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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

new to tongue blocking

3 replies [Last post]
Mon, 05/27/2019 - 16:20
Spaceboy68
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Joined: 05/15/2019

Hi David

Congrats on an amazing website. I'm a complete newbie and im very inspired by the video lessons and the ones with your two example students. I've been at it for a few days now trying to get my single notes out. My problem is that I can see (in my self-made tongueblocking trainer) that my relaxed mouth position captures 5 holes, not 4, so Im having problems with that. I try to close up the embochure but I geet a lot of bleeds from surrounding holes. Any suggestions?

What is the best and most eficcient way to practice this? What I do now is do the c scale up and down until i die of boredom. How can I practice this for an hour or more? im very patient (Plus i have the time) and id like to get good at single notes soonish so I can move on to the song study and really start my journey. please advise

I understand there's some folk tunes we can use to practice single notes? Could you please direct me to them, i cannot seem to find them.

thank you so much!

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Mon, 05/27/2019 - 20:02
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello Spaceboy68, welcome to

Hello Spaceboy68, welcome to the site. I'm glad you're enjoying the material.

Try making more of an "O" shape with your lips/mouth, which will bring in the sides of your lips/mouth. Also try pursing your lips a little bit (like you're about to kiss). Experiment until you can get your mouth shape over four holes (this will be especially helpful down the road, for your more advanced techniques).

Yes, doing a scale for an hour would be boring!

Also work on the study song "Walk with Me" https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/tongue_blocking_1
This is your main study now.

Yes, folk songs can also be fun, they are found here https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/tongue_blocking_study_15

Best wishes on your studies. I look forward to your first submission.

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Tue, 05/28/2019 - 13:22
#2
Spaceboy68
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Joined: 05/15/2019
thank you

i will do thank you so much

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Tue, 05/28/2019 - 14:11
#3
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Happy to help

Happy to help

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Free Sample Lessons

After watching the BluesHarmonica.com overview video, try one of the lessons below to experience a lesson at BluesHarmonica.com.

  • Tongue Blocking Study 2 – This study is for the newer player or the player new to tongue blocking
  • Bending Study 5 – This is for the advanced player looking to improve their bending skills

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