tongue position

The tongue should generally be in the position of pronouncing “e” as in the word “we.” The tip of the tongue should always be behind the bottom teeth.  It should never leave the mouth for articulating, unless you actively choose to create the resulting color of that form of articulation.  In the lower register, it is helpful for the tip of the tongue to be near the top of the lower teeth.  For the upper register, it may be near the gums of the bottom teeth. The vowel you choose, determines the shape of your tongue. This, in turn, determines the air pressure and direction.  So, an “e” (as in “we”) raises the middle of your tongue, thus closing the front of the pharyngeal space.  This directs your air downward.  If you round your tongue and create a conduit in the middle by pronouncing [y] as in the French “tu,” the air travels through a narrower channel.  This creates increased air pressure and a new color.