Growling (wind instruments)

The growl gives the performer's sound a dark, guttural, gritty timbre resulting largely from the rustle noise and desirable consonance and dissonance effects produced.

A woodwind growl can also be produced by allowing air to escape from around the corners of the mouth, causing a vibration in the lips and mouthpiece.

The performer selects a bizarre or unusual fingering that causes the instrument to attempt to sound on multiple notes.

A "growl trombone" may be seen in a 1929 film Black and Tan Fantasy played by Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton.

Harmonica players have started growling as well by using a technique similar to bending notes which causes the reeds to project a raspy guttural sound.