- Trombone legato is arguably the most difficult technique among all trombone skills; it requires legato tonguing ('lu, lu') rather than normal tonguing. Understanding this difference and using them correctly enables smooth note connections — an essential skill for trombone players
- Other instruments can naturally achieve legato by pressing keys or valves, but doing the same on trombone lets intermediate notes slip in, preventing clean legato. Trombone requires a special tonguing technique, and using legato tonguing correctly is essential. Understanding this distinction is the first step to mastering trombone legato
- Using legato tonguing within the same partial series and lip slurs when the partial series changes is crucial; some players confuse the two. By determining whether the partial series stays the same or changes, you can make the correct choice and master trombone legato effectively. This distinction is the key to legato technique
- Practicing scales with legato technique helps you learn to distinguish between legato tonguing and lip slurs, and quickly develop the judgment of which to use. For example, B to C uses the valve, C to G uses a lip slur, and notes within the same partial series use legato tonguing. With persistent practice, trombone legato can be mastered
In trombone legato, attempting to play legato with normal tonguing ('too, too') does not produce clean legato. Other instruments can change notes with keys or valves, naturally producing legato, but doing the same on trombone lets intermediate notes slip in, making smooth note connections impossible. Separating notes with normal tonguing creates a clear break between notes, losing the smooth connection essential for legato. Also, using legato tonguing when the partial series changes prevents the correct pitch change that should use a lip slur, negating the effect of legato technique.
OK Example: Distinguishing Between Legato Tonguing ('lu, lu') and Lip Slurs
In trombone legato, distinguishing between legato tonguing ('lu, lu') and lip slurs is effective for achieving smooth note connections. Instead of normal tonguing ('too, too'), use 'lu, lu' to separate notes for legato, which achieves smooth note connections. Use legato tonguing within the same partial series and lip slurs when the partial series changes to achieve correct legato technique. Practice with adjacent notes in 1st and 2nd positions so that intermediate notes don't slip in and tonguing isn't too strong, aiming for smooth note-to-note connections.
Practice Steps
To master trombone legato, it is important to follow a gradual set of practice steps. By distinguishing between legato tonguing ('lu, lu') and lip slurs, you can achieve smooth note connections and master trombone legato. Start with basic legato tonguing practice, then understand the distinction based on partial series, and finally apply it practically through scale exercises — this step-by-step approach is effective. Following this sequence ensures you firmly acquire trombone legato technique and develop into expressive playing.
Step 1: Basic Legato Tonguing ('lu, lu') Practice
First, it is important to begin with basic legato tonguing ('lu, lu') practice. Instead of normal tonguing ('too, too'), use 'lu, lu' to separate notes for legato, which achieves smooth note connections. Practice with adjacent notes in 1st and 2nd positions so that intermediate notes don't slip in and tonguing isn't too strong, aiming for smooth note-to-note connections. Effective practice with adjacent notes in 1st and 2nd positions helps you firmly acquire the basics of legato tonguing.
Step 2: Understanding the Distinction Based on Partial Series
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between legato tonguing and lip slurs based on the partial series. Use legato tonguing within the same partial series and lip slurs when the partial series changes to achieve correct legato technique. Some players confuse the two, but by determining whether the partial series stays the same or changes, you can make the correct distinction. Being able to clearly distinguish between legato tonguing and lip slurs is essential for mastering trombone legato, and understanding this distinction is the key to legato technique.
Step 3: Applying Legato Technique Through Scale Practice
Try practicing scales with legato technique. B to C uses the valve, C to G uses a lip slur, and notes within the same partial series use legato tonguing. F to G changes partial series, so use a lip slur, and notes within the same partial series are refined with legato tonguing. Practicing scales with legato technique helps you learn to distinguish between legato tonguing and lip slurs and quickly develop the judgment of which to use. Practicing pieces that use legato technique enables more practical acquisition of legato technique and improves trombone expressiveness.
- Practice basic legato tonguing ('lu, lu') with adjacent notes in 1st and 2nd positions
- Understand the distinction: use legato tonguing within the same partial series and lip slurs when the partial series changes
- Practice scales with legato technique, becoming able to distinguish between legato tonguing and lip slurs
- Ensure intermediate notes don't slip in and tonguing isn't too strong — aim for smooth note-to-note connections
- Practice pieces that use legato technique, aiming for practical mastery of legato
Summary: Practice Persistently to Master Trombone Legato
Trombone legato is arguably the most difficult technique among all trombone skills. By using legato tonguing ('lu, lu') instead of normal tonguing, you can achieve smooth note connections. Use legato tonguing within the same partial series and lip slurs when the partial series changes to achieve correct legato technique. Practicing scales with legato technique helps you learn to distinguish between legato tonguing and lip slurs and quickly develop the judgment of which to use. It is truly one of the most difficult techniques for trombone, but please practice persistently and work toward mastery. By following these practice steps, you will master trombone legato and become capable of expressive playing.
