Changing Tongue Type

[DanEuph]

Hi all, asking here as I think the replies will be beneficial for all, not just me! I currently use the anchored tonguing method (I learned it during my Claude Gordon phase as a youngster, where he called it KTM tonguing). Beforehand I used to articulate through my lips for everything, even multiple tonguing! When it comes to changing your tongue type, I can't seem to find much Reinhardt literature on the process. I'm guessing you practice the new tongue type a little bit every day until it starts to become 2nd nature, as with the rest of the Reinhardt stuff?

If I place my tongue behind my top teeth, I can manage simple attacks, but struggle with clarity for the extreme highs and lows. I also find fast articulations difficult and multiple tonguing comes out quite sloppy and choked... I'm guessing this is simply a strength issue as my tongue is doing an unfamiliar movement and will go away with practice? I play to a very high standard using KTM, so it's not like I'm crippled by it, but I suspect it's probably not the most natural thing for me to be doing.

[patdublc]

Interesting topic. I won't attempt to advise you because I'm not an expert. Maybe someone like Doug Elliott will chime in on this.

But, I will share my personal journey. I played for many years with my tongue behind my top teeth. Based on observing the many top professionals that "anchor" tongue, I took some advice from several of them and tried it. To be honest, it didn't go so well at first. It took a long time to develop the coordination.
Fast forward, I use both methods - primarily KTM but for some playing, I still tongue behind my upper teeth. It has become very ingrained.
At this point, its just like circular breathing - I don't even think about; it just happens. My tongue goes to the position that works best for what I'm playing without me consciously making the choice.
_________________
Pat Shaner
Play Wedge Mouthpieces by Dr. Dave exclusively.
Experiment with LOTS of horn makes and models.

[Doug Elliott]

I remember a time when I tongued behind my top teeth... before Reinhardt got me to try tonguing farther back, away from my teeth. It frees up the lip vibration and opens up the sound when you get back away from the teeth. And although it took a long time to get used to it, the articulation is cleaner and faster.

I find double and triple tonguing in that position helps to define where and how to single tongue. Part of the advantage to that position is that it allows the articulation to be a short "up and down" tongue tip motion instead of a forward and backward motion that's longer, slower, and involves more of the tongue.

[DanEuph]

[DanEuph]