Actually, multiple tonguing - especially
double - is possible on a variety of wind
instruments besides just
trumpet and other brass. For
flautists and
piccolo players, the technique is near-essential. To compare the speed of the notes, try saying "tuh tuh tuh"
repeatedly as fast as you can for a while. Now switch to a "tuh-kuh." Feel the difference? For a neat effect not possible on most woodwinds (at least I've never heard it used on any others!), flute players can also produce an effect known as
butterfly tonguing by rolling their tongues - this produces a "buzzing" tone, something like an insect flying by, and is often heard on
Jethro Tull albums.
Other instruments compatible with double and triple tonguing that don't require it as often include
clarinets,
saxophones, and even
oboes and
bassoons (or so my
bassoon professor tells me... I haven't worked on the technique too much due to the high cost of
reeds.)