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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Harmonica against right chick/face and THANKS for this amazing site!

5 replies [Last post]
Wed, 05/20/2020 - 14:40
EricMina
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Joined: 05/14/2020

Hi newbie here.

Started 4 weeks before I joined this site which by the way is awesome and there is everything I need avalaible.

So thank you so much for making it David and everyone involved.

In those 4 weeks I was puckering single notes and started tongue blocking when I joined here.

I'm really happy with the result from tongue blocking no doubt about that.

My concern is that when I pucker the harmonica is in front of me.

When I tongue block without realizing it until today the harmonica is more to the right side of my mouth and the holes that are not being played are like sliding against my right chick/face.

The question is this ok or I need to focus on playing more in front?

Because so far I tried in front of me and to the right as it feels more natural to me and don't see or hear any difference. I'm able to play those single either way. It just feels better on my wrist and position. 

Thank you

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Wed, 05/20/2020 - 14:57
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello EricMina. Thank you for

Hello EricMina. Thank you for your kind words... I'm glad you're enjoying the site.

What you're doing is just fine... actually, desirable. This helps you when doing Wa Wa and when playing amplified (blocking the upper holes with your cheek makes your airtight cup more airtight)... so, you're ahead of the game.

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Wed, 05/20/2020 - 17:13
#2
EricMina
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Joined: 05/14/2020
Cool. Thanks for the help.

Cool. Thanks for the help.

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Thu, 06/04/2020 - 15:59
#3
EricMina
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Joined: 05/14/2020
Advice on practice and extra on the side

Hi David I'm going through loa 1 and almost there just going through some issues on playing on time with the jam track and metronome as "you" are not there anymore to guide me. The problem is I get distracted after a while playing the same and need to stop. But if I play something else and then comeback to the study song I'm good to go again. Can you please recomend another program online that I could squeeze in there when I reach that point instead of just stopping practicing for that day? Was looking at more blues stuff like breakthrough from JP. Do think it's a good approach and good program or not? I know it can't be as good as a site like this one and probably nobody will build something like you did thinking on every aspect but something on the side for those moments of distraction or frustration would be nice. Hope you don't get the wrong message with this. Thank you 

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Thu, 06/04/2020 - 17:34
#4
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello EricMina. I understand

Hello EricMina. I understand what you’re saying. This is why I have multiple areas of study on the site. Music theory, solo harmonica study, main studies (bending and tongue blocking), accompaniment playing, and improvising. These are all areas you can work on simultaneously. The improvising lessons come later in the series, but there’s no reason why you can’t start that now. Besides that, I think YouTube would be a good resource. YouTube is very eclectic, you’ll get a lot of different perspectives.

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Thu, 06/04/2020 - 18:17
#5
EricMina
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Joined: 05/14/2020
Ok thank you

Ok thank you

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