 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: S.H.J.
Date: 2011-03-22 03:14
I've always had difficulties tonguing fast. Usually, the fastest I could tongue at a spurt is 112 BPM (in 16ths). But a couple days ago, my tonguing speed increased by more than 10 BPM, literally overnight! That was surprising, especially since i couldn't practice much the week before (personal reasons). So I was overjoyed, and practiced mostly tonguing in the last couple days.
But then when I picked up my clarinet today, I noticed that my tonguing speed had been reduced to about 116 BPM. I couldn't tongue cleanly past that tempo. It wasn't the reed's fault, since i use Legere reeds. I experimented with reed position as well, to no avail.
So my question is, are daily inconsistencies in tonguing normal? And if so, what would be the cause for this?
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2011-03-22 03:40
You're not a machine or computer, or an RPG character. Just like you're happy or sad, energetic or lethargic, your tongue speed will vary. There are tons of variables, with you, with your equipment, and with the environment.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2011-03-22 10:11
Many of us have a practical limit that is around that tempo. I might suggest becoming comfortable with double/triple tonguing. Charles Neidich always said that any one can learn this technique. Think 'TEE-KEE' with the 'KEE' sound being an interuption of the air as a point further back on the top of your tongue hits the roof of your mouth. Start in the chalameau which is easiest and work your way up to clarion (and beyond). Keep in mind though that the 'KEEs' will never quite sound like the 'TEEs' to you. Just try to get them as close as possible.
..................Paul Aviles
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Author: TianL
Date: 2011-03-22 17:21
my experience is that when you practice tonguing speed, you should push it to the limit. by that i mean, you should NOT be doing something like non-stop repeated-notes tonguing from low E to double high G, but instead, tongue a small set of notes (i personally do 9 notes on the chromatic scale, like from low E to C, then F to C#, etc.)
i found that if i have to do the continuous tonguing, my speed is only about 120ish and as i keep doing that everyday, i don't get any better. however, if i do the 9-notes, i was first able to do 130, then within a couple of weeks i was able to get up to 150. so i think as far as practicing tonguing, this is a more efficient way of practicing.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2011-03-22 19:18
If you're looking to tongue toward the top of whatever you're currently capable of, try grouping. I'll tongue a lot faster thinking in consecutive groups of 3 or 4 than thinking of consecutive single tongues.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2011-03-22 22:08
I have some articles on my website about tonguing so something in there might help you if you read it. Look for the clarinet page and find the one about tonguing. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Steve Hartman
Date: 2011-03-23 13:02
SHJ:
It requires patience. Try doing 1 beat, 2 beats, 3 beats, 6 beats at a comfortable tempo - say 100 or 104 - and stay at that tempo for 2 weeks, every day. One day it might feel too slow; next day it might feel too fast. Don't move the tempo until you've practiced it every day for at least 2 weeks. Then increase the tempo slightly. Use the same note, going up the chromatic scale or chromatic or diatonic scales and mix them up. Tongue lightly at first and make sure every note is the same length.
If it feels especially good one day, go further, not faster. With patience and consistent practice, you can develop a reliable tongue.
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