ANOTHER Tongue blocking question - maybe an odd one...
David or someone: I have an interesting problem when it comes to tongue blocking. A few years back, I had a wisdom tooth extraction that went terribly wrong. As a result, the entire right side of my tongue is numb as if shot full of Novocaine. I had corrective surgery, but it only helped a little bit. The numbness is there, but it's a bit duller than it used to be. So here's my problem --
Going over the instructional on this site, David's lesson indicated that proper tongue blocking technique would place the tongue to the left, with the top and right side doing the blocking. This feels odd to me because of my affliction. I can do it, but I'm worried about the dexterity of my tongue in this position. Is there any problem with tongue blocking with the tongue to the right instead? Are there future techniques that I may have problems with if my tongue is in the opposite position?
This whole tongue thing has me concerned about whether I will ever be an accomplished player, but I really want to give it a try.
Thanks ahead for the response...
Thanks for the response David.
I've been working to keep it to the left, and further progression into your lesson plan has shown me that I will need to be dexterous both right and left.
I'll work on it and see how far I can go. I'm determined to learn this thing. As a result of my affliction, my tongue can do some weird things sometimes - like suddenly spasm and end up with a nasty bite on the side. Believe it or not, it also can be very weather dependent - seeming more numb when it's raining like it is today.
On the other hand, maybe I'll pioneer some new technique that no one else in the world is able to do and my recordings will be examined for decades by people going: "I wonder how the hell he did that!"
...then again...
...maybe not.
Keep in mind that many pro players use a combination of tongue blocking and puckering (I did for many years)... so, experiment on works for you to make great music!
How about using the harp upsidedown (low notes on the left)? .... then, when tongueblocking you might be using your left side of your tongue ...no??....
William Clarke, Sonny Terry, Paul Butterfield... all played upside down... just do everything in reverse... tongue goes to the right (using the top of the tongue, and yes, a little bit of the left side).
I am so glad to hear other people discussing their issues with tongue blocking as I am still having a hard time of it and figured out that it might be partly a physical thing and partly not having proper technique. I'm having a hard time on the G 2 draw on this particularly. Great lessons!!!
Hello Deanna. The back of your tongue is humped up, that's what's causing the 2 draw to not sound... bend... sound airy... etc... common problem... you'll get it!
Thanks Dave,
I feel like a kid at Christmas every time I open this site. The FAQs are great in that when we click on a question we get you actually telling us and showing us instead of having to read the answer, so much more effective. Kudos to your site designer for the site in general. I may not become the best player but I may be one of your biggest chearleaders. I've got a friend here who I've been jamming with, he actually got me the gig on Halloween I played at and we're starting to videotape practices. I've actually had a couple of offers to stand in with the band on a couple of gigs. Mostly rock/blues stuff. Also playing around with some jazz/fusion kind of stuff which is fun. We did some Pink Floyd, mostly just some airy chords but it worked! Happy New Year! Deanna
Thanks so much for the kind words... glad you find the site useful!
"The FAQs are great in that when we click on a question we get you actually telling us and showing us instead of having to read the answer, so much more effective."
I agree. I'm finding this site much easier to learn from than any of the other systems I've tried - including David's books (sorry Dave, don't get me wrong, the books are GREAT, it's just that "picture's worth a thousand words" thing here).
Thanks... that was my intention... do you mind of I quote you for the main page, "I'm finding this site much easier to learn from than any of the other systems I've tried." and if so, can I use your name (please provide if yes). Thanks!
Ha! Go ahead! Whatta ya know - I'm famous!
...how come my wife still wants me to take out the trash?
Oh, the name's Jon Judson.
Thanks Jon... we play harmonica... don't expect too much respect ;-)
Crap, there goes those dating Jessica Alba fantasies...
I see your concern. The tongue needs to be to the left... we want the chord to be lower than the target note (thing tongue slap or flutter tongue). You can be a great player and make great music without tongue blocking... it just opens up more options of texture. So... experiment with it and do what you can... you may want to speak to student Jon Harl (he's on here)... he had a stroke and has learned to deal with his tongue block issues... post a comment with Jon Harl as the subject and I'm sure he'll see it. Good luck!