18th century.
- Mozart and Haydn were among the first major composers to include trombones in their orchestral works, often using them to double the bass lines or add harmonic depth to sacred works like Requiem masses.
- The trombone’s role in orchestras began to expand, providing rich, low harmonies and solemn tones that added a powerful presence to the developing symphonic sound.
19th Century: The Modern Trombone Takes Shape
- The 19th century saw the transition from sackbut to modern trombone, with a larger bell size and a more powerful tone, making it suitable for large orchestras.
- The trombone gained a significant place in romantic orchestras, thanks to composers like Beethoven, Berlioz, and Wagner, who used it to convey emotional depth and grandeur.
- Trombones also began to feature in military bands and brass bands, which became increasingly popular during the century. This helped cement the trombone’s role as both a solo and ensemble instrument.
- During this time, the bass trombone became more distinct from the tenor trombone, with a larger bore and additional valves to extend its range.
20th Century: Jazz and Popularity (1900 – Present)
- The 20th century saw a surge in the trombone’s popularity due to its central role in jazz, big band, and swing music. Jazz trombonists like J.J. Johnson, Tommy Dorsey, and Glenn Miller showcased the instrument’s lyrical and improvisational capabilities, making it a staple in both small combos and big bands.
- The ability to slide between notes (glissando) allowed trombonists to develop a unique style, adding expressive bends and slides that became a signature of jazz.
- The trombone also remained a crucial part of classical orchestras, with composers like Mahler, Strauss, and Shostakovich writing demanding parts that took advantage of the instrument’s full range and power.
- In film scores, the trombone has been used for dramatic effects, often providing intense or foreboding tones in soundtracks.
Today: Versatility and Innovation
- Today, the trombone is a key member of orchestras, jazz bands, brass ensembles, and even rock and pop bands. It is celebrated for its versatility, capable of playing with a soft, smooth sound or delivering powerful, brassy fanfares.
- Modern trombones come in several variations, including the bass trombone with added valves for lower pitches, the alto trombone for higher registers, and even valve trombones that use pistons like a trumpet, offering an alternative to the slide mechanism.
The trombone’s journey from the sackbut of the Renaissance to the modern slide trombone showcases its adaptability and enduring appeal across musical genres. Its rich history and unique sliding sound make it one of the brass family’s most recognizable and beloved instruments.
Tenor Trombone Slide Positions. Download the free PDF here.
12 Major Scales for tenor trombone. Download the free PDF here.
Slur Exercise #1 for tenor trombone. Download the free PDF here.
Bass Trombone slide positions. Download the free PDF here.