Tonguing is a wind instrument technique that uses the tongue to break up the airflow and shape the attack of each note. Motions like saying “tu” or “du” adjust the outline of the sound.
The basic idea
Hard tonguing creates a clear attack, and soft tonguing creates a smooth onset. In fast phrases, the movement of the tongue directly affects rhythmic accuracy.
Using it in performance and programming
With virtual wind instruments, vary the attack and the velocity of short notes to get close. Mix legato and staccato to create speech-like divisions in a phrase.
How it differs from related terms
Tonguing is a method of articulation on wind instruments. Staccato is an expression that shortens notes, and it is sometimes achieved through tonguing.
Rather than just cutting every note evenly, aim for articulation that matches the musical phrase.
