Articulation on "The Strut"
Fri, 08/19/2022 - 17:55
David,
After watching the lesson w/Ryan on chorus 6 of "The Strut," I have a question about articulation and puckering v. tongue blocking. Up until now, I have been using the tongue block exclusively. When you mentioned using a "ta-ta" articulation in this chorus I realized that maybe some combination of tongue block and pucker is preferred. I've been having a particularly difficult time articulating the 1 draw on this piece and find that a pucker solves the problem well. My question is should I keep practicing with the tongue block exclusively, or start mixing in some pucker when it may be appropriate?
Thanks,
Jules
Hello Jules.
For hole 1 you can pucker if you wish... many players do (and tongue block holes 2 through 10).
With this said, you don't need to, all it is is practice over time...you will get it. Keep your embouchure open and airstream warm. Focus on using the Ka articulation (the most common articulation for draw notes in a tongue block).
P.S., Ryan came to me already playing the harmonica, using the pucker embouchure. For players like him, they commonly continue to pucker hole 1. So... it was more of a practical thing for him than it is for you.