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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Tongue Block Slaps

1 reply [Last post]
Tue, 08/11/2020 - 11:56
lhobdey
lhobdey's picture
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Level 6
Joined: 04/14/2016

David, I almost decided to not ask this question as I think I know the answer.  Even though I have completed up through Level 5 my issue is slaps. For whatever reason, they seem uncomfortable for me to do. In some of your feedback on my performances you have correctly stated that you aren't hearing slaps as indicated on the sheet music or on my last test for an original song you said you wouldn't mind hearing more slaps.  Now on Level 6 I notice that the slaps tab will no longer be provided indicating we should know when to slap a note.  I can do slaps, but they seem to slow me down. And to slap any triplet at a moderate speed almost brings me to a stop. My tongue and the overall feel seems to be foreign.  I know my answer is to practice, practice, practice.  But would it be so bad if I end up not slapping notes, especially triplets on future songs?  Thanks

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Tue, 08/11/2020 - 12:29
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello lhobdey. For triplets,

Hello lhobdey.

For triplets, it's not common to slap all of them... we commonly slap the first triplet of each set (unless it's a slow blues... then we can slap all of them).

I recommend you go back and review your tongue blocking study songs. Start with "Temperature" and go through them slowly, with the main focus to slap. I would not overlook slaps... it's the default way a blues harmonica player plays a single note.

Remember to use a light touch with your tongue on the face of the harmonica, and to play relaxed... tension will hinder slaps, as well as other techniques.

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