How to Play: the B Minor Scale on Trombone

How to Play: The B Minor Scale on Trombone

In this lesson, we will learn how to play the B minor scale on the trombone. Scales are an important part of every musician’s 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.

*T = Trigger/Valve/F-attachment TT = Both F and Gb valves (bass trombone)

Here are some tips on how to play the B minor scale on the trombone:

1. Know the notes: The trombone B minor scale consists of the following notes: B, C#, D, E, F#, G, and A. Make sure you know these notes well before attempting to play the scale.
2. Start with the low B: Begin by playing the low B, which is the lowest note on the trombone. This note is played in the first position, which means the slide is fully retracted.
3. Move to the next note: The second note of the scale is C#, which is played in the second position. Move the slide out slightly to reach the correct position.
4. Keep moving up the scale: Continue moving up the scale, playing each note in the correct position. Remember to keep your embouchure firm and your tongue relaxed.
5. Use a metronome: To ensure you are playing the scale at the correct tempo, use a metronome. Start at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the scale.
6. Practice regularly: As with any musical skill, regular practice is essential to improve. Set aside time each day to practice the B minor scale, and gradually increase the tempo and accuracy of your playing.
7. Experiment with dynamics: Once you are comfortable with the scale, experiment with different dynamics. Play the scale softly and gradually increase the volume, or start loudly and gradually decrease the volume.
8. Use a tuner: To ensure you are playing each note accurately, use a tuner. This will help you to identify any notes that are out of tune and make adjustments to your playing.
9. Make a recording of yourself playing the B minor scale and listen to it afterward. This will allow you to pinpoint areas where you can improve and make necessary adjustments to your playing.

More tips :

The top fifth of this scale has slide positions that are very close together. Careful practice will be helpful to find exactly where the slide should be. If you have a trombone or other brass-playing friend, this is a good scale to play together in octaves to work on tuning.