Skip to main content
Blues Harmonica logo

User Account

Username:*
Password:*
Forgot Your Password?

Visitor Menu

  • Sign Up
  • Sample Lesson #1
  • Sample Lesson #2
  • Student Recordings
  • Forums
Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Double Tonguing

4 replies [Last post]
Thu, 01/05/2012 - 00:08
sledge
sledge's picture
Offline
Joined: 03/14/2010

Hi David,

Over the last year I have been consciously trying to play everything in the tongue block method on your recommendation.

I have come to a piece of music that requires double tonguing. You mentioned in your Articulation forum that double tonguing is the main reason for puckering. Do you recommend that I practice this puckered or is there a way of double tonguing whilst tongue blocking. Make sense?

Thanks,

Top
Thu, 01/05/2012 - 04:39
#1
sergiojl
sergiojl's picture
Offline
Joined: 07/04/2011
I can do tonguing while

I can do tonguing while tongue blocking. Try to make contact between your upper teeth and your tongue while keeping the tip at the comb.

Anyway if you want to make the duddle uddle uddle,..., like Junior Wells I think you have to necessarily pucker.

Top
Thu, 01/05/2012 - 09:03
#2
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

sergiojl is correct, you need to do that technique in a pucker.

Top
Thu, 01/05/2012 - 13:59
#3
bob freeze
bob freeze's picture
Offline
Joined: 01/03/2010
tone

David, I have been playing for a while and am fortunate enough to play in a working band, but just cant' seem to get my tone (you know what it sounds like) where I want it. I assumed that it was just because I lip blocked, but I have worked a lot on tongue blocking and it still just doesn't do the trick. I have a good friend (tasty player) who never did anything but tongue block - going back to the early 70's. When we get together I have tried doing simple licks together with him both lip blocking and tongue blocking. There is almost no difference in his tone either way, but I cannot get the tone either way. He has tried to figure out what the difference is and can't . Playing amplified masks a lot, but I want to get it accoustically first. Any suggestions, exercises, etc.- so frustrating).

Top
Thu, 01/05/2012 - 15:36
#4
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

Ah yes, the search for the big tone.

Place the harmonica a little deeper in your mouth, lower the middle and back of your tongue (the tip-top is on the harmonica, but the middle and back are able to move interdependently to lower for good tone), drop your jaw a bit, and finally open your throat.

A simple way to perform all of this is to use a slight yawn... it will place everything in the same position.

THE KEY to good tone is in opening everything up... that yawn is important... the position of the tongue is paramount.

Top

Sign me up!

Full access to all lessons starts at $20/month! (with annual subscription)

Subscribe

Free Sample Lessons

After watching the BluesHarmonica.com overview video, try one of the lessons below to experience a lesson at BluesHarmonica.com.

  • Tongue Blocking Study 2 – This study is for the newer player or the player new to tongue blocking
  • Bending Study 5 – This is for the advanced player looking to improve their bending skills

Contributors

  • Aki Kumar
  • Joe Tartaglia
  • Gary Smith
  • Mark Hummel
  • Joe Filisko

Site Links

  • About David Barrett
  • Accredited Instructors
  • Links
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
Hohner
© 2009 - 2025 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com