Unlike most brass instruments, the trombone uses a slide rather than valves — which means "fingering" is really about slide position. Getting those positions right, and understanding how the F attachment expands your range, is fundamental to good trombone playing.
What's in the Chart
This chart covers all seven slide positions for the tenor trombone, as well as the additional notes made available by the F attachment (also called the trigger). Each note is shown with its position number and whether the F attachment is engaged, giving you a complete picture of the instrument's range.
Who This Is For
- Beginning trombone students learning the seven positions
- Students who have recently added an F attachment trombone
- Band directors who need a quick-reference handout
- Parents helping a child practice at home
Understanding Slide Positions
The seven slide positions correspond to different tube lengths, each lowering the pitch by a half step. Position 1 is all the way in; position 7 is fully extended. Because there are no fixed stops like on a keyed instrument, developing a good ear for intonation is especially important for trombonists — and knowing your positions inside out is the first step.