How to Tongue on Saxophone

Tonguing Principle

Valve System

Tonguing is a valve: air never stops. Tongue touches reed to stop sound, releases to produce sound.

• Tongue touches = sound stops
• Tongue releases = sound starts
• Air continuously from abdomen

Three Specifications

1. State: Relaxed, like sleeping
2. Position: Tongue tip on reed tip underside, minimal contact
3. Action: Light, short, spring — touch and go

Three Syllables

| Syllable | Feel | Use | |----------|------|-----| | Tu | Crisp snap | Basic, fast passages | | Du | Soft touch | Lyrical melodies | | La | Barely there | Subtle separation, advanced |

Practice

Only entry: slow practice. Slow enough to hear every "touch-release" cycle. Use B-A-G, each note starts with "tu".