Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Whistle with your lips
• Method 2 of 3: Whistle with your tongue
• Method 3 of 3: Whistle with your fingers
• Tips

Learning to whistle is like learning to ride a bicycle: once you get the hang of it, you will never forget it. Whistling can be a way to call for attention, call a dog, or produce a beautiful melody. When you master the technique, you need to practice as much as possible to gain more control over the volume and tones you produce. Read on to find out how to whistle three ways: by pursing your lips, using your tongue, and using your fingers.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Whistle with your lips

1. Pucker your lips. Pretend you're going to kiss someone and pursing your lips. The hole between your lips should be small and round. If you blow through this hole you will be able to produce a series of sounds.
   • Another way to get your lips in the right position is to say "oo". Your lips shouldn't be against your teeth; they should be slightly forward.
   • If your lips are very dry, lick them before you start whistling. This way you can produce a better sound.
2. Curl your tongue a little. Your tongue should be at the bottom of your mouth and you can press it against your teeth if that helps. Curl the edges up slightly. As you whistle, you will change the shape of your tongue to produce different notes.
3. Blow air over your tongue and through the hole between your lips. Blow gently and slightly adjust the shape of your lips and curled tongue until you can produce a distinct sound. You may have to practice for a few minutes before it works. So don't give up too quickly.
   • Do not blow hard, but do this gently first. You will be able to whistle louder when you figure out exactly what position to hold your lips and your tongue in.
   • Re-moisturize your lips if they get dry during practice.
   • When you manage to whistle a note, pay attention to the shape of your mouth. In what position do you keep your lips and your tongue? Once you can whistle a note, you have to keep practicing. Try to blow harder to hold the note.
4. Experiment with the position of your tongue to whistle other notes. Try pushing your tongue forward to produce higher notes or lifting it slightly to whistle lower notes. Practice until you can whistle a scale from low to high and vice versa.
   • You will notice that when whistling lower notes, your jaw is also in a lower position. In order to produce lower tones you have to make your mouth surface bigger.
   • Your lips will be slightly tighter when you whistle higher notes. Look at yourself in the mirror to see the difference.
   • If you're hissing instead of whistling, your tongue is probably too close to the roof of your mouth.

Method 2 of 3: Whistle with your tongue

1. Pull your lips back. Your upper lip should be tight against your upper teeth, which are probably partially visible. Your lower lip should be tight against your lower teeth, which should not be visible. This makes a very loud noise that attracts attention and that you can use to hail a taxi when you don't have your hands free.
   • Use your fingers to position your lips until you master the technique.
2. Pull your tongue back. Hold your tongue so that it is wide and flat and is just behind your lower teeth. There should be a small space between your tongue and your lower teeth. Don't let your tongue touch your teeth.
3. Blow over your tongue and your lower teeth and lip. Blow down towards your lower teeth. You should be able to feel the downward force of the air on your tongue. The air will be blown through a sharp angle formed by the top of your tongue and your upper teeth, then blown down over your lower teeth and lip. This makes an exceptionally loud sound.
   • This way of whistling requires some practice. Your jaw, tongue, and mouth are all put under some strain when you whistle this way.
   • Try to make the tip of your tongue wide and flat until you produce a loud and clear sound.
   • Remember that your tongue should float in your mouth, roughly level with your lower teeth.
4. Experiment to create more sounds. By changing the position of your tongue, cheek muscles, and jaw, you will be able to whistle many different sounds.

Method 3 of 3: Whistle with your fingers

1. Decide which fingers to use. When you whistle with your fingers, use them to hold your lips in place so that you can produce the clearest sound possible. First, determine which fingers you want to use to be able to whistle as best as possible. The position in which you hold your fingers depends on the size and shape of your fingers and your mouth. You can use the following finger combinations:
   • Both of your index fingers.
   • Your both middle fingers.
   • You both pinky.
   • Your thumb and middle or index finger on the same hand.
2. Make an inverted V shape with your fingers. Whatever combination of fingers you use, hold them together to create an inverted V shape. Make sure to wash your hands before putting your fingers in your mouth.
3. Place the tip of the V shape under your tongue. Keep your fingers together just below your tongue, behind your back teeth.
4. Close your mouth over your fingers. There should be a small gap between your fingers.
5. Blow through the hole. With this technique, you should produce a loud, shrill sound that is perfect for calling your dog home or getting your friends' attention. Keep practicing until you keep your fingers, tongue, and lips in position and you can make a loud noise.

Tips

• Don't blow too hard, especially if you are still exercising. You will have more air to practice with. It's better to get the sound and shape right before focusing on the volume.
• For most people, whistling is easier with moist lips. Try licking your lips first or take a sip of water.
• It's okay if you don't manage to whistle at first. Practice makes perfect!
• Each flute technique has an ideal position in which the shape of the tongue, lips and jaw is perfect to make a long and clear sound. Practice with the above flute techniques until you find this ideal position.
• You can whistle different notes by slightly adjusting the position of your tongue and your jaw. Don't move your lips.
• When you exhale, try to lift your diaphragm so that you blow the air up a little more.
• Moving your lips as if you were going to smile will allow you to whistle higher notes. The best way to get behind your reach is this way.