 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Suzy
Date: 1999-01-21 23:35
I don't understand how to tongue the reed for better articulation. I was hoping someone here could give me some tips!!!!!
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Author: A
Date: 1999-01-22 17:07
Opinions vary. One thing is sure... tongue ONLY the very tip(edge) of the reed, and generally, tongue it lightly. Some clarinetists use the tip of the tongue. Many more arch the tongue and strike the TIP of the reed, thus employing a portion of the tongue somewhat back from the tip. I prefer this method.
The most important thing is the thig first stated: strike ONLY THE VERY TIP (edge) of the reed. Striking more than the tip results in an unplesant thud in the attack.
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Author: Dee
Date: 1999-01-23 01:20
Actually the term tonguing leads to a lot of misunderstanding. The tongue should NOT strike the reed as the previous poster has stated.
Correct tonguing is accomplished by starting with the tongue on the reed and then pulling it off the reed. Tip to tip is the most widely preferred and accepted method.
Here is a drill to demonstrate correct tonguing. I learned this from Daniel Bonade's Clarinet Compendium.
1. Using an easy note like the open G. Start with the tongue already touching the reed. Start to blow with the tongue still on the reed. No sound should come out and you will feel a significant back pressure.
2. Now while continuing to blow, quickly pull the tongue away from the reed. Keep blowing. The note should speak easily and cleanly. You have now correctly tongued the note. Notice that you did NOT strike the reed.
3. Keep blowing and GENTLY but quickly place the tip of the tongue back on the tip of the reed. The sound should stop as soon as you put the tongue back on the reed and you will again feel the back pressure.
4. Now you can finally stop blowing.
5. Repeat the drill as many times as it takes.
Once you have the hang of it, try other notes, slow scales, arpeggios. Eventually, you should be able to develop a clean, light articulation with no thuds.
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Author: Susan
Date: 1999-01-23 04:35
I agree with Dee. The drill that she mentions has worked well when teaching someone to "tongue" the reed.
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Author: Ray Swing
Date: 1999-01-28 22:34
I see nothing wrong with "A's" description of tongueing the reed. What He / She describes when using the tip of the tongue is exactly the way I would describe it. To me, the most difficult part of tongueing is coordinating the tongue with the fingers in any sort of fast music. I am sure I would have an easier time of it if my Clarinet was professionally set up with lowered keys and lighter, easier working keywork.
R.S.
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Author: Dee
Date: 1999-02-02 00:41
"Striking" will almost always result in a "thudding" sound even when you do use only the tip of the tongue to the tip of the reed. It is much less noticeable but it is still a thud.
So by using the term "strike" the reed, the student gets an incorrect mental picture of tonguing and might not ever learn to tongue correctly as they will always be hitting the reed. Except for special effects, hitting the reed is incorrect.
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