Skip to main content
Blues Harmonica logo

User Account

Username:*
Password:*
Forgot Your Password?

Visitor Menu

  • Sign Up
  • Sample Lesson #1
  • Sample Lesson #2
  • Student Recordings
  • Forums
Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Pull

3 replies [Last post]
Thu, 08/29/2013 - 21:41
New Player
New Player's picture
Offline
Level 4
Joined: 09/27/2011

Hello Mr. Barrett-

I have a quick question. In tongue block study song 2, what is point of playing the 1-2-3 draw if I am going pull on the 3 immediately after? Here is a screenshot for what I am trying to say. I promise the link is legit. :-)

http://i.imgur.com/Uazyzlx.jpg?1

Top
Thu, 08/29/2013 - 22:59
#1
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

A great question. It would seem that the chord of the slap and the chord of the preceding pull are one in the same, but they're not.

The 3 draw played on the downbeat you're speaking off is slapped. So, the chord of the slap sounds very slightly before the beat, but not quite on the upbeat.

The pull that precedes the 3 draw slap is on the upbeat. This upbeat pull give your line rhythm... the shuffle rhythm in this case. Pulls are primarily a rhythmic device. Also, the pull gets its own breath (a very quiet one) and the slap gets its own breath, so they are separate.

Top
Sun, 09/01/2013 - 10:16
#2
Homer
Homer's picture
Offline
Level 5
Joined: 11/22/2012
Is It A Lift?

Hi Dave...Just thought I would add my two cents...I do not interpret the 1-2-3 chord as a pull, but, rather a lift. I think this is how you describe it in the accompanying video. To me, a pull sounds more aggressive whereas a lift is much softer sounding.

Homer

Top
Sun, 09/01/2013 - 11:10
#3
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

A pull and lift can be played at the same volume. The difference is that the pull is more articulate... more separated... more staccato.

Top

Sign me up!

Full access to all lessons starts at $20/month! (with annual subscription)

Subscribe

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

Contributors

  • Aki Kumar
  • Joe Tartaglia
  • Gary Smith
  • Mark Hummel
  • Joe Filisko

Site Links

  • About David Barrett
  • Accredited Instructors
  • Links
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
Hohner
© 2009 - 2025 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com