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

Switch toungue blocking holes 1-3

2 replies [Last post]
Sat, 03/10/2018 - 18:10
Mikedsnameisthis
Mikedsnameisthis's picture
Offline
Joined: 03/04/2018

Hello, 

     I find it easier to "switch" my toungue to block holes 1-3 rather than have part of my mouth off the harmonica.  Do you think this is a sound technique or should I tey to get used to maintaining the embouchure with part of my mouth off the harmonica? 

Thanks, 

     Mike

Top
Sun, 03/11/2018 - 10:44
#1
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello Mike. Keep your tongue

Hello Mike.

Keep your tongue to the left.

The reason we keep our tongue to the left is so that when performing slaps, pulls, flutters, and other common chordal techniques, we want the sounding chord to be below the pitch of the target note.

For example, when playing a 3 draw, and we slap, we want the chord 1, 2 and 3 draw to sound as your tongue is traveling to the face of the harmonica. If the tongue is to the right, then the chord that sounds is higher in pitch than the target note, and this is a strange sound.

For hole 1 it's fine to have your tongue to the right (as I advise you to do in the lessons).

Top
Sun, 03/11/2018 - 16:34
#2
Mikedsnameisthis
Mikedsnameisthis's picture
Offline
Joined: 03/04/2018
Makes sense!

makes sense thank you! I will work on this! 

Top

Sign me up!

The low monthly subscription of $16.95 gives you full access! We accept major credit cards and PayPal.

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 - 2022 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com