 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Squidward
Date: 2014-06-03 01:11
Hi all,
I've been playing the clarinet for about 8 years now, and I just recently discovered that I've been using an improper tonguing technique this entire time. I noticed that my tonguing was producing a sloppy "thud" sound as opposed to the distinct "ta" my band director wants. Additionally, I was having trouble tonguing fast (generally, sixteenth notes at anything over 130 BPM) and on passages with fast staccato high notes, I have a tendency to squeak and chirp (very embarrassing).
Anyway, through some research, I discovered my issue is "anchor tonguing," or "anchoring" the tongue behind the bottom teeth and using the middle of the tongue to stop the reed vibration (as opposed to the accepted "tip to tip" method). I must have accidentally picked up this method when I first learned the instrument, and it was never corrected.
As for the reasons stated above, I would like to change my tonguing method, but I'm having trouble doing so. My tongue seems to naturally anchor behind my bottom teeth, and when I try to move it away, my tone becomes shaky and sounds unsupported. And trying to tongue using the "tip to tip" method is a nightmare, I cannot get the tip of my tongue to make contact with the tip of the reed unless I concentrate very hard, which always leads to messing up the rest of my embouchure and squeaking all over whatever piece I'm trying to play (again, very embarrassing).
So my question is, how can I fix this bad habit? I understand it is a muscle memory issue, but I'm having the worst time just trying to successfully execute the proper technique. This is very discouraging, and I would appreciate some guidance. Thank you.
Post Edited (2014-06-03 01:12)
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Author: AAAClarinet
Date: 2014-06-03 01:26
Anchor tonguing isn't necessarily wrong. There are pros who do it. I switch from anchor tonguing recently, for me it took patients and repetition. At first I almost felt like I was choking on my tongue. Now I am very happy with tip to tip.
AAAClarinet
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Author: Ed
Date: 2014-06-03 06:00
As stated above, there have been many players who have used or use anchor tonguing. It is not necessarily bad, but the key is what the result is. If you are unhappy with your playing, you might try to refine your current technique to see if you can make some improvements.
Your speed on tongued notes is very respectable. It varies from player to player, with some naturally able to tongue like a snake and others who reach their limit much earlier. As far as the issues up high and the thudding, there are a few things that may cause it. Be careful that your tongue is in full contact with the reed, not just on one side. Check that your tongue is close to the tip (it does not need to be exactly at the tip) and not farther down on the reed. Keep your air strong and work on touching the reed very lightly and not hitting the reed too hard. Think of pulling the tongue off of the reed rather than the motion of going toward the reed. Work on the lightest most delicate legato at slow speeds to refine the technique.
If you decide to pursue tonguing with the tip, I would work first on establishing your embouchure without the support of the tongue on the lip. Keep the tip of the tongue close to the reed without making contact. Long tones will help develop control and strength. As you feel more comfortable, try bringing the tongue to the reed slowly and gently until it stops the sound to establish placement. I generally find that there is a little overlap with the very tip of the tongue slightly below the tip of the reed. Next, bring it to the reed barely stopping the tone and again concentrate on the motion of releasing it rather than contact. Do it enough so it is comfortable and then try faster while remaining light and gentle. Try to keep the bulk of the tongue still while only flexing the tip so that your voicing will not be affected.
It may take some time to get fluid with it, but above all, be patient. Working with a good private teacher would be extremely valuable.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2014-06-05 15:21
"... My tongue seems to naturally anchor behind my bottom teeth, and when I try to move it away, my tone becomes shaky and sounds unsupported...."
We are not built the same... I wonder if some people have longer tongues, that barely fit in the "length" of their mouth cavity. If that were the case, then when you draw your tongue pack to get the tip near the tip of the reed, you possibly also raise the back (or centre) of your tongue towards your soft (or hard) palate, creating turbulence when produces unstable airflow.
Extra long or not, think about what the rest of your tongue is doing.
Regarding fast tonguing, I believe that there are severe restrictions for some players, including myself, perhaps resulting from slower travel of nerve messages in the tongue, or slower muscle reaction to those nerve messages.
Flute is my main instrument. I once made an extremely conscientious effort to speed up my very slow tonguing. The result was no change. I use double tonguing all the time for anything around 7 notes per second or more, and simply cannot tongue fast enough for Gilbert & Sullivan 6/8 patter songs on clarinet. So I could not contemplate becoming a professional musician.
I sure envy those guys who, having never played a wind instrument, can call "kitty,kitty,kitty..." about twice almost twice as fast as I can, after so much double tonguing on the flute.
Post Edited (2014-06-05 15:22)
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