performing

It's common for players to use the tip of their tongue to block the two middles holes when performing an octave. Another option, one that I personally use, is to use the top of the tongue, just like you do for your other tongue blocking techniques (single notes, slaps, pulls, etc.) but just using an ultra-light touch so that the top convex shape of the tongue blocks the two middle holes, allowing air to flow on the left and right-hand side of the tongue. Tone is the same, but I'm able to be more relaxed an efficient in regards to moving from technique to technique. continue reading...

Every now and again I'll have a poor student come in and their face is all contorted to the side when playing. I ask them to stick their tongue out with the harmonica still attached and I'll see that they're using the side of their tongue for the tongue block. They hear "block the holes to the left" and away their tongue goes, pointing far left in the mouth. The angle of the tongue on the harmonica should only be one click of the clock to the left... 11 o'clock. continue reading...