17 Easy Trombone Songs For Beginners

The trombone often plays a supporting role in music. But that doesn’t mean you can’t also pick up famous melodies and riffs to an array of popular songs.

In this guide, we look at multiple easy trombone songs for beginners across a variety of styles – pop, rock, soft rock, folk rock, metal, blue-eyed soul, and more.

Now here’s a fun and easy way to build your skills as a trombonist. Learn the following songs.

“We Will Rock You” by Queen

Song year: 1977

Today, Queen’s “We Will Rock You” may have been reduced to a sports arena clap-along, but at the time of its release, it was much more than that.

The stomps and claps were used in place of drums and percussion, and the song is largely driven by the stomp / stomp / clap / rest rhythmic pattern. This struck a chord with the listening public. And aside from a Brian May guitar solo at the end, the song is largely A cappella.

“We Will Rock You” still has a melody, of course, but since you can play it with just four notes, it serves as a great starting place for beginning trombonists. The four-note sequence even works well as a riff. This song is a must.

“My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion

Song year: 1997

The much-hyped and most popular romantic disaster movie of 1997 – starring English beauty Kate Winslet and at the time early 20s heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio – was of course Titanic.

Titanic had a theme song that would go on to become as notorious as the film, and in 1997, there was no Spotify. So, spurred on by the explosive popularity of the movie, watching audiences rushed out to buy the movie’s soundtrack at local CD stores.

The theme song, of course, was Canadian singer Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On.” In retrospect, some are probably cringing at that memory, but there’s your history lesson.

“My Heart Will Go On” is largely considered an easy song to play. That could have more to do with its easy tempo and well-recognized melody than anything, mind you. But I still think it’s a beginner-friendly tune overall.

“Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley

Song year: 1987

Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” is considered one of the cheesiest songs of all time. And maybe in the 80s, it was a cheeseball. But the 90s ended up having far-campier but very popular novelty songs like “Cotton Eye Joe,” “Blue (Da Ba Dee),” and “Barbie Girl,” among others. So, who’s laughing now?

True, “Never Gonna Give You Up” features a try-hard Astley, silly lyrics (upon closer examination), an over-the-top happy-sounding backing track, and an outdated music video that’s unlikely to impress anyone.

But time indeed showed that Astley could sing his face off and outlast many of his peers, and he’s still at it!

If Rickrolling your friends is of any interest to you, your only choice is to learn “Never Gonna Give You Up.”

“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes

Song year: 2003

Guitarist and singer Jack White took inspiration from the simple minor key rock riffs of yesteryear in writing the enduring modern garage rock classic “Seven Nation Army.” Today, this song is taught to developing musicians across the world because of its simplicity (sometimes in mockery).

The main riff is very playable, regardless of your instrument. It sounds very cool on the trombone too. If you want to add a bit of rock to your repertoire, this should prove a quick study.

“Iron Man” by Black Sabbath

Song year: 1971

Black Sabbath’s work in heavy metal was foundation-setting for countless bands to come, like Black Label Society, Black Flag, and even Metallica. Guitarist Tony Iommi and crew successfully invaded the world with countless classic riffs, including this, “Iron Man.”

Today, “Iron Man” is considered a very teachable moment in rock history. The main riff is not a challenging one, whether played on the guitar or the trombone. But it sounds good. It’s a great riff to start your journey with.

“Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple

Song year: 1973

Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” features one of the most important (and possibly one of the most overplayed and parodied) guitar riffs in all of history.

Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore showed the world that you could write a killer riff with just four double stops / power chords. Conveniently, they seem to forget his guitar solo, which demonstrates that he was more than just a capable rhythm guitarist. His playing later influenced the likes of Randy Rhoads and Yngwie Malmsteen.

As with many guitar riffs, this one sounds good on trombone too.

“Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac

Song year: 1977

Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” would go on to become their only Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper. This is a little surprising considering the popularity of the band as well as their prolific release schedule. “Dreams,” for reference, is off their 11th album, Rumours.

“Dreams” has easy soft rock vibes, lush harmonies, rhythmic electric piano, and atmospheric electric guitar swells.

The video tutorial walks you through most of the song, so you may not want to start with this song. But when you’re ready to take on a bit of a project, it’s an excellent choice.

“I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas

Song year: 2009

The Black Eyed Pea’s “I Gotta Feeling” would quickly rise to become a party night essential in 2009 and in the years to follow. I can still remember listening to it on the ride down to the club with friends.

I find it interesting that the title uses the slang word “gotta,” which translates to “got to,” as in “I’ve got to go.” It doesn’t make any sense in context – “I’ve got to feeling?” Oh well, I know I’m nitpicking in a genre where slang is very common and accepted.

Overall, “I Gotta Feeling” has got an easy-to-follow melody, with a slight staccato feel. Well worth learning for brass players.

“Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne

Song year: 1980

The legend of guitarist Randy Rhoads continues to live on in this enduring classic. No, really. People won’t stop talking about it.

Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” is a great tune with great guitar riffs, licks, and solos. Yes, Rhoads knew what he was doing, and it is too bad we lost him in a plane crash.

The video tutorial above is especially easy given that it teaches you the opening bassline. This should be a quick study for most.

“Master of Puppets” by Metallica

Song year: 1986

As a beginner, it’s unlikely that you’ll turn to the music of Metallica in your early development, even if you do one day hope to be able to play their songs.

But depending on the sections you choose, there are some very playable melodies and riffs. In the video tutorial found above, you’ll discover how to play the melody to “Master of Puppets,” which is surprisingly repetitive and not too hard to play, especially if attempted at slower tempos.