How to Pronounce the American R Sound: American R Part 1

In part 1 of this 3 part series on American R you will learn what to do with your tongue, lips and jaw to pronounce the R sound and we will practice the American R at the beginning of words. Be sure to grab your free 100 Common Initial R Words PDF practice list!

Key Takeaways:

1) The tongue tip is up, pointed toward the alveolar ridge but not touching anything for the American R.

2) The sides of the tongue are pressed against the inside of the back, top teeth.

3) The lips are rounded out, away from the teeth. 

The American R can be a tricky sound! Learn all about R at the end of words and syllables and R after a vowel (vocalic R) to master this distinctly American sound!