Trombone

The trombone is a staple in almost all forms of big band music usually as part of an entire section in most jazz and funk ensembles. Although the most common version of the instrument, the tenor trombone, is pitched in Bb it is not a transposing instrument and is typically written in C with some rare exceptions.

The most common type of the instrument in jazz, funk and contemporary music. While most often part of a horn section the tenor trombone can also be found on its own in small horn combos or even used as a lead/melody instrument in multiple genres.

Usually part of a trombone section the bass trombone is similar in range and construction to the tenor but has a darker, weightier sound that is especially effective in the lower register. Sounds great when pared with a tenor or group of tenors to fill out the low end and add some extra heaviness to the sound; there are some examples in jazz of it being used as a lead instrument but it is most commonly used as part of a section.

The standard range for both the tenor and bass trombone is a low E2 up to about F5 in the treble (or alto) clef. For the low register it is generally accepted practice in jazz arranging that anything between C2 and E2 is not an ideal range for the tenor trombone and should be avoided although most modern trombone players are able to hit these notes thanks to more modern instrument designs and the use of F triggers (See below).

As mentioned above most pro trombone players can extend the lower range of the trombone from the E2 down to the C2 (and sometimes Bb2) although this register should still be used with caution. Avoid fast, intricate lines that make use of this register or dip down to it too often. In addition to this the trombone is also capable of producing pedal notes in the E1 to Bb1 range; these are most often played as long, held notes and not intricate rhythmic phrases.

The straight mute is probably the most common type of mute for brass instruments. This mute produces a more metallic, nasal sound and is frequently used in jazz both in big bands and smaller ensembles.

Similar to a straight mute the cup mute is also quite common and produces a slightly warmer and less shrill tone than the traditional straight mute. Also very common in the jazz genre.

A plunger mute is either a specially designed plunger shaped mute or simply the top rubber section of a real plunger and is used to produce a wide range of special effects in brass instruments. By closing and opening the plunger in a variety of ways the performer can duplicate the sound of the human voice along with several other interesting effects.

Most common on the trumpet and trombone the wah wah mute (also called the Harmon mute) is a favorite of jazz trumpeters Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie. It produces a thin shallow sound that is a defining characteristic of many famous jazz recordings. Using the hand in front of the open mute (with stem removed) can produce the "wah wah" effect in the mute's name.

Note(s) to be played short and separated. On the trombone this means each note is articulated/tongued but played slightly shorter than its full value.

Best used in combination with staccato markings to indicate a note is to be played for its full value. Otherwise it means the note should receive some emphasis but what for that will take is context dependent.

Play the note accented for its full value. Very common when playing lines in a big band horn section.

As with jazz arranging in general the marcato articulation usually results in an accented note with a shorter value (about 2/3) than a standard accent. Use for short, punchy lines that need some space and tightness to them.

Play smoothly without tonguing each note.

A glissando (sometimes referred to as a slide) is a common brass instrument articulation/effect that involves sliding up or down from one note to another. This can be accomplished either by playing chromatically between the two pitches or by bending in the direction of the gliss.

Slight oscillation of a note; used frequently in jazz by default but can be notated as well.

A trill on the trombone is accomplished by playing two notes in rapid succession. Usually by default the trill will either be a whole step or the next logical note (next note in the key or altered note in the bar), accidentals can also be placed above the trill marking to specify which note is to be played. Much more effective in the higher register of this instrument.

A fall indicates a long or short fall-off from a note with no specific ending note; this is most frequently used in jazz and contemporary music. Long falls can be noted with a gliss downwards (first in the example) or with a quick fall marking (second in the example).

In contrast to a glissando that tends to emphasize a smooth transition between two notes a rip is a more aggressive and has a bit more style to it. Most commonly seen in big band, funk and other contemporary genres.

A doit is a quick upwards glissando away from a specified pitch with no real discernible ending. Like the rip it is most common in jazz, funk and contemporary music.

A scoop is a short gliss to specified note.

Double and triple tonguing is a brass instrument technique where notes are articulated rapidly using the tongue.