- Slides<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Mouthpiece<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- How to Assemble a Trombone<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- How to Hold a Trombone<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Proper Playing Technique<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Trombone Slide Positioning<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
IMPORTANT: <\/strong>In all things regarding your new trombone, ask your band director or private teacher to show you how it\u2019s done before you try it at home. As they show you how to play the instrument, they will be able to answer your questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parts of a Trombone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The trombone is probably the simplest of all wind instruments as it has three primary parts: the slides, the bell, and the mouthpiece. While there are some other pieces that are integral to the trombone, this guide covers the main parts you will operate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Slides<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are two primary slides on a trombone: the main slide, which you will use to perform, and the tuning slide, which is used to fine-tune the pitch. These work in tandem, especially for beginners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Warm up before you perform, as this helps \u201ccalibrate\u201d the trombone. If the temperature is too cold or too warm, it can affect the tuning.<\/li>
- Use brass tuning slide grease<\/a> on the tuning slide on a weekly basis and ONLY <\/strong>use it on the tuning slide.<\/li>
- Use specialized trombone slide lubricant<\/a> for your main slide.
- Do NOT <\/strong>use tuning slide grease on the main slide; it\u2019s made of different compounds and has a thicker consistency.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- When you\u2019re putting your trombone away or placing it on a trombone stand, be sure to engage the slide lock. As the name implies, it will lock your slide and stop it from sliding off your trombone.
- The slide lock is located at the top of the slide near the mouthpiece.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- The second brace is where you will put your fingers when playing the trombone.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Water key (spit valve)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Moisture eventually builds up and will come to a point where your trombone develops a gurgling sound. When this happens, you\u2019ll need to open the spit valve (water key) located at the tip of the main slide, place your mouth over the mouthpiece, and blow puffs through the mouthpiece (don\u2019t buzz!) to force the moisture out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While moisture most certainly affects tone, there are some unwritten rules you should abide by when playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Empty moisture before and after you play, and only when necessary.<\/li>
- NEVER <\/strong>empty your spit valve during a quiet part of the song or while someone is talking. There\u2019s nothing more embarrassing than a loud honking sound!
- If you have to empty it at that time, open the spit valve and shake your trombone. While you won\u2019t be able to get rid of all <\/em>the moisture, it\u2019ll remove enough to get you by.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Place a small rag or a small plastic container with a sponge on the floor to catch any moisture you\u2019ve emptied.<\/li>
- It goes without saying, but never <\/em>empty it if your slide is hovering over someone.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Mouthpiece<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The mouthpiece is the part of the trombone you blow into and essentially works as a funnel. Trombone mouthpieces come in many different sizes, materials, shapes, and cup depths. Depending on your playstyle or preference, you may choose one over the other because different specifications can affect the overall tone!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Deep cupped mouthpieces will produce a darker tone, whereas shallow cupped will have a bright tone. Check out our guide on how cup depth and diameter affect tone<\/a>, as well as our brass mouthpiece buying guide<\/a> to learn more!<\/li>
- If you\u2019re a beginner, we highly recommend not changing mouthpiece size or material, as it takes some time for your mouth to get used to each one.<\/li>
- Don\u2019t smack the mouthpiece when inserting it into your trombone! Doing so will run the risk of it getting stuck, meaning you\u2019ll need to take it to your local repair shop to get it removed.<\/li>
- Spray some mouthpiece cleaner<\/a> or wash the mouthpiece with dish detergent in warm <\/em><\/strong>water and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth before you put your trombone away. Not only will this keep it clean, but it will also help sanitize it!<\/li>
- Use a brass mouthpiece brush<\/a> every week. This helps clear any deposits and buildup which can affect the airflow.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- If you have to empty it at that time, open the spit valve and shake your trombone. While you won\u2019t be able to get rid of all <\/em>the moisture, it\u2019ll remove enough to get you by.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- When you\u2019re putting your trombone away or placing it on a trombone stand, be sure to engage the slide lock. As the name implies, it will lock your slide and stop it from sliding off your trombone.
- Use specialized trombone slide lubricant<\/a> for your main slide.
- Mouthpiece<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
![\"diagram](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2023\/02\/Diagram-parts-of-a-trombone-1024x572.jpg\")
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