How to Use Single and Double Tongue Techniques for a Saxophone

Many beginning saxophone players make the mistake of throat tonguing, articulating the notes by stopping the flow of air by constricting their throats. The correct technique is to use the tongue to stop the vibration of the reed. This allows for a cleaner sound and the ability to articulate notes at a higher tempo. Read on to learn how to use single and double tongue techniques for saxophone.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Single Tonguing

1. Place the saxophone's mouthpiece between your lips and begin to play.

2. Keep your tongue in the bottom of your mouth with the tip near or pressing against your lower teeth.

3. Articulate a note by raising your tongue until it just touches the reed. This stops the reed from vibrating momentarily.

4. Take care not to slap the reed with your tongue, which will make an unpleasant sound.

Double Tonguing

5. Practicing saying the following two syllables as rapidly as possible: Tah-kah. When you can do this quickly and well, get your saxophone.

6. Perform the first half of the double tongue technique in the usual way (see Section 1). This is the "Tah" part of Step 1.

7. Articulate the second note by saying "Kah" while playing. This stops the flow of air to the reed, which will stop vibrating.

8. Notice the difference in the sound when using the double tonguing technique. You may choose to double tongue a note even when speed is not an issue.

9. Practice double tonguing with the saxophone until you can do it naturally and well. Tonguing exercises will help you improve.

Tips & Warnings

• You may find it easier to practice the syllables Doo-koo when learning to double tongue.

Resources

• See a video demonstrating single and double tonguing techniques.