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Re: Quick/fast Tounging?

Author: Dee
Date: 2003-03-28 21:55

Many people think they have tonguing problems when in reality it is a synchronization problem between tongue and fingers. The subconscious thinks the tongue is slow and hold back the fingers. This makes the tonguing sound muddy, unclear and slow. And the bad part is, the faster you try to tongue, the worse it gets!

Before deciding you have a tonguing problem, try tonguing a couple of measures as fast as you can on an open G. Try to see what your speed is. I think that many people would be pleasantly surprised. Pay special attention to tonguing in a light and relaxed manner as this will give you maximum speed. Don't try too many measures as the tongue is a muscle and slows down as it gets tired, you may need to build up stamina for long passages.

Then after the above exercise, try a fast tongued passage BUT focus on moving your fingers fast. Just set the tongue in motion so to speak and forget the tongue. The finger movement needs to LEAD the tongue movement. You might only manage a bar or two before falling apart but it's a start.

Once you've tried these two little tests, then go back and work on synchronization at a slow speed. Make the fingers move first on each tongued note. Then gradually increase the speed focusing on this synchronization.

This is an important procedure to learn. For if you don't have the synchronization, double and triple tonguing won't help.

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