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

1 reply [Last post]
Wed, 01/25/2023 - 13:00
srosen22
srosen22's picture
Offline
Joined: 11/14/2022

I am a beginner harmonica player. I have looked at tongue blocking on your website and undertand what to practice. On the movement patterns i have watched the videos and also understand what to practice. My question is: What technique do we use to play a single note on the harmonica? Is it simply a pucker?I have been playing guitar and reading music for more than 10 years. My other question is in the A major scale there are 3 sharps- C, F, G the videos that I have watched do not say anyting about that.

Thanks

Stan

Top
Wed, 01/25/2023 - 13:59
#1
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello Stan... welcome to the

Hello Stan... welcome to the site and the harmonica.

You will use tongue blocking for your single notes (reference Blues Harmonica Fundamentals and Tongue Blocking Study 1).

All music is written, and thought of, in C Score... all based as if you're playing on a C Harmonica (no sharps or flats). Since each harmonica is intervalically the same, what you do, and think of, on the C Harmonica translates to the correct movement on whichever harmonica you choose to play.

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