flutter tonguing and rolling your r's

Flutter tonguing is simply rolling an r while playing a pitch or pitches. Many of us have been told that the ability to roll r’s is genetic. According to BBC Science Focus Journal and others, however, there is no genetic control over one’s ability to roll r’s. The skill can be learned by just about everyone.

The rolled r is referred to by linguists as the Alveolar Trill, because the sound is produced by placing the tip of the tongue behind the top teeth, along the alveolar ridge, and blowing a stream of air past a relaxed tongue. It involves complex small muscle movement, and requires much practice for those to whom it does not come naturally. First, it is important to understand that alveolar and labial, or lip, trills consist of three variables: 1) air gap; 2) vibrating parts; and 3) air flow. For any trill, one can adjust any of these variables.

It is important to analyze the physiological aspects of the alveolar trill and then to synthesize them into a simple activity. In order to understand the alveolar trill, and thus flutter tonguing, one needs to be keenly aware of the tongue and how it functions.

To begin, repeatedly run the tip of the tongue slowly along the roof of the mouth from back to front, and then front to back. This will aid in raising awareness of the subtle movements within the various tongue muscles. Practice slowly speaking the sounds of the letters d, j, l, n, and t, noticing how the tip of the tongue interacts with the alveolar ridge:

With awareness of the tongue, it is time to understand how the three variables, air gap, vibrating parts, and air flow, function. Practice the lip trill by blowing air through the lips, as if imitating the sound of a motor. This can be done with or without engaging the vocal folds to create sound. Notice how the lip trill can be adjusted by increasing the distance between the lips (air gap), the tension and relaxation of the lips (vibrating parts), and the amount of air (air flow).

Now to practice a closed tongue trill. With the teeth together, say: “shhh,” as if shushing someone at a library or movie theater. Next, stop the “shhh” with the blade of your tongue against the alveolar ridge. The sound should completeluy stop. Now, say “shhh” and raise your tongue, but without completely closing of the “shhh.” Again, practice this while adjusting the three variables: 1) air gap, or the space between the tip of the tongue and the alveolar ridge; 2) vibrating parts, or the tip of the tongue; and 3) air flow.

With an understanding of the closed tongue trill, gradually separate the teeth and open the mouth while saying: “shhh” and raising the tip of a relaxed tongue into the air flow. You may add tone by gently singing a comfortable pitch. Once again, practice this while adjusting the three variables: 1) air gap, or the space between the tip of the tongue and the alveolar ridge; 2) vibrating parts, or the tongue; and 3) air flow.

A less analytical, but just as effect approach begins by pronouncing and hold the sound of the letter f. This is similar to gently biting the lower lip, while showing the upper teeth and blowing a pressurized stream of air. While doing this, move the tip of your relaxed tongue up toward the alveolar ridge and into the air flow. It is important to maintain a completely relaxed tongue. Over time, the f may be removed to create a true alveolar trill, and the vocal fold may be engaged if sound is desired.