 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Rachel
Date: 2003-11-30 23:30
I am having problems flutter tonguing. I know how to do it, and I can do it, but not when there is a reed on the clarinet- I can't do it while still putting enough air through the instrument to get a sound. I also can kind of do it if I drop my jaw a little but that makes a horrible honking sound. I managed to do it for about half a second a couple of days ago, but haven't done it since. Can anyone help me with this?
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Author: ron b
Date: 2003-12-01 00:21
From your description, Rachel, I believe you're doing everything right - almost. You might try doing just what you're doing now but with your tongue a little further back, away from the reed. Dropping your jaw a little is okay but maybe you're dropping a bit more than really necessary. You may find that 'smiling' a bit more than usual, seemingly opposite to logic, actually makes sustained fluttering easier 
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
Post Edited (2003-12-01 00:30)
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Author: tsmith
Date: 2003-12-01 00:28
I too have had the same problems with flutter tonguing, and I have a possible answer for you that sounds a little strange, but it works well for me--if you rapidly vibrate your uvula, like you would when gargling, only faster, this gives a good approximation of the flutter tongue sound, and I think it's much easier. See what you think.
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Author: Tom A
Date: 2003-12-01 08:29
Rachel, a search of "flutter ton" (to get in all the possible forms of the second word) gives some good hints. There have been a few over the last year or more.
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Author: elmo lewis
Date: 2003-12-02 01:00
Try using a double-lip embouchure, it's easier that way. Then when you get the hang of it try it with a normal embouchure
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Author: Rachel
Date: 2003-12-02 01:02
Thank you, Ron- your reply has given me hope- all is not lost!.
I will try everyone's suggestions.
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Author: theclarinetist
Date: 2003-12-02 02:33
Just make sure that you're tongue is far enough back into your mouth and vibrate against the top of your mouth. If your tongue touches your reed (which it will if rolled in the typical position that you might use to roll an "r"), it won't work.
I personally find that the "uvula" tongue too distorted sounding (maybe I'm just not doing it right - it also depends on how much you want to distort the sound)... of course, if you're capable of rolling your tongue, then an actual flutter tongue technique should work for you once you get the mechanics down.
There is a book that I think is called "The 20th Century Clarinetist" by Allen Siegl (I could be way off, please correct me). I have this book, but I'm too lazy to go find it right now. It has a pretty good description of how to do it. He also describeds two techniques, one which offers little sound distortion and one that intentionally distorts the sound alot. If you are seriously looking into more modern techniques, this book might be a worthwhile investment.
Don Hite
theclarinetist@yahoo.com
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-12-02 02:42
Try practicing with just forming the embouchre WITHOUT a mouthpiece. Put your mouth into the shape of an embouchre so when you blow you get a stream of air downward where the clarinet would be. Then practice flutter tounging like that. You'll probably hear a violent sounding disruption of air.
If you can do that, I see no reason why it wouldn't work with a reed in your mouth. Provided you aren't hitting the reed with your tongue at all.
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Rachel
Date: 2003-12-02 23:52
Another thing- I keep getting a build-up of phlegm in the back of my throat when I play, and it seems to get worse when I try to flutter-tongue. How do I fix this?
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Author: BobD
Date: 2003-12-03 13:25
Gargle in the shower with warm water prior to playing....is the simple answer.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2003-12-03 17:03
Rachel,
Your question, my answer and the fine responses afterward piqued and renewed my interest to the point that I just couldn't contain my primal urges; got the horn out last night and amused myself for about twenty minutes with flutter tonguing. From introspective observation I find that, first of all, I'm quite easily amused.
Also, the tongue should not touch the reed or the mouthpiece at all. You're in no danger of injuring yourself, but it will make flutter tonguing a lot easier. The point is to keep the stress level to a minimum. Hold the tip of your tongue as far back and up toward the roof of your mouth as possible (without choking yourself, of course). If saliva buildup becomes a nuisance, just swallow more frequently - your friends will be so astonished at your new found ability, who'll notice and extra swallow or two or...?
Most of all, HAVE FUN
- ron b -
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