Where Are the Slide Positions on a Trombone 7th Position: Lowers the pitch by 6 semitones (an augmented 4th)īy using these positions on each open note you are able to achieve full chromaticism.6th Position: Lowers the pitch by 5 semitones (a perfect 4th).5th Position: Lowers the pitch by 4 Semitones (a major 3rd).4th Position: Lowers the pitch by 3 semitones (a minor 3rd).3rd Position: Lowers the pitch by 2 semitones (a tone).2nd Position: Lowers the pitch by a semitone.What the 7 Slide Positions on Trombone Do By extending the slide you lower the pitch of each open note. On the trombone there are 7 slide positions. To make the trombone fully chromatic, you will need to use the slide. With just the open notes, you are limited to what you can play. A trombone with an F attachment can extend chromatically into the lower notes. The tenor trombone can also play a lower pedal Bb. The highest note, for most competent players, is a high C, which is written an octave above the stave (bass clef). The lowest commonly used note on the trombone is a written E below stave (bass clef). More skilful players develop their range but generally the highest note at Grade 8 is a top Bb.Īlthough the tenor trombone doesn't have valves like a trumpet, it can still play a fully chromatic scale of about 2 and a half octaves. The main open notes (listed from lowest to highest) are Pedal Bb, Bb, F, Bb, D, F, Ab and top Bb. You move between the open notes by tightening your lips to play higher and loosening them to play lower. These are the same notes as the harmonic series that a bugle plays. The trombone has several "open notes" that are all played on the lip with the slide in. The positions marked #2nd and #3rd are to be played slightly shorter. This chart is for a standard tenor trombone without a trigger. Some trombones have a trigger which is referred to as an F attachment and replaces 6th position. Below, you'll find a useful chart that shows the most commonly used slide positions for trombone (bass clef in C).