Hi all,

I had a question about range and flexibility in extended positions. I seem to have a much easier time playing higher, and with more flexibility in 5th through 7th position than I do in the closer positions. Is this normal? If it was just one or two partials more, than I wouldn't really think anything of it, but it tends to be 3 to 4 more than I can play in 1st or 2nd. I'm just wondering if anyone knows what could make those outer positions easier, maybe something acoustical about the trombone?

Thanks!

It partly depends how high you're talking about. And what size your trombone is. And your particular embouchure. There may be good reasons - in the same range, harmonics are farther apart in 1st - the blowing resistance changes between1st and outer positions - and maybe extending the slide is changing your mouthpiece placement or angle.

Those are all good things to think about. I do know that on 7th I have to angle my head to the right to reach fully, but on 6th I don't. As far as how high, in 1st position I can always play up to Bb4, and most days C5. But in 7th position I can almost always play up to F5. My horn is an old Besson 8-10, which is a .485" bore, and surprisingly heavy.