Causes and Solutions

Here we explain the common causes of difficulty with saxophone double tonguing and their solutions. We introduce specific approaches to address challenges such as inability to articulate the K sound, slow air speed, and difficulty in the upper register.

Problem 1: Unable to Articulate the K Sound

In saxophone double tonguing, inability to articulate the K sound is one of the biggest challenges. Since articulating the "Ku" portion of "Tu-Ku" in succession is quite difficult, many players struggle to develop their double tonguing.

Solution: It is important to practice the K sound alone and start at a slow tempo. Rather than a fast tempo, begin at a slow tempo and try articulating the "Ku" portion of "Tu-Ku" in succession. Once you can do this, try alternating between T and K. When the T and K sounds, the "Tu" and "Ku," are so similar that you cannot tell which is T and which is K, you can say that double tonguing is well within your reach.

Problem 2: Slow Air Speed

In saxophone double tonguing, when your air speed is slow, the sound becomes weak and unfocused, making it impossible to execute double tonguing properly. Without increasing your air speed, you cannot achieve a clear and defined double tonguing.

Solution: It is important to practice with fast air speed, avoiding a weak tone, and blowing firmly and clearly into the instrument. The key is to increase your air speed and blow firmly and clearly into the instrument. By continuing this practice, your improvement will accelerate.

Problem 3: Difficulty in the Upper Register

In saxophone double tonguing, there is the challenge that double tonguing is difficult in the upper register. Even if you can do it on middle C, when you try it an octave higher, the difficulty level increases dramatically.

Solution: For double tonguing in the upper register, rather than making the "Tu" and "Ku" articulations sharply distinct, softening them slightly will help you succeed, so try tonguing more gently. First become comfortable in the middle register, then challenge the upper register. Once you can handle both the middle and upper registers, you can truly say you have mastered double tonguing.

Problem 4: Difficulty Applying to Scales

In saxophone double tonguing, there is the challenge that double tonguing on scales is very difficult. Even if you can double tongue on a single note, applying it to scales dramatically increases the difficulty level.

Solution: Start with repeated articulations on a single C note, then gradually transition to practicing double tonguing on scales. Once you can double tongue on a single note, move on to practicing with scales. The key is to increase your air speed and blow firmly and clearly into the instrument.

1. ① Practice the K sound alone: Start at a slow tempo and practice articulating the "Ku" portion of "Tu-Ku" in succession
2. ② Alternate between T and K: Practice until you reach articulation where the T and K sounds, the "Tu" and "Ku," are so similar that you cannot tell which is T and which is K
3. ③ Increase your air speed: Avoid a weak tone and practice blowing firmly and clearly into the instrument
4. ④ Start in the middle register and challenge the upper register: Practice articulation in the middle register first, then in the upper register, soften the articulation slightly to succeed
5. ⑤ Apply to scales: Transition from repeated articulations on a single C note to practicing double tonguing on scales

In saxophone playing, while understanding the concept of double tonguing is important, true improvement comes from experiencing it in actual performance and being able to execute it smoothly. By practicing the K sound alone and starting at a slow tempo, you can develop articulation where the T and K sounds, the "Tu" and "Ku," are so similar that you cannot tell which is T and which is K, and your double tonguing will improve. By practicing with fast air speed and blowing firmly and clearly into the instrument, your improvement will accelerate. By starting in the middle register, challenging the upper register, and applying to scales, you can fully master double tonguing. By putting these methods into practice, you can improve your saxophone double tonguing technique and perform fast passages that single tonguing cannot handle. Translating concept into feel is the key to improving your saxophone playing.