A tenor trombone is always tuned in Bb, but unlike the trumpet, it is a non transposing instrument. (I suppose that is because trombone players like to call a bone for a bone instead of a Bb for a C…) There are two main types of tenor trombones, the small bore trombone and the large bore trombone. Both can be fitted with an F attachment. The bore refers to the actual size of the tubing, measured at the point where you insert the mouthpiece. This results in the need of two series of mouthpieces, built to fit either small or large bore horns.

The small bore trombone is typically used by jazz players, and has a bright sound. Due to the larger tubing, the large bore trombone is more mellow, and is the first choice among classical trombone players. I use to describe the difference in sound by comparing the sound of a jazz or pop singer with an opera singer´s, although the difference is not that big on small and large bore trombones.

Small bore trombone
Small bore trombones, often called jazz trombones, usually have a bore spanning between .480″ to around .510″ (or 12,2-13mm), and the bell size is usually between 6,5″-8″ (165-203mm). The typical mouthpieces used with small bore horns have the size of read more »

or more accurate:
A TROMBONE LESSON ABOUT INTONATION

“The Trombone is the only instrument that in theory can play in perfect tune, but in practice never does.”

Sokrates, March 17, 421 B.C.

Luckily, since his days, trombones has evolved and are now made of metal instead of clumsy and heavy marble. And many trombone players have learned to actually play in tune as well! But Sokrates was on to something. Since we have a slide instead of valves, we can actually adjust the pitch and make it perfect without compensating with the lips. On a valve brass instrument, you have to do the work with the embouchure, or maybe a trigger on some notes.

So, what about that 20 positions trombone???
While most text books and teachers argue that the standard trombone has 7 positions, I would say that any trombone in practice has more than 20 positions, so the trombone on the picture is actually your trombone! read more »

There are a series of articles here on Digitaltrombone about flexibility for brass players, and they all have their distinct advantages. Many trombone flexibility exercises tend to have a rather uninspiring rhythm and focus mainly on changing notes.

With these trombone exercises, I have added some rhythmical flavor, making them a bit more fun to play, but most of all, adding a new challenge to the concept of flexibility.

You should focus on playing these patterns as effortless as possible. Whenever you are changing note or changing from quarter notes to eight notes, think light and easy, rather than trying to nail it with force. More ballet, less sumo. read more »