Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
In the first position (also called closed position) on a B♭ trombone, the notes in the harmonic series begin with B♭ 2 (one octave higher than the pedal B♭ 1), F 3 (a perfect fifth higher than the previous partial), B♭ 3 (a perfect fourth higher), D 4 (a major third higher), and F 4 (a minor third higher).
Positions six and seven are primarily useful in the lower part of the trombone's range. Some notes may be sounded at more than one position; for example, D4 may be sounded either in position 1 or 4. As a result, trombonists often spend time studying a part to determine how to approach a particular phrase.
The B ♭ valve makes alternative slide positions available for notes in longer positions, and allows the range above the pedals to extend from A 2 down to F 2. Many manufacturers offer an alto model in their trombone range, including Yamaha , Bach , Conn , SE Shires, Thein, Rath , and others.
Non-compensating instruments and trombones must not use the third position or valve combination because it is not in tune; other combinations must be altered drastically. Some musicians prefer to extend the tablature numbering system to 12 or more; others prefer a symbol to indicate a lesser-used, longer valve.
The valve trombone emerged concurrently with the invention of valves in the early 19th century. Most early instruments retained the shape and form of the slide trombone, employing three valves with the tubing arranged in place of the slide; others used the new valve mechanism as an opportunity to explore different configurations while retaining the overall cylindrical bore and bell profile.
Furthermore, the low brass often use extra valves to extend their range uniformly, since the fundamental is chromatically discontinuous with the lowest 2nd harmonic reachable on a three-valve instrument or via the seven-position slide on a trombone. Trombone and tuba in particular are often called upon to play pedal tones and "false tones" or ...
Get AOL Mail for FREE! Manage your email like never before with travel, photo & document views. Personalize your inbox with themes & tabs. You've Got Mail!
Dependent (left) and independent valves (right) on the modern bass trombone. The bass trombone has typically two valves that lower the pitch of the instrument when engaged, to facilitate the register between the B♭ 1 pedal in first position and the E 2 second partial in seventh. [22] The first valve lowers the key of the instrument a fourth to F.