When approaching the articulation of eighth notes, especially in specific musical contexts like swing, different techniques and learning methods are employed. While the general technique of tonguing involves using the tongue to briefly interrupt the airflow or sound production at the start of a note, the specific application can vary.
According to the provided reference regarding learning swing eighth notes, the initial focus should be on mastering the rhythmic feel without the added complexity of articulation:
- Initial Learning for Swing: The reference emphasizes a foundational step when starting to learn the swing feel for eighth notes:
To really learn the swing field start with your fingers only. Don't. Use any form of articulation. No tongue. At the tongue.
This guidance suggests that in the initial stages of practicing swing eighth notes, you should refrain from using your tongue for articulation. Instead, the focus is placed on using your fingers (or the primary note-sounding mechanism of your instrument, such as managing airflow with breath and fingerings for a wind instrument) to produce the notes and accurately capture the swing rhythm.
This approach prioritizes developing the correct inherent feel and timing of the swung eighth notes before introducing articulation. While the reference does not detail the physical action of how to tongue an eighth note, it provides a specific instruction on when not to tongue them during a particular phase of learning the swing style, highlighting that articulation is often added after the fundamental rhythm is secure.
