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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Pulls For Gary's Blues Watching You And Joe

1 reply [Last post]
Fri, 02/08/2013 - 16:52
wmartin
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Joined: 10/13/2012

David, is it correct to say that the Slap is more tongue orientated versus the Pull is more lip puckering and plucking?

I am trying to do the Pull with the same tongue feel as the Slap. Are they close brothers or entirely separate?

I am watching you and Joe in the beginning Harmonica lessons and it looks like you are using your lips to make the plucking sound. He seems like he plays using more puckering versus tongue blocking.

It is only what I can see and figure out by the videos. I know you want us to tongue block.

I am using the larger area of the tongue to do the Pull but I am seeing and hearing something else when you show Joe?

Should I do the slap with a good portion of the tongue and then shorten up and lip purse for the sound of the pull?
I know I need a tight seal. It seems with how I am slapping that there is not enough seal to somehow go from where I am with a slap to the pull. I am experimenting with a pucker to do the pull.

Is that correct?
I am really enjoying my new D Harmonica.

Thank you so much.

Will

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Fri, 02/08/2013 - 19:27
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

Joe is a 100% tongue blocker. No pucker element to this. Follow the demonstrations in Tongue Block Study 2.5 and 3. Yes, you use slightly more of the top of the tongue, but it's really just sticking your tongue out a little bit to block the holes... don't focus so much on what part of the tongue is used, just stick that sucker out.

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