Double Tongue on Trumpet
Double tonguing is a fairly advanced technique utilized by brass players as a replacement for 'single tonguing', which becomes fairly difficult as the tempo of an articulated phrase increases.
Steps
- You will need to know how to pronounce the word 'ticket'. Say the word and concentrate on what your tongue is doing while you speak.
- A few alternatives to "ticket": "Tukka", "Tugga", "Dugga".
- Take a full breath, and exhale as fast as you can, saying the word as you do so. Notice how there is tension in your air stream when you reach each syllable. Now all you have to do is put less exaggeration into the syllables so the air stream stays smooth throughout your exhalation. Practice this until it's smooth and comfortable.
- Practice with your mouthpiece. Practice single tonguing, then using the 'rebound' attack only (ka's, ga's, etc.)
- Try it on your horn! Take it slowly, and read the tips below for further help.
Tips
- Remember to say da-ga, ta-ka, tu-ku, etc. when you are double tonguing.
- If your 'rebound' tongue attack (the ka if you use ta-ka; ga if you use da-ga, etc.) is weak, practice using just ka's. Play a scale using just ka's or ga's, with no ta's or da's. This will help you build up your rebound attack strength.
- Practice slowly at first!
- Let your tongue ride your air stream. If your tongue is doing all the work, you'll know. Your tongue will be tired, because it will be releasing air out in sharp, small bursts. Your sound will be weak and not pleasant. If you just let your tongue 'ride' the air stream, double tonguing will be easier and will come more naturally after practice. Using du-gu or tu-ku will help with keeping yourself from having a weak air stream.
- Try to make your rebound tongue attack sound the same as your initial attack.
Warnings
- Take it slowly at first. If you jump right to 200 beats per minute, you'll teach yourself improper and sloppy technique and it will be difficult to break your bad habit and learn the technique properly.
Things You'll Need
- Trumpet
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