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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Flutter?

1 reply [Last post]
Mon, 08/17/2020 - 14:47
brshoemaker
brshoemaker's picture
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Level 3
Joined: 05/06/2020

Slaps came easy, but I’m having a difficult time with flutters. I’m sure it is just a mater of time.  To complete Level 2 achievement I submitted Solo study Ex. 1.5 which has 2 flutters.  The flutters were so week that I could not hardly tell they were there.  Then after many repeated attempts while trying to force a good flutter, my mind sent the wrong commands and while my tongue fluttered a little, my arms shook rapidly and made the harmonica to lift on and off my tongue giving me a great flutter.  I had no problem repeating this and am now able to consistently get a good flutter on Ex. 1.5. 

If I continue to do this arm shake to get a flutter, am I going to be hindering my playing down the road?

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Mon, 08/17/2020 - 14:56
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello brshoemaker. I

Hello brshoemaker. I recommend that you not do that. Keep the harmonica in your mouth and practice very slowly, taking your tongue on and off the harmonica slowly, and with a very light touch with your tongue on the face of the harmonica. Built up speed with time.

P.S., the flutter will be officially taught in Tongue Blocking Study 3, so there's no hurry.

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