Multiple articulations
Thu, 07/17/2025 - 08:28
Hi David,
I have suddenly become aware of the different articulations that I use when playing. For instance, on Accompaniment Playing Study 4, Ex. 1.1. I seem to be randomly using 3 different types of articulation. For the I, IV and V root notes, I am breathing purely from the diaphragm (no articulation), but for the pulls, I seem to be using 'Ta ta' and for some other notes, 'Ka Ka'. Should I be developing a specific articulation for a specific technique or am I worrying about this unnecessarily?
Thanks,
Mark.
Fri, 07/18/2025 - 15:03
#2
Thanks for your considered
Thanks for your considered response David. I'll give it some thought.
Hello Mark.
Generally speaking, we don't use an articulation unless you want a note to stand out, or be separated from the proceeding note (playing the same note multiple times for example).
For draw notes, "Ka" is the most common. For the Pull, the tongue goes to the front of the harmonica and creates a seal on the face of the harmonica (and the inner lips), so the articulation comes from that (no "Ta" or "Ka" needed).
For blow, we most commonly use a slight cough (same muscles, just not actually the grunt of the cough).
The is for general tongue block playing. When your tongue is off of the harmonica, say when chording on the bottom of the harmonica (think Solo Harmonica Studies), we use "Ta" as well, since our tongue is free from the face of the harmonica. When we play like this, we're typically thinking like a drummer, using brushes on a snare drum.
To your question... it's okay to mix articulations as you see fit. Generally speaking, students tend to over-articulate, sacrificing the fuller sound of legato playing. So, less is best, generally speaking.
Next study song submission, if you're unsure of a passage that you're articulating, let me know which passage and I'll pay attention to it and give you my thoughts.