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Forums :: Tip of the Day

Get ready for the Pull-Slap (Part 4 - The Pull)

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Mon, 06/27/2011 - 07:51
David Barrett Admin
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Head InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 11/30/2009

Let's see how you did in your description of the pull... here's mine...

1) Your lips are over 4 holes (standard size)
2) Your tongue starts ON the harmonica... blocking ALL 4 holes (using the top of the tongue is preferred... it's wider)
3) Start to breath lightly... nothing should sound... pull your tongue off, achieving a plucking-like feel (imagine a suction cup popping off of a surface).
4) The pull should be sharp, but quiet (commonly 50% the volume of single notes), and dissipate very quickly (you don't continue breathing when your tongue pulls off).
5) The pull is most commonly found on the upbeat, substituting a single note (a pull is used in place of a single note).
6) The pull's nature is rhythmic.

Give this a try... really FEEL, HEAR and KNOW what's going on with this technique...

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