• Master triple tonguing technique for virtuoso passages
• Learn "te-te-ke" and "te-ke-te" patterns
• Apply to rapid triplet figures
• Develop evenness and speed in triple articulation

Introduction

Triple tonguing is the ultimate articulation technique for the advanced recorder player. While double tonguing handles rapid duple divisions, triple tonguing enables brilliant triplet passages that would be impossible with single tonguing alone.

What is Triple Tonguing?

Triple tonguing uses a three-syllable pattern to articulate groups of three notes at high speed. It combines tongue-tip articulation ("te") with back-of-tongue articulation ("ke") in repeating patterns.

The Two Main Patterns

Pattern 1: Te-Te-Ke

Most common pattern, used for most triplet figures:

• "Te" - Tongue tip (as in normal tonguing)
• "Te" - Tongue tip again
• "Ke" - Back of tongue against soft palate
• Repeat: te-te-ke, te-te-ke, te-te-ke...

Pattern 2: Te-Ke-Te

Alternative pattern, sometimes feels more natural:

• "Te" - Tongue tip
• "Ke" - Back of tongue
• "Te" - Tongue tip
• Repeat: te-ke-te, te-ke-te, te-ke-te...

Which to use? Both work! Try both and see which feels more natural. Some passages favor one pattern over the other.

Building the Skill

Stage 1: Spoken Practice (NO RECORDER)

Before touching the recorder, master the syllables:

1. Say slowly: "te-te-ke, te-te-ke, te-te-ke" (repeat 10 times)
2. Gradually increase speed while maintaining clarity
3. Ensure "ke" is as crisp as "te"—no lazy back-of-tongue!
4. Practice until automatic (this may take days or weeks)

Common mistake: Making "ke" softer or less distinct than "te". All syllables must be equal!

Stage 2: Single-Note Practice

Stage 3: Melodic Patterns

Advanced Applications

Baroque Gigue Passages

Many Baroque gigues (fast dances in 6/8 or 12/8) feature running triplets ideal for triple tonguing:

Contemporary Works

Modern recorder repertoire often demands virtuoso triple tonguing:

• Berio - Gesti for recorder
• Shinohara - Fragmente for recorder
• Andriessen - Ende for recorder

Technical Challenges

Evenness

The hardest part is making all three syllables equally crisp:

• Problem: "Ke" often comes out weaker than "te"
• Solution: Practice "ke-ke-ke" alone to strengthen back-of-tongue
• Check: Record yourself—listen for any unevenness

Speed Building

Never sacrifice evenness for speed! Follow this progression:

1. Weeks 1-2: ♩= 40-50, perfect evenness
2. Weeks 3-4: ♩= 60-70, maintain quality
3. Weeks 5-8: ♩= 80-90, approaching performance tempo
4. Months 3-6: ♩= 100+, virtuoso speed

Endurance

Triple tonguing is exhausting at first:

• Practice in 2-3 minute bursts, rest between
• Build stamina gradually over months
• Stop if tongue or jaw becomes fatigued

Comparison: Single vs Double vs Triple

Musical Application

Practice Routine

Daily Triple Tonguing Practice (10-15 minutes)

1. Warm-up (2 min): Spoken syllables, no recorder
2. Single note (3 min): Pure triplets on one pitch
3. Patterns (5 min): Scales, arpeggios with triple tongue
4. Repertoire (5 min): Apply to actual music

Long-Term Development

• Month 1: Focus on evenness at slow tempo
• Months 2-3: Build speed gradually, maintain quality
• Months 4-6: Apply to repertoire, develop musical expression
• After 6 months: Triple tonguing becomes second nature

Common Mistakes and Solutions

• ❌ Rushing to high speed: Slow practice builds proper patterns. Speed comes last!
• ❌ Weak "ke": Isolate and strengthen back-of-tongue articulation
• ❌ Tension: Jaw and tongue must stay relaxed. Tension kills speed.
• ❌ Inconsistent pattern: Stick to one pattern (te-te-ke OR te-ke-te) within a passage
• ❌ Skipping single-note practice: Master the technique abstractly before applying to music