Newbie here: Struggling to tongue block smoothly
Hello everyone
This is my first post
So I've been learning from another online course before finding this one and have gotten used to pucker method. So - this is almost learning from scratch for me again.
Im learning on a Seydel A harp and trying to find the right position through practice to get h4-6 consistent - but my biggest struggle is as I try to slide along the holes, my tongue gets dragged back a bit and I lose my embouchre.
Should I ditch the Seydel? Buy a Hohner Xharp? Is the technique the same David? I'm trying to focus on using the top of the tongue at the 11.00 position w a light touch and tipping the harp towards me too. If I'm too light I don't get clear single notes. But too firm and my tongue gets dragged due to pressure Any tips would be much appreciated thank you
Ragz:
I've read, listened to, and watched interviews with a number of well-known blues harpists who started using pucker method exclusively, and then taught themselves (or were taught) to tongue-block to get all of the effects that makes blues harp such a fun style. And none of them said that the switch came to them quickly or easily. So don't fret if it takes a while to feel comfortable tongue-blocking. You're in good company.
And while David does a really good job in his video lessons, only you know what feels most natural in your own mouth (and also sounds good in your ears). But one thing I found made a bit of a difference some years ago when I learned tongue-blocking was to angle the harp so that I was holding it close, or even pressed against, my right cheek. Which makes blocking with the right edge of my tongue feel most natural. (And can help with cupping, as well.)
And comb comfort can make more of a difference. E.g., I've always found plastic combs (of various harp brands) more comfortable for movement than wood. But other folks swear by wood.
The bottom line, however, is that Winslow is absolutely right that it's a "Goldilocks" thing. E.g., not too much pressure, not too little pressure, but "just right." A whole lotta' harmonica stuff is just like that. Kind of like the Buddhist "Middle Way," or what Mama Bear does once Baby Bear and Papa Bear have each gone too far one direction or the other.
Good luck!
Thanks very much guys!
Very helpful tips and advice!
Try just touching the harmonica with your tongue, instead of pressing it to the harp. If your tongue is getting dragged along with the harp, you're pressing too hard. The Seydel is fine, and so are most mid-priced harp.
You can apply the front of your tongue in one of three ways:
I don't find any need to tip the back of the harp up or down.
If you're getting leakage when lightly applying the tongue, check your left cheek. You should feel the left edge of your tongue toucing the inside of your cheek and the inse of the lips where the upper and lower lip meet. If you don't block on that side, you could be getting left-side leakage.