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

When to tongue block?

2 replies [Last post]
Sun, 11/22/2015 - 00:51
Renuka
Renuka's picture
Offline
Level 2
Joined: 11/21/2015

I can play by puckering but I am just learning to tongue block and I am finding it difficult.  How will I know when I am supposed to tongue block versus puckering? Is there any notation or just implied by the title of the excercise? I know lesson 1 is tongue blocking but I am assuming in the shaking lesson and others that puckering is fine. What would you recommend? Thanks!

 

Top
Sun, 11/22/2015 - 02:53
#1
Renuka
Renuka's picture
Offline
Level 2
Joined: 11/21/2015
Joe Filisko's comment on tongue blocking

Disregard my question. The Pro comments on the side of the screen were incredibly useful and after listening to Joe Filisko compare playing the harp by puckering to drinking pop without fizz, I totally get it. I have been trying to get that Bluesy sound with puckering and it hasn't been working for me so I guess I will just work on Tongue blocking until I get it right. Great videos btw.

 

Top
Sun, 11/22/2015 - 07:36
#2
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
You figured it out, great.

You figured it out, great. Take your time and enjoy the journey... tongue blocking will open a whole new world of cool sounds to 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