Turkey Diaphragm Basics : How to Choose and Use a Mouth CallUpdated 4 months ago
Today, we’re going to go over how to choose the right mouth call, how to use it, and some advanced calling techniques to improve your skills.
Choosing the Right Mouth Call
The first thing to consider when selecting a mouth call is how well it fits the roof of your mouth. The tape on the call is designed to create an air seal, but if it feels too big, you can carefully trim it with scissors—just a sixteenth of an inch at a time—until it fits comfortably.
At Phelps, we make our calls with aluminum frames, which can be slightly bent to better contour to your mouth. This helps improve the air seal and gives you more control over the call.
For beginners or those not yet experienced with mouth calls, a double reed call with no cuts is a great option. This type of call is easy to use and naturally produces a two-tone sound, which is key for making an effective yelp—the most important turkey call you’ll use.
How to Use a Mouth Call
When using a mouth call, tongue pressure is key. The amount of pressure you apply controls the pitch:
- More tongue pressure produces a higher note.
- Less tongue pressure creates a lower note.
When placing the call in your mouth, make sure the cut side of the reeds faces upward toward the roof of your mouth. If the call doesn’t have cuts, position the tab at the back of the call facing downward. As a helpful guide, many of our calls also have printed tape to indicate the correct orientation.
Creating a Yelp
To start learning the yelp:
- Apply tongue pressure to get a high note.
- Slightly drop your tongue to produce the lower note.
- Repeat the sequence to create a two-tone yelp.
When done correctly, this movement mimics how a turkey’s beak opens and closes. As you practice, you’ll find that slightly moving your jaw helps create a smoother transition between notes.
Advancing Your Calling Technique
For a more realistic yelp, try bringing air from your diaphragm—just like when you speak. This technique will create a deeper, more natural tone and add realism to your calls. With time and practice, you’ll gain more control over pitch, volume, and tonal quality.
Mastering a mouth call takes practice, but once you get comfortable, your calling will improve significantly. Keep working on it, and I guarantee you’ll see progress!
Please make sure to give the video created by Chris Parrish below as watch as well! Chris Parrish is a Turkey Calling legend, winning 28 major calling championships in his career! Who better to learn from than THE MAN himself?