How to Play: F# Major Scale on Trombone

Scales form the basis of almost all Western music, and learning to play them will improve many aspects of your playing. In this lesson we will learn how to play the F# major scale on trombone.

*T = Trigger/Valve/F-attachment

Tips

The high F# is played in a sharpened 3rd position - make sure to listen very carefully to make sure the slide is in exactly the right place. Practice with a drone or tuner to make sure the pitch is accurate.

It can be beneficial to practice playing this scale with the Bs in 7th position even if you have a valve in order to improve slide accuracy.

How to Play: E Major Scale on Trombone

Scales are an important part of every musicians training and form the basic building blocks of most music. Despite being a crucial part of grade exams, easy marks are often lost due to poor preparation of scales. In this lesson we will learn how to play the E major scale on trombone.

*T = Trigger/Valve/F-attachment

Tips

Depending on your valve tuning, low E and B may be slightly further out than normal 2nd position - listen carefully for tuning.

It is useful to practice playing this scale with the Es and Bs in 7th position even if you have a valve in order to improve slide dexterity and accuracy.

How to Play: Eb Major Scale on Trombone

Scales are an important part of every musicians training and form the basic building blocks of most music. Despite being a crucial part of grade exams, easy marks are often lost due to poor preparation of scales. In this lesson we will learn how to play the Eb major scale on trombone.

*T = Trigger/Valve/F-attachment

Tips

The low Eb can only be played with a valve unless played as a false tone. With the valve in use, 3rd position will be further out than normal 3rd - listen carefully for tuning.

The high Eb will need to be flattened (slide pulled further out) slightly because it is a 6th harmonic. Notes on the 6th harmonic are always sharp and slide adjustments need to be made to flatten them.

It is useful to practice playing this scale with the Fs and Cs in 6th position even if you have a valve in order to improve slide dexterity and accuracy.