Flute triple tonguing

Flute triple tonguing is a great technique when playing very fast passages.

Triple tonguing can be accomplished with the syllables T and K or D and G.

What's the difference?

T and K are known as "explosive" sounds with a great deal of air behind them.

G and D, on the other hand, do not have this huge build-up of air behind them. Thus, they are better used in the low register.

Getting the fastest speed...

Instead of repeating the triplet pattern...

T-K-T, T-K-T, T-K-T, T-K-T, etc.

or

D-G-D, D-G-D, D-G-D, D-G-D, etc.

Alternate the syllables just as if you were double tonguing...

T-K-T, K-T-K, T-K-T, K-T-K, etc.

or

D-G-D, G-D-G, D-G-D, G-D-G, etc.

The latter technique involves less movement of the tongue. It can be confusing at first, so practice it slowly.

A teacher once told me to think of it this way...

TAKE it to KIT-ty-cat

Fun, isn't it?

However, we still see a problem with the syllables stopping the air, especially the syllable produced at the back of the tongue, the G and K.

What to do?

Try alternating the syllables with an H sound...

T-H, K-H, T-H, K-H, etc.

or

D-H, G-H, D-H, G-H, etc.

The H sound allows the air to pass through your mouth.

The beginning consonant is not the only important part of the articulation. The final vowel sound also necessary to consider.

An EEE sounds, such as TEE, makes a sharper sound than an UH sound, as in TUH.

Flute triple tonguing is something you can practice without your flute, in the car or when waiting in line somewhere.

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