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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Side flutter

3 replies [Last post]
Wed, 08/25/2021 - 02:47
SP_Dublin
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Joined: 07/30/2017

Hi David,

Are there any lessons that cover the "octave warble" as used by Kim Wilson and Dennis Gruenling, among others. I'm not sure if that's the correct term, correct me if not and I can change the subject heading. What I mean is tongue blocking and switching sides rapidly between a 1 and 4 draw, so as to achieve a warble/trill effect. I guess it can also be done on any octave on the blows.

I know Kim Wilson talks about it a little in his interview but I can't find more detailed lessons on it. But maybe I'm using the wrong search terms. 

Thanks in advance.

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Wed, 08/25/2021 - 06:22
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello SP_Dublin. I call this

Hello SP_Dublin.

I call this the side-flutter and can be learned about on this page https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/tongue_blocking_study_25, under Section 2, Example 1.4B - Side-Flutter

This technique doesn't need to be performed where only octaves are available...it can be performed on any single note, commonly holes 4 and above.

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Wed, 08/25/2021 - 18:39
#2
SP_Dublin
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Joined: 07/30/2017
Thanks David, just what I was

Thanks David, just what I was looking for. I started a thread on this topic on the Modern Blues Harmonica forum on Facebook which sparked a lot of interesting discussion. There were contributions from lots of fine players including Winslow Yerxa. 

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Mon, 09/20/2021 - 21:09
#3
sHARPsHOOTER
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Joined: 06/25/2021
Cool!

Awesome!!! I've been trying to figure this out for a while. Thanks!

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