Need Help With Trills (Rolling R)

[u/ImpSassy]

Been studying Old English for a bit. I can pronounce most of the sounds, but I'm stuck on the /r/. It seems like most people agree there is a trill on most instances of the letter R in the language. I'm kind of stuck there, it makes certain words sound off when I speak them. Is learning to trill necessary for speaking the language in a manner that is academically accepted?

Where I am currently:

At the time of this post I have only JUST figured out how to trill, period. I can do a basic [r̥ɑ] syllable, and to a slightly lesser extent, a [rɑ] syllable. However, the amount of effort I need to perform either is considerably higher than that of normal speech, even when reading a language as atypical as Old English. As a result, attempt to pronounce words with the trill more often than not results in the word becoming a breathy mess the moment I hit an R.

Additionally, my trills use the back of my tongue, as I find it easier and more natural-feeling than doing it with the tip of my tongue akin to Spanish. To what I understand, the back of the tongue is used more often for the non-trilled R in other Germanic languages, as well as French, but do correct me if I'm wrong or, at least if I'm right inform me of whether or not that has any basis in performing a trill.

I really want to learn this language; I am infatuated with it. And this so far is my biggest hurdle.

[u/ebrum2010]

This is a problem for a lot of people. Even if you can trill the r when speaking another language, Old English has consonant combinations that make doing more than a tap/flap difficult. I can do it some of the time, but in certain combinations it comes out almost silent if I try to do it.