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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

grumpy

1 reply [Last post]
Thu, 09/30/2021 - 07:25
Emperor Nichola...
Emperor Nicholas III of the House of Chopper's picture
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Joined: 11/18/2020

Hi David–I just saw it's been 45 weeks since I signed up for your website, and I'm discourage by how little progress I've made, just at the end of the second batch of lessons. A life long lip purser, right now I can't get my head around the tongue blocking, and I'm learning very slowly. Also, I find it very hard to navigate the pages, to return to where I last left off, to locate specific lessons, to find answers in the forum, etc. All together, I wonder if you've ever come across a student who just plain doesn't have a gift for this instrument, no matter how much time he puts towards learning. I might be a contender. best, Miki

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Thu, 09/30/2021 - 09:54
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello Miki. The key thing is

Hello Miki.

The key thing is that you enjoy to play the harmonica... that's all that really matters. This is your hobby, so how fast you traverse the material is irrelevant. As long as you're enjoying the journey and having fun, then all is good.

An option is to use puckering as your main embouchure and tongue blocking for the tongue block exclusive techniques (slaps, pulls, flutters, octaves, etc.). Generaly speakjing, you would pucker holes 1 through 3 and anytime you bend, and tongue block from holes 4 (where octaves begin) and above. Just an option.

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