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

tongue blocking

5 replies [Last post]
Thu, 10/27/2022 - 08:26
bloster
bloster's picture
Offline
Joined: 07/07/2021

Have I got a bad habit?When I tongue block the tip of my tongue is not as far over to one side as in your demonstration.

Top
Thu, 10/27/2022 - 08:29
#1
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello bloster. My tongue is

Hello bloster. My tongue is just slightly to the left... about 11 o'clock. Where would you say your tongue is pointing?

Top
Thu, 10/27/2022 - 09:18
#2
bloster
bloster's picture
Offline
Joined: 07/07/2021
tongue blocking

About the same, I tried putting my tongue way over, now that you have explained it I will keep doing the 11 o'clock position. Thank you as always.

Top
Thu, 10/27/2022 - 09:26
#3
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Okay, good

Okay, good

Top
Mon, 01/09/2023 - 02:58
#4
Peter from Slovakia
Peter from Slovakia's picture
Offline
Joined: 01/03/2023
bending

Hello David. Please, I have a question, if you allways play whith the method tongue blocking, even if you are bending two or three steps on the third hole?  I want to decide in the begining, whitch method to learn (tongue blocking or pursing), and the tongue blocking is better for me to play a single note, bot I dont know, if I can later use this method for technics like bending, as well as with pursing. Thank you.

P.S.  your website is great and I really like, how you explain and show the way how to do something

 

Peter

Top
Mon, 01/09/2023 - 09:39
#5
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello Peter. Thank you, I'm

Hello Peter.

Thank you, I'm glad that you're enjoying the site.

Yes, you will use tongue blocking for all of your bending, including your deep bends. If it worked for John Lee Williamson, Rice Miller, Little Walter, Walter Horton, George Smith, James Cotton, etc., then it will work for you :-)

Top

Sign me up!

Full access to all lessons starts at $20/month! (with annual subscription)

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 - 2025 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com