- Top Trumpet Embouchure Techniques: Options for Beginners Through Professionals - October 12, 2022
- Is the Trumpet Hard to Learn? - September 30, 2022
- Best Leblanc Clarinet Models Guide: From Soprano to Contrabass - September 5, 2022
Do you love the sound of a brass instrument? Are you trying to decide which you should play? You should read the trumpet vs trombone explained! While both instruments are part of the same overall family, there are quite a few differences. And those things can affect your experience learning and playing music.
So how do the trumpet and trombone compare?
Main Difference Between Trumpet vs Trombone
The main differences between the trumpet and trombone are:
- The trumpet is a high-pitched instrument, whereas the trombone is a low-pitched instrument
- The trumpet reads music in the treble clef, whereas the trombone reads music in the bass and tenor clefs
- The trumpet is in the key of B flat, whereas the trombone is in the key of C (concert pitch)
- The trumpet uses valves, whereas the trombone has a single slide
- The trumpet has tubing that folds over itself, whereas the trombone has tubing that’s more spread out
Consider how these differences can affect your decision between the two instruments.
Pitch
The trumpet is one of the highest-pitched brass instruments, after the cornet. That means the trumpet usually plays the melody or a descant line when playing in a group. On the other hand, the trombone is part of the low brass, with the tuba and euphonium. Trombones tend to play the bass line or a harmony line.
Clef
The trumpet reads music in the treble clef, which covers notes around and above middle C on the piano. No matter how high or low the notes are, the trumpet only reads in that one clef.
When you play the trombone, most of the range is in the bass clef, which includes notes below middle C. Sometimes, you will need to read the tenor clef to play some of the higher notes, and this clef goes a little higher than the bass clef.
Tuning
Not only are the ranges different between the two instruments, but so is the way you tune them. The trombone is in the key of C, so the note you see is what you hear. Trumpets are in the key of B flat, so they sound a whole step lower than the written note. That means the written music needs to be a whole step higher for trumpets to play in tune with other instruments.
When tuning with a group, you might play the concert pitch A or B flat. Trombones can then play either note. However, trumpets will need to play B and C, respectively, to be in tune.
Valves And Slides
Trumpets change notes by closing or opening valves in the instrument. If you play the trombone, you will need to move the slide closer or farther away to help change the pitch.
Both instruments use harmonics or partials because there aren’t enough valves or slide positions to play each note. Players need to combine these different positions with the right amount of air and airflow to get the desired pitch.
The trombone’s slide makes it easier to play a glissando, which is where you produce pitches between notes. Trumpet players may need to use their air to help make those in-between sounds.
Variations
Both the trumpet and trombone have variations within their own instrument families. The trumpet family has the piccolo trumpet, which plays an octave higher than the trumpet, similar to the flute and piccolo relationship.
Many people who play the trombone can also play the bass trombone. It’s similar to the regular trombone, but it’s in the key of B flat instead of C. The bass trombone also has a larger bore, and there are two valves that help extend the instrument’s range.
What To Consider When Choosing A Brass Instrument
Seeing the differences of a trumpet vs. trombone explained is great. However, they might not always help you decide which instrument you should play.
For better or worse, one brass instrument isn’t better for everyone. Some players love the trumpet but would struggle to make music on the trombone or vice versa. Here are a few factors to think about to help you choose the trumpet or trombone.
Your Size
The size and shape of the brass instruments can help you narrow your search. If you have shorter arms, you may not be able to reach the farthest position on the trombone.
So it only makes sense to play the trumpet. The trombone’s size and weight also require a bit more strength than the trumpet, even if you’re an adult with long arms. Also, while both use a mouthpiece, the trombone’s mouthpiece is bigger than that of a trumpet.
Overall, anyone can play the trumpet, though, so consider if you’re big enough for the trombone or not.
Your Interests
Next, you should think about the type of music you like to play or the role you want to play in an ensemble, like marching band or jazz band. Trumpets usually get the melody or a supporting melody, but not always. However, trombones tend to play the bass line or another low-pitched harmony part. They can have the melody in some pieces, but it’s not as common.
Your Budget
Because of their bigger size, you may need to spend more on a good trombone than on a trumpet of the same caliber. If you don’t have much money, learning the trumpet can be great. You can determine if you like playing members of the brass family. And you can always switch to the trombone later when you do have the money to spend on one from a reputable brand.
Your Preference
Sometimes, your budget, size, and interests don’t matter. If you prefer the sound of one over the other, give it a try. You may realize that you can play the trombone even though your arms aren’t that long. If an instrument speaks to you, you’ll be more willing to practice and improve. Even if it’s not the “perfect” instrument, you can make it work.
The Better Brass Instrument
Overall, the trumpet is a better choice because it’s easier for more people to play. You don’t have to be as strong or have super long arms to hold the instrument and play all of the notes.
And you only have to learn one clef instead of two. That can make it easier for you to progress and learn more difficult trumpet parts. The trumpet is also more common as a solo instrument, so you’ll have more opportunities than a trombonist.
Trumpet
Prelude by Conn-Selmer TB711 Series Trumpet
Prelude by Conn-Selmer is an excellent affordable student trumpet. While it might not have the longevity or the bells and whistles of more expensive student trumpets, it’s a perfect choice for those on a budget.
It features a yellow brass bell and body, nickel silver outer slides, and a red brass leadpipe. The bore is a medium-large design, allowing for a warmer overall tone. The valves are stainless steel piston construction and comes with a lacquer finish. Overall it’s a great affordable trumpet for a new player, but it won’t last more than a few years into your journey.
