Now, recreate that SAME note utilizing both triggers and an extended 2nd position. To locate the 2nd position with both triggers active, play a D♭ in the middle (bass clef) stave using the G♭ trigger and 1st position. Here’s a technique for finding slides positions with both triggers engaged:ġ st position will play a D with two triggers. How to Find Slide Positions for Double Trigger Trombones Why? Because when extending the slide by 10cm, the length of the instrument is actually extended by 20cm since the slide lengthens two pipes by 10cm each. Therefore, the slide positions will be further part with a trigger.įun Quiz: If the distance between 1st and 2nd position is 10cm, how long is the entire trombone when in 1st position? With a trigger pressed, the length of the instrument is much longer in 1 st position than without the trigger pressed. It assumes the distance between 1 st and 2 nd positions is 10 units (approximately 10 cms). The following table shows the distances between positions when different trigger combinations are being used. Used together, the triggers add enough length to provide the equivalent of a 9 th slide position. Curious about honing your accuracy in 5th and 6th positions? See this article: TROMBONE SLIDE POSITION ACCURACY In contrast, the G♭ trigger adds a standard 5th position length. Pressing the F trigger equates to a standard 6th position length. Each unit would likely be close to 1 cm in length. Notice that by the time we get down to 12 th position, the distance between positions has almost doubled!įor this table, I have assumed the distance between 1 st and 2 nd position to be 10 units for simplicity. This chart shows the length of each successive slide position increasing by 6%. If we think of the slide positions continuing on from 7 th position by utilizing triggers, we can make the instrument long enough to play a low B♮ in what is essentially 12 th position. As your trombone extends, positions drift farther apart by 6% for each position. The gap between the 2nd and 3rd positions is 6% wider than that between the 1st and 2nd positions, and this pattern continues. Let’s get started… The Physics of Slide Positions for Double Trigger TrombonesĪ fundamental concept is that to produce a note one semitone lower, the length of the instrument must increase by 6%.
In this article, we will go more in depth. Our article THE TROMBONE TRIGGER MAKES IT LONGER discusses the mechanics behind slide length adjustments using triggers.
Cracking the Code: Two Solutions for PrecisionĮmbrace Technology with Electronic Tuners: Using an electronic tuner can help guide you to the correct slide positions with any trigger combination.ĭelving into Mechanics: For those who relish understanding the “why” behind things, this method is for you.
So, 2nd position, for example, will vary depending on whether one, two, or no triggers are being pressed. But activate both triggers, and the positions stretch further apart than they do with only one trigger engaged. Pressing a single trigger elongates the slide positions compared to playing without any triggers. These are supplemented by MP3 recordings allowing the student to hear what the compositions sound like and to use as play-along accompaniment pieces.Greetings to all trombonists exploring the realm of double trigger instruments! If you’ve been on the hunt for a slide position chart tailored to these bass trombones, in this guide, we’ll delve into why a standard chart might not be the ultimate solution you’re hoping for, and we’ll uncover methods to discover slide positions for double trigger trombones. These collections are for Low Brass Ensembles or for any of the three low brass instruments (trombone, euphonium or tuba). Low Brass Ensemble scores and sheet music compositions of popular melodies Tenor Clef F attachment Trigger Trombone.Treble Clef F attachment Trigger Trombone.If you’d like to help with this mission, send me your recommendations on the kind of material you’d like to see here. The Slide Position Charts listed below are part of my intent to build a comprehensive library of articles, tips, and resources for the trombone and low brass artist, teacher, and student. As the artistic performance of these three instruments share much common ground, you’ll find some cross-over of tips, advice, and music resources. “The trombone is a member of the low brass family of musical instruments that encompasses the trombone, euphonium, and tuba.