Single vs. Double/Triple tongue

[Backbone]

When do you do it? Tempos too fast for your single tongue? Anything past a quarter note at any tempo = double/triple?

What determines when you choose single vs. double/triple tongue?

[BGuttman]

Your fastest single tongue should be faster than you slowest double or triple tongue.

I use triple tongue for things in 3's liek 6/8 time or 8th tiplets and double tongue for duple meters.

Use it when you must, and when it feels good.

[Doug Elliott]

Practice slow things using double and triple so there's no such thing as "too slow" for it.

After you have worked up a few pieces of music with multiple tonguing, you'll get better and knowing where and when it's appropriate.

A light D and G will be more useful than T and K.

[Backbone]

Thanks for the advice that I will surely use.

With that said, as a matter of conversation, when do you actually make the distinction for yourself. I am sure I have heard pro players say they single tongue everything until the tempo is too fast for single then they switch. How about you?

[GabrielRice]

I am now solidly in middle age, and my single tongue is significantly slower than it was when I was in my 20s. I multiple tongue A LOT.

[Doug Elliott]

Single tonguing at maximum speed is very tiring. Double or triple at the same speed feels relaxed in comparison. Why work hard when you don't have to?

I switch long before I have to.

[Backbone]

@Gabe and Doug:

Whenever I get my double and triple tounge working at any tempo I enjoy the feel of the articulation better than single tounge. It almost feels linguistic. Ever notice this? When hard articulations or loud articulations are called for then single feels like the right tool.

[Backbone]

I am now solidly in middle age, and my single tongue is significantly slower than it was when I was in my 20s. I multiple tongue A LOT.

This was the reason that same pro is using more double now! I think it was an interview of Charlie Vernon.