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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Tongue Blocking Help

5 replies [Last post]
Fri, 10/18/2019 - 18:56
freedo5H
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Joined: 08/15/2019

Hi David,

I'm working on the tongue blocking and I'm not sure I'm doing it right.  I taught myself years ago on some basic harmonica and don't know if that's causing the issue meaning I have to 'unlearn' what I used to do.  I can play single notes but I think it's because I'm narrowing my lips some as I don't feel the tongue touching the face of the harmonica.  Watching your video, it looks like the tongue is actually supposed to physically touch and cover the holes.  Is that correct?

Thanks for your help,

Michael

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Fri, 10/18/2019 - 20:40
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello Michael. Yes, you want

Hello Michael. Yes, you want the tongue touching the face of the harmonica, blocking three holes as the standard. In Tongue Block Study 1 (https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/tongue_blocking_1) watch me on the Filisko Tongue Block Trainer, I think you'll appreciate the visual.

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Fri, 10/25/2019 - 18:30
#2
freedo5H
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Hi David, Is it normal/ok for

Hi David,

Is it normal/ok for me to have a small puff to my cheeks when doing this?  I notice it more than when I'm doing just the narrowing of my lips. 

Thanks,

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Fri, 10/25/2019 - 18:30
#3
freedo5H
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Joined: 08/15/2019
Hi David, Is it normal/ok for

Hi David,

Is it normal/ok for me to have a small puff to my cheeks when doing this?  I notice it more than when I'm doing just the narrowing of my lips. 

Thanks,

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Fri, 10/25/2019 - 18:30
#4
freedo5H
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Offline
Joined: 08/15/2019
Hi David, Is it normal/ok for

Hi David,

Is it normal/ok for me to have a small puff to my cheeks when doing this?  I notice it more than when I'm doing just the narrowing of my lips. 

Thanks,

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Sat, 10/26/2019 - 08:45
#5
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello freedo5H. Yes, this is

Hello freedo5H. Yes, this is fine.

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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

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