Slap Tonguing

[Dr. Love]

How do you slap tongue? I've heard some players do it, and it's an interesting sound that I'd like to try out.
Thanks.

[Dr. Love]

Well, I just found that other thread on it... so, uh, never mind. This thread can be deleted if need be.

[John Laughter]

Dr Love, I saved the following from an older posting;

Harrel, the “slap tongue” effect dates back to at least a 1928 in a piece of published music. Some contemporary classical music arrangements have made use of the effect but I do not remember that name of the compositions. I recall hearing the sax section in a 40s big band movie using it in a novelty type arrangement. James Brown’s tenor player used it on the 1962 version of “Nigh Train” in the 2nd part of the melody as an 8th note answer to the low C that is played at the end of the melody line.

Jazz artists John Klemmer, James Carter and Yoseff Lateef have all used it in their solos.

The sound is created as a result of the release of suction in the mouth and the popping sound that the reed produces which amplifies as it travels through the horn.

Lay the tongue against a lot of the reed. Gently push upward so that the tip and rail of the reed is closed. Get rid of as much air in the oral cavity as you can and seal off the lip so that you have an airtight fit. The tongue is quickly released in a downward motion. When you release the tongue downward, you also drop your jaw and open your mouth in a "popping" motion. This is all done very quick. DO NOT pull the tongue back towards your throat. It needs to pop downward away from the roof of the mouth to get the most volume. Do not blow air through the horn and do not inhale when you release the tongue.

Low F or G fingering works the best for me. They produce the most volume but I would imagine that fingerings differ from player to player. Hope this helps.