How to Do the Tonguing Technique on a Saxophone

If you are just learning to play the saxophone, then you know that to make a sound you must use your mouth to cause the reed to vibrate, the air rushes through the instrument and your sound is created. But when it comes to playing notes staccato or separating one note from another, you must tongue your sax.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Imagine yourself rolling your "r's" on the tip of your tongue. Practice the phrase "Ruffles have ridges" while rolling the r's. This will get you accustomed to the tip of your tongue gesticulating quickly.

2. Take your position on the mouthpiece. Straighten your lower lip over your front teeth. Place the bottom of your lip on the bottom of the moistened reed and the top of your lip on the top of the mouthpiece. It is imperative for your lower lip to remain taut in order to make a sound (and not squeak.) This will feel unnatural and your lips will hurt at first, but soon the muscles will strengthen and you'll get used to it.

3. Gently blow into your saxophone until you make a sound in the open position without worrying about what notes you're playing.

4. Tongue your saxophone to separate the notes. Once you have a nice constant sound, allow the tip of your tongue to touch between the reed and the mouthpiece. You should essentially be plugging the small space. This will stop the flow of air and separate the notes. The faster you move your tongue back and forth the faster you will be playing the notes.

Tips & Warnings

• Expert saxophone players can double and triple tongue their instrument. This means that within the course of a beat, they can play two or three notes lightening fast. They do this by using the tongue technique.
• Practice tonguing notes while doing scales. It's a great way to sharpen your saxophone skills.
• Make sure your reed is not cracked or chipped. Otherwise it will squeak when you try and play it.