Nearly all trombones have a telescoping slide mechanism that changes the length of the instrument to vary its pitch. A variety of mutes can be used with the instrument to alter its timbre; many are held in place with the use of grips and others fit over the horn like a bucket.

The trombone can be found in wind ensembles, concert bands, symphony orchestras, marching bands, military bands, chamber music, brass bands, and brass choirs which can number from five to more than twenty members.