tonguing

music

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

In music, "tonguing" refers to a technique used on wind instruments to articulate notes by interrupting the stream of air with the tongue. This can involve various methods, including "flutter-tonguing," which is a vibratory action produced by rolling or trilling an 'r' sound while playing. These techniques significantly affect the quality of sound produced by wind instruments.123

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instrumentation
Wind techniques
Flutter tonguing (produced by a rapid rolling movement of the tongue) is possible on most wind instruments; so are many other tonguing techniques that affect the quality of sound in orchestration.
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Flutter tonguing (produced by a rapid rolling movement of the tongue) is possible on most wind instruments; so are many other tonguing techniques that affect the quality of sound in orchestration.
Read More