Greetings to all trombonists exploring the realm of double trigger instruments! If you’ve been on the hunt for a slide position chart tailored to these bass trombones, in this guide, we’ll delve into why a standard chart might not be the ultimate solution you’re hoping for, and we’ll uncover methods to discover slide positions for double trigger trombones.
Understanding the Challenge
Pressing a single trigger elongates the slide positions compared to playing without any triggers. But activate both triggers, and the positions stretch further apart than they do with only one trigger engaged. So, 2nd position, for example, will vary depending on whether one, two, or no triggers are being pressed.
Cracking the Code: Two Solutions for Precision
Embrace Technology with Electronic Tuners: Using an electronic tuner can help guide you to the correct slide positions with any trigger combination.
Delving into Mechanics: For those who relish understanding the “why” behind things, this method is for you. Our article THE TROMBONE TRIGGER MAKES IT LONGER discusses the mechanics behind slide length adjustments using triggers. In this article, we will go more in depth.
Let’s get started…
The Physics of Slide Positions for Double Trigger Trombones
A fundamental concept is that to produce a note one semitone lower, the length of the instrument must increase by 6%. Slide positions aren’t created equal. The gap between the 2nd and 3rd positions is 6% wider than that between the 1st and 2nd positions, and this pattern continues. As your trombone extends, positions drift farther apart by 6% for each position.
If we think of the slide positions continuing on from 7th position by utilizing triggers, we can make the instrument long enough to play a low B♮ in what is essentially 12th position.
This chart shows the length of each successive slide position increasing by 6%. Notice that by the time we get down to 12th position, the distance between positions has almost doubled!
For this table, I have assumed the distance between 1st and 2nd position to be 10 units for simplicity. Each unit would likely be close to 1 cm in length.
Deciphering Double Triggers
Pressing the F trigger equates to a standard 6th position length. In contrast, the G♭ trigger adds a standard 5th position length. Curious about honing your accuracy in 5th and 6th positions? See this article: TROMBONE SLIDE POSITION ACCURACY
Used together, the triggers add enough length to provide the equivalent of a 9th slide position.
The following table shows the distances between positions when different trigger combinations are being used. It assumes the distance between 1st and 2nd positions is 10 units (approximately 10 cms).
With a trigger pressed, the length of the instrument is much longer in 1st position than without the trigger pressed. Therefore, the slide positions will be further part with a trigger.
Fun Quiz: If the distance between 1st and 2nd position is 10cm, how long is the entire trombone when in 1st position?
(Answer: 333cm. Why? Because when extending the slide by 10cm, the length of the instrument is actually extended by 20cm since the slide lengthens two pipes by 10cm each. 20 is 6% of 333).
How to Find Slide Positions for Double Trigger Trombones
Here’s a technique for finding slides positions with both triggers engaged:
1st position will play a D with two triggers.
To locate the 2nd position with both triggers active, play a D♭ in the middle (bass clef) stave using the G♭ trigger and 1st position. Now, recreate that SAME note utilizing both triggers and an extended 2nd position.
To find 3rd position with 2 triggers: Play a C a semitone lower using the F trigger and 1st position. Play the SAME note using both triggers and a long 3rd position.
To find 4th position with 2 triggers: Play a B a semitone lower using the F trigger and 2nd position (or using 7th position). Play the SAME note using both triggers and a long 4th position.
Tuning the Triggers
Let’s not forget the vital aspect of trigger tuning.
For your F trigger, play a bass clef F in 1st position and then replicate the same note with the F trigger engaged.
Adjust the trigger tuning slide until the notes sound the same.
Likewise, refine your G♭ trigger tuning by playing a B♭ above the bass clef staff using both 1st position with the trigger disengaged and with the G♭ trigger pressed. The G♭ trigger mirrors the act of playing this B♭ in 5th position.
Slide Positions for Double Trigger Trombones
While a standard slide position chart might not help to accurately find slide positions for double trigger trombones, armed with knowledge, techniques, and some practice, you’ll soon conquer the complexities of double trigger trombones to the point where finding the right slide position will become as natural as it is without the use of triggers.
This topic can seem complicated and confusing at first. Feel free to comment or ask follow on questions.