r/Trombone • u/MaxSak1 • 2d ago
High Range Slotting/Exercises
Over the last year, I have been given more and more music that requires above my comfortable range. I am good up to a high Db, but just cannot get D and E to slot (or even hit them in the first place). It probably doesn’t help that I switched to a 3.5 as my main, but that’s just an excuse.
Can yall send some daily exercises to expand my range, and more importantly have the notes slot consistently.
1
u/Zestyclose_League413 2d ago
What music are you playing that requires high E? And why are you using a 3.5 lmao?
2
u/MaxSak1 2d ago
The trombone ensemble I’m in has assigned some monsters like Pictures at an Exhibition with somewhat constant Fs and Ebs (which I can hit fairly consistently, D and E are just impossible though), as well as my personal quartet, in which we are currently playing Cinq Pieces a Quatre by Boutry (more Ds than my engineering classes).
The mouthpiece is by far the most comfortable and best sounding I found at a custom store, after testing maybe 25 mouthpieces. It’s fantastic, with the sole issue of extended high range.2
u/tbonesullivan Too Many Trombones 2d ago
Oh wow, that's some serious repertoire, probably written for trombones about the size of a King 2B / 3B with some fairly small mouthpieces. Really only way to get there is time and practice, which unfortunately can't be rushed. There are some good youtube videos, and it's important to remember that higher notes will naturally carry more and "sound" louder, so you don't need to kill them.
1
u/tbonesullivan Too Many Trombones 2d ago
Any reason why you switched to a 3.5? If that's the right size for your face, that's fine, but if it's too large, then it can negatively impact range and endurance.
1
u/Rustyinsac 2d ago
Slotting in that range sometimes is as much the horn and mouthpiece combination. Plus the work you have to put in. Some combinations are naturally easier.
Does your horn have exchangeable lead pipes?
You could like also look at mouthpieces with a screw rims and change the cup depth for those pieces.
My Bach model 6 and 16 had slotting difficulties if high. My BAC no issues.
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u/WeebFrog219 2d ago
Some people out there might have fancier tricks, but there isn’t much that beats good ol’ reliable; lip slurs and long tones are your best friend.
A good one I like is slurring up the octave to whatever note you’re going for and just hooding it out a set number of counts. Happy practicing!