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Dexter Gordon special sound effect

3.1K views 11 replies 9 participants last post by  1saxman  
#1 ·
How does Dexter Gordon make that special sound effect at 5:13? would love to use it for my solos

 
#10 ·
Well, flutter tongue is making the rolled "r" sound (think of the Spanish letter rr) while playing. Growling is vocalising while playing - whether an actual pitched hum or just a general "growl" type vocalization.

Flutter tonguing and growling can sound similar, but flutter tonguing is much more raucous, also less controllable. Growling can range from just the slightest roughening of the tone to a very heavy effect.

The actual physical techniques are quite different; the names reflect the technique. Doesn't have anything to do with classical or jazz.

I listened to the referenced song and at 5:13 I clearly hear a brief, very well controlled - flutter tongue - NOT a growl.

Listen to Arnett Cobb below, the chorus starting at around 2:10 is all growled. One of his signature techniques. Note how it's not individual flutters, it's an overall thickening of the sound.