Definition

1. Verb:
   • To play fast notes on a wind instrument: The action of producing a rapid, staccato series of notes on a brass or woodwind instrument by articulating the syllables "tu-ku" or "ta-ka" in alternation. This technique interrupts the airstream with the tongue to create distinct, separated notes at a high speed.

Usage

• This verb describes a specific musical technique. It is used when a musician needs to execute passages that are too fast for single-tonguing (using only one tongue stroke per note).
• It is typically used in the context of playing brass instruments (like trumpet or trombone) or woodwind instruments (like flute or saxophone).
• Grammatical Forms: "double-tongue" (often hyphenated), "double-tongued", "double-tonguing".

Examples

• Verb:
  • The trumpet solo requires the player to double tongue during the rapid sixteenth-note passage.
  • She practiced for hours to double tongue the difficult run cleanly.
  • Double-tonguing is an essential skill for any aspiring flutist.

Advanced Usage

• "to double-tongue a passage": To perform a specific sequence of fast notes using the double-tonguing technique.
  • The conductor asked the brass section to double-tongue the final fanfare for a sharper effect.

Variants and Related Words

• Double-tonguing (n): The noun form referring to the technique itself.
  • His double-tonguing was impeccable during the performance.
• Triple-tongue (v): A related technique for patterns in groups of three, using syllables like "tu-tu-ku" or "ta-ta-ka".
• Articulation (n): The general manner in which notes are begun and ended, which includes techniques like tonguing.

Synonyms

• Articulate rapidly: To pronounce notes distinctly and quickly. (This is a more general description.)
• Execute rapid tonguing: A more technical description of the action.

Related Phrases

• "To get one's double-tonguing up to speed": To practice the technique until it can be performed at the required tempo.
  • Before the audition, he focused on getting his double-tonguing up to speed.

Verb

1. play fast notes on a wind instrument