slapping and pulling
Hi. In Solo Harmonica Study 1, examples 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3, after pulling on the upbeats, do you mark a tiny silence before slapping the next note, or is it all done in the same chord, i.e., is the chord you get from pulling the upbeats the same one you use for slapping the next note, in which case the only silences would be the brief ones between the down and upbeats? I hope my question is clear. Thanks.
Thanks David. I'm trying to do the lessons in order, but I'll look ahead at those TB Studies anyway.
Look at 2.5, this will help with all your tongue block needs.
Hi. I suddenly realized today, as I was working on my bass lines, that after pulls, and before the following slaps, I was spontaneously putting my tongue back on the harmonica, thus increasing the staccato effect. I'm wondering if that's the right way to go about it, or if I should rather let the sound die out. The effect is quite different. (I hope I'm making myself clear; it's so subtle that I didn't even know I was doing it.)
Thank you
You're crystal-clear in your description. No, your tongue should not return to the harmonica for this. Down the road you'll learn the Pull-Slap, which will have your tongue return on the harmonica for that technique… and you're correct, it is much more percussive. Though a good technique, you don't to always use it all the time, it can overpower lines. So for now, yes, don't let that sucker back on the harp between the pull and the slap.
Great question. Yes, a "tiny silence" is correct... this really helps the music to swing. By the way, pulls are officially taught in Tongue Block Study 2.5 and 3... look at these lessons for much more clarification.