- Double tonguing is a technique that even elementary school students can do—it only becomes difficult when you think of it as difficult
- Double tonguing involves alternating between "tu" (tongue touches the reed) and "ku" (tongue does not touch the reed)
- By articulating "du-gu-du-gu" or "de-ge-de-ge" instead of "tu-ku-tu-ku," you can perform it without excess tension
- The key is to practice "gu" alone and bring its feel and quality closer to that of "tu"
The Importance of Viewing Double Tonguing as a Technique Anyone Can Do
Double tonguing on the saxophone is a technique that even elementary school students can do. Many players have experience practicing double tonguing as part of their fundamentals routine in elementary school band, where the entire group would practice articulating "du" together. Back then, nobody thought of it as particularly difficult—they just did "du-ku-du-ku" naturally. However, it only feels difficult as adults because we think of it as difficult. Anyone can do it. There is no reason you cannot. This article provides a detailed explanation of specific checkpoints and practical exercises for developing your double tonguing.
To master double tonguing, it is important to understand the alternating motion of "tu" and "ku" and objectively evaluate your tonguing in daily practice. In particular, focusing on practicing "gu" and bringing its feel and quality closer to that of "tu" is the key to mastering double tonguing. Go through each of the following checkpoints and evaluate whether you are on track to achieving double tonguing.
- Do you understand that double tonguing is a technique even elementary school students can do, and that it only becomes difficult when you think of it as difficult?
- Do you understand that double tonguing involves alternating between "tu" (tonguing where the tongue touches the reed) and "ku" (tonguing where the tongue does not touch the reed)?
- Do you understand that by articulating "du-gu-du-gu" or "de-ge-de-ge" instead of "tu-ku-tu-ku," you can perform it without excess tension?
- Can you perform "tu" without any issues, since it is the same tonguing you already do regularly?
- Are you practicing "gu" alone and working to bring its feel and quality closer to that of "tu"?
- After becoming comfortable with "gu," are you practicing alternating between "tu" and "gu"?
- Are you continuing to practice consistently until double tonguing becomes something you can use naturally?
Practice: Steps to Master Double Tonguing
A step-by-step approach is effective for mastering double tonguing. First, understand the mechanism of double tonguing, then practice "gu" alone, and finally practice alternating between "tu" and "gu." By working through this process systematically, you can reliably develop your double tonguing.
- Understand the mechanism of double tonguing ("tu" is tonguing where the tongue touches the reed; "ku" is tonguing where the tongue does not touch the reed)
- Confirm that you can perform "tu" without any issues, since it is the same tonguing you already do regularly
- Practice "gu" alone (develop the feel and quality of tonguing where the tongue does not touch the reed)
- Continue practicing "gu" and bring its feel and quality closer to that of "tu"
- Once you are comfortable with "gu," begin practicing alternating between "tu" and "gu" (articulate "du-gu-du-gu" or "de-ge-de-ge")
- Confirm that by articulating "du-gu-du-gu" or "de-ge-de-ge" instead of "tu-ku-tu-ku," you can perform it without excess tension
- Continue practicing consistently until double tonguing becomes something you can use naturally
Conclusion
Double tonguing on the saxophone is a technique that even elementary school students can do. It only seems difficult because we overthink it—anyone can learn it. Double tonguing, which involves alternating between "tu" (tongue touches the reed) and "ku" (tongue does not touch the reed), can be mastered by anyone through focused practice on "gu." By articulating "du-gu-du-gu" or "de-ge-de-ge" instead of "tu-ku-tu-ku," you can perform it without excess tension. Once you become comfortable with "gu," double tonguing will become something you can use naturally. In your daily practice, refer to the checkpoints introduced in this article and continue working on developing your double tonguing.
