Playing alto trombone Pt 2 of 2
In part one of this two-part series on the alto trombone (linked below), I discussed what makes the alto trombone different (and better, in my opinion) than the tenor trombone, along with tips for learning and improving your skills on it.
In this part two, I dive into more advanced tips for the alto trombone and how to improvise well on it. Yes, you can play jazz on the alto trombone! 🎶
I'll start by addressing whether the alto makes it easier to play in the higher register. The answer is both yes and no. The shallow stock mouthpiece allows for higher notes but can result in a thinner sound. Using a deeper tenor mouthpiece may not give you that high note lift, but there are other advantages. For instance, the alto offers more distance between the partials, making it easier to target higher notes.
Remember, the alto is not just a smaller version of the tenor; it's a different instrument with partials a fourth higher. In my book, "Alto Trombone Savvy," I provide exercises to build your mental and muscle memory for the positions, helping you play better on the alto sooner.
I also advocate for getting a fat sound on the alto. Practicing outdoors helps achieve a fuller sound by removing the distraction of walls. Another advantage of the alto is its shorter, lighter slide, which makes it easier to play with quicker response and handling.
Next, I'll share my thoughts on improvising on the alto trombone. Connecting your ear to your instrument is crucial for authentic improvisation. This requires knowing your instrument well and making it an extension of your voice.
Learn your scales, theory, and transcribe great solos by memory. Practice is key, but your ear is the gateway to playing well. I provide an excellent exercise to deepen your connection between your ear and the alto in a separate video, which I'll link to in the comments.
Finally, check out my improvisation platform, Groovz Playground, for play-along tracks to explore your improvisation skills. Start with simpler loops and let your musical voice emerge from this wonderful brass instrument.
Watch the full video for tips and exercises to master the alto trombone and enjoy your journey with this amazing instrument! 🎺
Playing the alto Trombone - part 1: • Learn to play Alto Trombone part 1
The video mentioned about the play-sing-play exercise: • Jazz Improvisation: Simple 30-day Exercise...
Groovz Playground: https://www.musicsavvy.com/my-account