TA-KA-TA, TA-KA-TA, TA-KA-TA
I ask them why. The usual response: I don't know. I've just always done it that way. Nobody ever told me how.
You should use..
TA-TA-KA, TA-TA-KA
(or DA-DA-GA)
Why?
Why do we multiple tongue at all?
Because you can't reset the tip of the tongue fast enough over and over.
Here's my contention (argue if you want): the second of the two "TA's" is the weaker one because the tongue has to do that rapid reset.
Test this: say TA-ta. Now say ta-TA . (capital letters represent emphasis).
For me, TA-ta is easier.
So...the whole point of using that inferior "KA" syllable is to give the tip of the tongue time to reset.
In a string of triplets, you usually want to place your accent on the first note of each triplet..
TA-ta-ka, TA-ta-ka, TA-ta-ka
Putting ka at the end makes it easier to emphasize the beginning of the triplet.
If you use..
TA-ka-ta, TA-ka-ta, TA-ka-ta,
your downbeats will be at a disadvantage.
(By the way, in the new Arban's book, both Bowman and Alessi prefer ta-ta-ka)
If you are used to the other way, use this exercise to help you...
