Pulls on a blow chord
I am a bit confused about the articulation where a blow chord is written but with a symbol indicating a pull. Is this meant to be equivalent to a slap followed by a pull? An example would be in Gary's Blues, second chorus, third note in (+3, +3 then +3+2+1 but with the 3 diagonals indicating a pull).
I am sorry but I am still a bit confused – maybe I am missing something.
I can understand that in this first example I would slap the 4 draw then move my tongue over holes 1-2-3-4 for a pull (draw).
In the second example I would slap a 4 blow then move my tongue over to cover holes 1-2-3-4 for a pull which I understand is a draw breath.
So my question is why is the pull chord in the second example notated with “+” signs if the pull is a draw articulation?
Hello again Bob. The pull is not exclusive to draws, it can be done on draws and blows. It uses the exact same mechanics, you're just changing the direction of your breath. Take a look at this lesson https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/tongue_blocking_study_25 and watch the lesson with pulls.
Hello Bob. In the case of the pull, you start with your tongue on the harmonica, covering all the holes (nothing sounds) and then pull the tongue off. The technique is the same for blows and draws.