Triple Tonguing?

[Dom]

So I've heard that my preferred method of triple tonguing, D G D, is frowned upon and that the "Correct" method is to pronounce D D G. Should I be worried about this or is it personal preference?

[davewerden]

I first learned DDG (TTK, actually) and that is most comfortable for me. Maybe 20 years ago or so I found that pattern did not work well on certain patterns, so I taught myself how to do DGD also. They each have a place, IMO.

Many brass solos have triple-tongue passages with 3 of the same note, then 3 of a different note, etc. In that pattern, DDG works better. The "G" is inherently weaker, and having the weak 3rd note helps give a sense of grouping and pulse. But on some arpeggios DGD works better. For example, in treble clef starting on 4th space E, I had to play EGE CEC GCG E__. There, the G attack in the middle seems better.

[John Morgan]

I, too, learned how to triple tongue using tu-tu-ku as the syllables. I have been able to get pretty fast with this. I agree with Dave on the usefulness of tu-ku-tu with arpeggios like he mentioned. I worked with this approach a little, but eventually pretty much settled on tu-tu-ku, which I believe is faster if you are desiring speed. Maybe Dave can address the speed difference, but I think the mainstream of players use tu-tu-ku.

[davewerden]

...settled on tu-tu-ku, which I believe is faster if you are desiring speed. Maybe Dave can address the speed difference, but I think the mainstream of players use tu-tu-ku.

I'm not sure how one would scientifically determine which way is quicker. Just like you, I find TTK quicker, but that is what I use most of the time, so...

Technically, I don't see why one could not go as quickly with TKT. Either way, when you play more than one set in a row you're going to have to single-tongue two notes somewhere in the pattern.

[davewerden]

Here is a video I did about getting good, solid, clear multiple tonguing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_nCefdZRkw

[davewerden]

And here is a video about going BEYOND the standard use of multiple tongue:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrjKrLQVVPE

[Dom]

Thank you Dave and John! I did think about the grouping idea with the piece I'm currently practicing there is a large jump on the 2nd note and there is a transition into the next grouping on the 3rd note so I was thinking that TTK would work better in that situation. I will definitely try practicing with TTK!