Tip of the Day

Now try these chords using TA for each chord (played two notes per beat)...

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 and same for blows...
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Now try these chords using KA for each chord...

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 and same for blows...
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Now for chords. Try these chords using HA for each chord...

3 3 3 3  3 3 3 3  3 3 3 3  3 3 3 3 
2 2 2 2  2 2 2 2  2 2 2 2  2 2 2 2  and same for blows...
1 1 1 1  1 1 1 1  1 1 1 1  1 1 1 1 

When you play fast it's best to articulate the second note of each pair. For example, If you're traveling up the harmonica playing 4' 4, articulate the second of the pair, 4 (= 4' 4KA)... when traveling down the harmonica you'll articulate the second note again, 4' ( = 4 4'KU). Try the two examples below to get this idea. Start slow and then build up speed with practice.

1) 3" 3 4+ 4' 4 6+ (3" 3KA 4+ 4' 4KA 6+)

2) 6 6' 6+ 5 5' 5+ 4 4' 4+ 3' 3" 2 (6 6'KU 6+ 5 5'KU 5+ 4 4'KU 4+ 3' 3"KU 2) continue reading...

Let's now try TA on the upbeat. TA is only used when puckering. Again, use HA (no articulation) on the blow notes.

2 2 3 3 4 4 5+ 6+ = 2 2TA 3 3TA 4 4TA 5+ 6+

The HA on the downbeat and KA on the upbeat works well when bending is involved as well. Again, use HA (no articulation) on the blow notes.

2 2 3' 3 4 4 5+ 6+ = 2 2KA 3' 3KA 4 4KA 5+ 6+

Now try the same lick with HA on the downbeat and KA on the upbeat... notice how the KA gives the upbeat a nice syncopated drive. Use HA (no articulation) on the blow notes.

2 2 3 3 4 4 5+ 6+ = 2 2KA 3 3KA 4 4KA 5+ 6+

Okay, let's now experiment with combinations. Try our lick again with all "HA's." Though not an articulation, HA will give each note emphasis and make the line more dynamic. Again, play our lick below in a swing/shuffle rhythm.

2 2 3 3 4 4 5+ 6+

This one is used in the tongue block embouchure. You start in the same position as you do for the pull... your tongue blocking all holes. You then pull the right side of the tongue off only... the left side that covers the three holes stays. You can also do this for octaves, where you start covering four holes and then pull off the right-most and left-most holes... keeping your tongue on the middle two. Try the lick below with side pulls.

2 2 3 3 4 4 5+ 6+

"TA" is our most commonly used articulation for pucker players as well as all players when they play chords (think Solo Harmonica Study). Don't use "T" or "TU", you'll most likely bend the note if you're playing a draw... the "A" in "TA" keeps the back of the tongue down and out of the way. Again, "TA" is not commonly used for blow notes except in chugging. Try out our lick again with ALL "TA's."

2 2 3 3 4 4 5+ 6+