Triple Tonguing

[Bo]

Does it have to be ta-ka-ta ka-ta-ka for triple tonguing or can it also be ta-ka-ta ta-ka-ta (or for that matter also other combination of vowels and consonants, but I just want to know if you can "repeat" the last syllable because somehow it is less confusing I think, at least in the beginning)? I know that the first option is better, but I would just like to know if the second is acceptable....

Thanks,
Bo

[Arianna]

I actually was taught TKT-TKT first. It was only in college when I learned TKT-KTK-TKT-KTK (making sure to emphasize the K when it occurs on the downbeat...allowing for a triple feel rather then duple). Now, I use both of them. I knew a trumpet player who said they did TKK-TKK to make sure only the downbeat was emphasized. So, my personal opinion now is whatever works for me in the passage. I practice both the TKT-TKT and TKT-KTK regularly so that I am well versed in both. I never did bother to try the trumpet guys method. I do think TKT-TKT is easier in the beginning just because your 'K' is weak at that point (making it hard to emphasize it on the alternating passages).
Sorry if that was confusing...multiple tonguing is weird to put into words

[Bo]

Thank you, Arianna.
For some reason, I can do T-K-T T-K-T better than T-K-T K-T-K. I think I think too much when I try the second version and "stumble"... Also, I introduce a short pause between T-K-T and K-T-K, which of course is bad....

Bo

[Arianna]

Something I did to help learn the TKT-KTK was this (may seem strange, but helped me a lot). I would practice without my flute and I would use my hand as a visual. Every time I said 'T' I would sway/lift my fingers and when I said 'K' I would sway/lift my wrist. This way my hand was visually doing the motion of my tongue. Since I am a highly visual learner this helped bunches. Just an idea though! Good luck!

[Bo]

Thanks for the advice! I am a highly visual learner too, so I will try it!

Bo