Topmusicanswers
Seven pitches are possible in each harmonic of the trombone that are reflected in the seven positions of the slide. RANGE: The trombone has a normal chromatic range of E2 below the bass clef to B flat4 above middle C. Experienced performers are able to extend the upper range, often to F5 (or higher).
- What is the playing range of the trombone?
- How many octaves can a trombone play?
- What is the lowest note on a trombone?
- Why is the trombone used in jazz?
What is the playing range of the trombone?
| INSTRUMENT | WRITTEN RANGE (C4=middle C) | SOUNDING (transposition) ...than written |
|---|---|---|
| Trombone (Tenor Trombone) Trombone (no valve, straight) | E2-F5 | *a 9th lower, when written in treble clef as a Bb transposing instrument. |
| Bass Trombone | Bb1-Bb4 | |
| Contrabass Trombone | Ab0-C5 | |
| Tuba | D1-F4 |
How many octaves can a trombone play?
The normal range of the trombone, also known as the tenor trombone, is from the E on the first line below the bass clef (E2) to the B-flat above middle C (B-flat4). The tenor trombone is typically used in bands and orchestras. That's about 2 1/2 octaves.
What is the lowest note on a trombone?
The lowest note of the standard instrument is therefore an E♮ – a tritone below B♭. Most experienced trombonists can play lower "falset" notes and much lower pedal notes (first partials or fundamentals, which have a peculiar metallic rumbling sound).
Why is the trombone used in jazz?
Trombone first saw use in the jazz world with its entrance into traditional Jazz where it played along with the chord changes, often connecting the seven to third or third to root resolutions of cadences, allowing the other musicians of the group to improvise along with it.