Pros
- Inexpensive trumpet perfect for getting started
- Overall sturdy construction from a well-known student brand
- Comes with a foam case and mouthpiece
- Well-rounded overall neutral tone perfect for a beginner
Cons
- Will need to be replaced within a few years as your student or child grows.
Yamaha YTR-2330
The Prelude TB711 trumpet may be a great budget find, but if you want a higher-quality trumpet that will last you a very long time, the Yamaha YTR-2330 is a fantastic choice.
It features a 2-piece yellow brass 4 -⅞” bell and body. With a gold brass leadpipe and slides and a .459” bore. One of my favorite features is the monel piston valves, which are made from the same material as higher-end trumpets.
I found the overall tone perfect for a beginner, mellow but dynamic. It’s easy to see why this trumpet is considered the gold star among student trumpets.
Pros
- High-quality trumpet with monel piston valves
- Available in a silver or lacquer finish, be aware that the silver costs around $200 more
- Includes a mouthpiece and a wood shell case
- Well priced for the quality and longevity of the instrument
- Will last a student quite a few years into their journey, probably even through high school
Cons
- The case is very small and doesn’t hold accessories
- The valves will occasionally stick, which is frustrating for new players.
Trombones
Allora ATB-250 Student Series Trombone
Similar to trumpet, finding a high-quality trombone can be a struggle, especially on a budget. The Allora ATB-250 aims to bridge that gap by offering a high-quality budget trombone. This trombone has a .500” bore and a 8” yellow brass bell that aid students in projection and responsiveness. The leadpipe is made out of yellow brass as well, with a chrome-plated nickel silver inner slide.
I found the overall tone of this trombone to feel a little thin and a little muddy. This is to be expected with an instrument at this price point. However, it’s clear and robust enough that a student will be able to grow with it for a while. Remember that you will have to upgrade as you start a more complex repertoire.
Pros
- Inexpensive quality trombone for a new player
- Comes with a poly foam case and mouthpiece
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- The tone feels muddy and thin
- Will need to be upgraded as you grow as a student
Yamaha YSL-354 Trombone
Similar to the trumpets, it’s no surprise that the standard trombone is a Yamaha. The YSL-354 is an awesome student trombone but is much more expensive than the Allora.
This trombone features a yellow brass 8” bell, leadpipe and body with a .500” bore. The outer handslide is also yellow brass, with a standard nickel silver inner slide. The tone of this trombone is bright but overall relatively neutral. Nothing too special, which is what makes it perfect for a student.
This trombone is available in gold lacquer or silver and as a valve trombone—plenty of choices for your needs. I recommend the gold lacquer finish to save a few bucks, as the silver is more expensive.
Pros
- Standard student horn
- Bright neutral tone perfect for beginners
- Perfect for smaller players and new players to handle and get the hang of
- Comes with a hard plastic case and 48s mouthpiece
- The responsive and has very smooth action
Cons
- Considerably expensive compared to the Allora but worth every penny.
FAQs
Answer: If anything, the opposite is true. The trombone can be harder to balance, especially for beginners. You need to hold the bell near your left ear and use your right arm to switch between slide positions.
Hitting the slide positions correctly can require a lot of practice. You’ll need to develop muscle memory and know what each pitch is supposed to sound like so that you can stay in tune.
Answer: The trumpet can sound louder than a trombone, but that’s not because the instrument itself is louder. Because the trumpet is a higher-pitched instrument, the notes can carry more, even if they’re playing at the same volume.
Consider playing flute and a piccolo. The piccolo will sound louder even if the musician isn’t playing it louder, and the piccolo plays higher than the flute.
Answer: When you first start to learn the brass family, you should choose one. However, you can learn the other after you master the fundamentals on your first instrument.
If you want to go into music professionally, playing both the trumpet and trombone can help you get more gigs and find private lesson students. That way, you won’t have to search as hard to make money as a musician.
Answer: In general, you can expect to pay more for a trombone than a trumpet. Trombones are bigger, so they require more materials than trumpets to develop.
Answer: You can play both instruments in many of the same situations. There are trumpet and trombone parts in concert, marching, and jazz bands. Some orchestral works also call for both brass instruments.
Trumpet and trombone players can also play in brass quartets and other chamber groups. Solos are also available for both instruments.
Answer: The trumpet’s written range starts at the F sharp below middle C and goes up to the C above the treble clef. That means the sounding range is the E below middle C to the B flat above the staff.
Answer: The trombone has the same written and sounding range. Its lowest note is the C below the bass clef, which is two octaves below middle C. The trombone can play up to the B just below an octave below middle C.
Answer: You can teach yourself the trumpet and the trombone, but it can be difficult. A private teacher can help you learn how to form an embouchure and learn the different notes.
I would say that teaching yourself the trumpet is probably easier than teaching yourself the trombone. With the trombone, you have to know where to put the slide to play different notes, whereas you only need to press valves to change a trumpet’s pitch.
Final Note On The Trumpet vs Trombone Explained
Before you decide which brass instrument is for you, you should have the trumpet vs. trombone explained. Both instruments can be fun, and you can play them in a lot of the same scenarios.
However, the trumpet is smaller, more affordable, and easier for more people to play. After you master the basics of the trumpet, you can get even better, or you can learn the trombone and play both.
