- Saxophone slap tonguing is an extended technique used in contemporary music, producing a percussive sound by suctioning the tongue onto the reed and releasing it forcefully, like a suction cup
- In the incorrect example, simply pressing the tongue hard against the reed fails to create the suction feel, and without knowing where to place the tongue toward the back of the reed, no percussive resonance is produced
- In the correct example, placing the tongue toward the back of the reed allows it to naturally suction onto the reed, and releasing it forcefully at the right moment produces a clear, powerful slap sound
- By progressing step by step from basic suction exercises, starting without air and practicing in the low register, you can work your way up to mastering the open slap
What Is Saxophone Slap Tonguing: An Essential Extended Technique for Contemporary Music
Saxophone slap tonguing is an important technique used in contemporary music and extended playing. Unlike regular tonguing, it produces a percussive and powerful resonance through suctioning the tongue onto the reed and releasing it forcefully, like a suction cup. This technique is known to take a long time to master, and it is important to understand that there is no quick fix.
Incorrect vs. Correct Examples: The Difference in Reed Suction and Release
In saxophone slap tonguing, the difference between incorrect and correct examples lies in how the tongue contacts the reed and the feel of the suction. In the incorrect example, the tongue is simply pressed hard against the reed, and because the correct placement toward the back of the reed is unknown, the suction feel cannot be achieved. On the other hand, in the correct example, placing the tongue toward the back of the reed allows you to develop the feel of the tongue naturally suctioning onto the reed. By releasing it forcefully like a suction cup, you can produce a clear, powerful slap sound.
Practice Steps
To master saxophone slap tonguing, it is important to follow a step-by-step practice approach. By starting with basic suction exercises, developing the feel of the release, and gradually progressing to the open slap, you can reliably build the technique. Understand that this technique takes a long time to master, and it is essential to be patient and take a long-term view as you accumulate practice.
Step 1: Basic Suction Exercises (Starting Without Air)
First, it is important to develop the feel of suctioning the tongue onto the reed. By placing the tongue toward the back of the reed, explore the sensation of the tongue naturally suctioning onto the reed. The key is to focus on the suction feel rather than pressing hard. Try practicing initially with almost no air. This way, you can find the spot on the reed that produces the sound, and the feel will be easier to grasp.
Step 2: Release Practice with Air
Once you have grasped the basic suction feel, move on to practicing with air. At the moment the suctioned tongue is released forcefully like a suction cup, a percussive resonance is produced. If the release timing is too early, the sound will be choked, and if it is too late, the resonance will be weak, so finding the right timing is crucial. As you continue practicing, your tongue will get tired, so do not overdo it and take a long-term approach to building up your practice.
Step 3: Starting Practice from the Low Register
Saxophone slap tonguing has the characteristic of being easier in the low register. The larger the reed and the lower the range, the easier it is to learn. When practicing on alto saxophone, practicing on B-flat makes it much easier. If you have a tenor saxophone or baritone saxophone, practicing on these instruments will help you grasp the feel more easily.
Step 4: Mastering the Open Slap
Finally, work on mastering the open slap. The open slap is a technique that exists in addition to the regular closed slap tonguing, where you open your mouth quickly at the moment of the slap. When performing the open slap, be careful to avoid letting the sound ring out too harshly. Practice with the goal of keeping the percussive burst to a single, clean pop.
- Place the tongue toward the back of the reed and develop the feel of it naturally suctioning onto the reed
- Start by practicing with almost no air to find the spot on the reed that produces the sound
- Once you have grasped the basic suction feel, practice with air and release forcefully like a suction cup
- Start from the low register (B-flat on alto, or use tenor or baritone saxophone)
- Work on mastering the open slap (open your mouth quickly at the moment of the slap)
Summary: Expanding Your Expressive Range with Saxophone Slap Tonguing
Saxophone slap tonguing is an important technique used in contemporary music and extended playing. While it is known to take a long time to master and it is important to understand that there is no quick fix, by progressing step by step from basic suction exercises, you can reliably develop the skill. The key points are to place the tongue toward the back of the reed, let the tongue naturally suction onto the reed, and release it forcefully like a suction cup to produce a clear, powerful slap sound. By understanding the difference between incorrect and correct examples, starting by grasping the feel without air, and beginning practice from the low register, you will be able to create a percussive resonance. By being patient and taking a long-term approach to accumulating practice, you can master slap tonguing, and your expressive ability as a saxophonist will improve.
