Double Tonguing Drill
Double tonguing lets you articulate rapid successive notes far faster than single tonguing allows. In Irish music this becomes essential at reel tempo when you need to tongue several notes in quick succession. The technique alternates the front of the tongue ('te') with the back ('ke'), creating a rolling motion that can sustain indefinitely.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Away from the whistle, say the syllables 'te-ke-te-ke' slowly and repeatedly. Feel how the front of your tongue ('te') and the back ('ke') alternate.
- 2
Speed up gradually — 'te-ke-te-ke' until it starts to feel like a single rolling motion. Aim for evenness, not speed.
- 3
Pick up the whistle and play low D repeatedly, one note per syllable, at a slow tempo: te-ke-te-ke. Keep all six holes covered — just work the tongue.
- 4
Move to E, then F#, up the scale. On each note, play 8 repetitions using 'te-ke-te-ke'.
- 5
Now play alternating notes (D-E-D-E) double-tongued. This simulates common ornamental passages in reels.
- 6
Increase metronome speed by 5 bpm only when each tempo is clean and even.
Practice Tips
- The 'ke' syllable will sound slightly weaker at first — this is normal. Practice it on its own (ke-ke-ke) to build even strength.
- Double tonguing is less common in slow Irish airs — save it for jigs and reels at speed.
- Never sacrifice evenness for speed. Uneven double tonguing sounds worse than clean single tonguing at a slower tempo.
Ready to Apply This in a Real Tune?
Technique only sticks when you use it in music. Browse the tab library to find a tune that lets you practise what you have just learned.