Single Tonguing

What it is: Articulating each note with a single tongue stroke — typically a "tu" or "du" syllable into the mouthpiece. This is the default articulation for every wind instrument.

What it sounds like: Clean, rhythmic, separated. Each note has a clear attack. Compare to legato (slurred) where only the first note is tongued and the rest flow on a single breath.

When to use it: Almost everything. It's the baseline. Staccato dots and tenuto marks both use single tonguing — the dot just tells the player to clip the note off shorter.

Tip: Single tonguing has a speed limit. For most wind players, anything faster than sixteenth notes at quarter ≈ 120 starts to break down. Above that you need Double Tonguing (flute, all brass) or sticky-fast players. If you're writing fast running passages, mark them slurred or expect Double Tonguing.

Watch: A Guide to Wind Instrument Articulations — QuickStart Clarinet (13 min)↗ — covers single/double/triple tonguing and the contrast with slurred articulation, with clear demonstrations.