22.01.2026
With the aim of helping composers – and based on some experiences over the years – I would like to share a summary chart of the main lip multiphonics for tenor trombone with f-attachment. These specific multiphonics are commonly known as split tones.
Any combination between these is possible. As a microtonal instrument, the trombone allows virtually any split tone in parallel intervals to those shown here.
On November 27th, 2025, Helmut Lachenmann had his 90th birthday, and Ensemble Modern celebrated it performing his iconic piece Concertini (2005). I had the privilege of being there, and it felt like the perfect moment to share this content.
It is also worth mentioning that Helmut Lachenmann worked closely with trombonist and composer Mike Svoboda back then (you can find more about it here: Mike Svoboda and Michel Roth, The Techniques of Trombone Playing. Kassel: Bärenreiter, 2017).
The notation proposed in this writing is the one most commonly used today and has effectively become the standard.
ANTONIO MARIN 