Learning to triple-tongue... any advice?

[seastone130]

So I'm trying to learn how to triple-tongue on my trombone, but I can't really seem to get it. I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong. Can anybody give me a few tips?

[bandman001]

For triple tonguing, try using syllables like "ku". The basic thing that needs to happen is the part of the tongue up front alternates interrupting the air with the back/middle part of the tongue. Try just using the "ku" syllable at a moderate/slow tempo to work the muscles and technique, then begin slowly working up speed by alternating "tu" and "ku".

My practice for this is to "ku" at a tempo where the tone is good and the spacing between syllables is even as you go up an easy scale (4 syllables to each note) then add the "tu" syllable in front of it.

(first note)- ku ku ku ku, (second note)- ku ku ku ku, and so on.

then i work on the Triple tongue

(first note) tu tu ku tu tu ku tu tu ku tu tu ku tu, (second note)- tu tu ku tu tu ku tu tu ku tu tu ku tu, etc.

The alternate way is basically the same, except it goes tu ku tu instead of tu tu ku. As far as I know there is no difference, it is just whichever feels more comfortable.

And, as if you haven't probably heard this phrase enough, use more air. It really makes a difference on the articulation on the double tongue. It is important to keep it even, if it is uneven you won't be able to go fast, and it'll sound bad. Just go slow, then gradually speed up.

if you have any questions regarding double tonguing/multiple tonguing in general this is a link to another thread on TFBC. forums.talesfrombandcamp.com/index.cgi?board=brass&action=display&thread=1951

[trumellotonium]

it may be easier to use the method mentioned above, but replacing the hard consonants with softer ones-- i.e., use d-d-g or d-g-d instead of t-t-k or t-k-t. It's very similar motion with your tongue, but a I find it a little easier.

[bandman001]

It might be easier to use soft syllables in the short run, but as far as I've heard, using the hard syllables gives a clear attack that works in all registers and allows for more speed overall.

[mthsbandrocks]

It helps to master double tounging first. so unless you have gotten pretty good at double tounging, triple tounging may be a little hard.

[Phoenix Wright]

Wait.... if tu ku and di ga are triple tounging.... whats double tounging? I didn't know there WAS a triple tuonging. D:

[bandman001]

The difference between double and triple tonguing is just the number of the number of syllables used.

Double tonguing is used primarily in duple meters (ex. 2/4, 3/4, 2/2)

tu-ku

And triple tonguing is used in triple meters (ex. 6/8, 9/8)

tu-tu-ku

double-2 syllables per beat
triple-3 syllables per beat

[Phoenix Wright]

Ah.. i see...
I never could double tongue... and i don't think i ever will be able too... i've tried, but my tongue never wants to move. XD