By whistling it is possible to attract attention, call a dog or remember a beautiful melody. Once you have found the "sweet spot", practice as much as you can to increase the tone and volume control. However, not everyone can whistle, so don't be disappointed - you can keep practicing or try different ways to learn. There are three main techniques for whistling: pursing the lips, using the tongue and using the fingers.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Whistling with the Lips
Step 1. Pucker your lips
Pretend to kiss, pursing your lips. The opening that is created should be small and round. The breath that passes through this slot will produce a series of notes.
- You can also put your lips in the right position by saying the English number "two".
- You don't have to rest your lips against your teeth. Rather, you should lean them forward slightly.
- If your lips are very dry, moisten them with your tongue before you start whistling. This way the sound they will produce will be better.
Step 2. Bend your tongue slightly
Slightly curl the edges of the tongue upwards. When you start whistling, you can change the shape of the tongue to modulate the notes.
If you are a beginner, place your tongue against your lower dental arch. Eventually, you will learn how to change the position of the tongue to produce different sounds
Step 3. Begin to push the air over the tongue and through the lips
Blow gently, slightly changing the shape of the lips and the curve of the tongue until you are able to make a clear sound. This maneuver may cost you a few minutes of practice, so don't be in a hurry.
- Don't blow too hard at first, but gently. You will be able to whistle harder once you understand the correct shape for your lips and tongue.
- Moisten your lips again if they dry out as you practice.
- Pay attention to the shape of the mouth when taking a note. What position exactly are the lips and tongue in? Once you've hit the right note, keep practicing. Try blowing harder to keep the note.
Step 4. Experiment with changing the position of the tongue to produce more notes
Try pushing it slightly forward to play higher notes and holding it up for lower notes. Have fun until you are able to reproduce the whole scale by whistling.
- To produce lower notes, you will find that you will need to lower your jaw as well. To make lower sounds, in fact, it is necessary to create more space inside the mouth. You could also point your chin down when you want to take these notes.
- Lips tighten slightly as you emit higher notes. Try raising your head to whistle a high note.
- If you hiss instead of whistling, your tongue is likely too close to the roof of your mouth.
Method 2 of 3: Whistling with the Tongue
Step 1. Pull your lips back
The upper lip should adhere to the upper teeth, which should protrude slightly. The lower one must rest against the lower teeth, which will remain completely covered. The mouth, therefore, should take the form of a toothless smile. From this position you will be able to emit a very loud whistle, capable of attracting so much attention that you can hail a taxi when your hands are full.
Use your fingers to position your lips correctly
Step 2. Pull your tongue back
Position it so that it is stretched out, flat and slightly apart behind your lower teeth. You should still leave some space between your tongue and lower teeth, without letting them touch.
Step 3. Blow through the tongue and over the lower teeth and lower lip
Direct the air down, towards the lower dental arch. You should be able to feel the force of the air pushing down on your tongue. The breath escapes past the sharp angle created by the upper tongue and upper teeth, going down through the lower teeth and lower lip. This way you can produce a very loud sound.
- This type of whistle takes practice and training. Your jaw, tongue, and mouth will all be in tension when you whistle this way.
- Try to spread and flatten the tip of your tongue until you make a loud, clear sound.
- Remember that the tongue must remain suspended in the mouth, more or less at the height of the lower dental arch.
Step 4. Practice playing different sounds
By changing the position of the tongue, cheek muscles and jaw, you can emit a wide range of notes.
Method 3 of 3: Whistling with the Fingers
Step 1. Decide which fingers to use
When you whistle with your fingers, use them to hold your lips in place and make the sounds as clear as possible. Everyone chooses which fingers to use in order to whistle better. Their position depends on the size and shape of both the fingers and the mouth. Consider the following possibilities:
- Use your left and right index fingers together.
- Use your right and left middle fingers together.
- Use your right and left little fingers together.
- Use the thumb and middle finger (or index finger) of the same hand.
Step 2. Form an inverted "V" with your fingers
Regardless of the combination of fingers you choose, put them together to form an inverted "V". The vertex of the "V" corresponds to the point where the fingers join the mouth.
Make sure your hands are clean before putting your fingers in your mouth
Step 3. Place the tip of the "V" under the tongue
The two fingers should touch just below the tongue, behind the back teeth.
Step 4. Lower your lips over your fingers
A small opening should form precisely in the middle of the fingers.
Close your mouth around your fingers to ensure that air only passes through the gap between them, so that the whistle makes a more consistent sound
Step 5. Blow through the crack
This technique should allow you to produce a loud, high pitched sound, perfect for calling your dog or catching the attention of friends. Keep practicing until your fingers, tongue and lips are in the correct position to make a firm sound.
- Don't blow too hard at first. Gradually increase the force with which you push the air out until you understand how to whistle correctly.
- Try out various finger combinations. You may not be able to whistle with some fingers, but others may be just the right size to produce the sounds you want.
Advice
- Don't blow hard, especially when practicing - this will give you more air to practice. It is best to learn how to modulate sounds and get into the correct position before checking the volume.
- Most people find it easier to whistle with moist lips. Try wetting them with your tongue or, perhaps, taking a sip of water.
- Each whistle has a "sweet spot" where the shape of the mouth is suitable for emitting a long, clear whistle. Practice whistling by following the methods in the article until you have found your "sweet spot".
- As you exhale, try to raise the diaphragm so that the air comes out by directing it slightly upwards.
- A hint of a smile with your lips will increase the pitch. It is best to know your extension this way.
