How Do You Do The Tonguing Technique On A Saxophone?
If you are just learning to play the saxophone, then you know that to make a sound you must use your mouth to cause the reed to vibrate, the air rushes through the instrument and your sound is created. But when it comes to playing notes staccato or separating one note from another, you must tongue your sax. Imagine yourself rolling your “r’s” on the tip of your tongue. Practice the phrase “Ruffles have ridges” while rolling the r’s. This will get you accustomed to the tip of your tongue gesticulating quickly. Take your position on the mouthpiece. Straighten your lower lip over your front teeth. Place the bottom of your lip on the bottom of the moistened reed and the top of your lip on the top of the mouthpiece. It is imperative for your lower lip to remain taut in order to make a sound (and not squeak.) This will feel unnatural and your lips will hurt at first, but soon the muscles will strengthen and you’ll get used to it. Gently blow into your saxophone until you make a sound in the
