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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Solo Harmonica Study 2: Ex 1.6 First Bar

1 reply [Last post]
Wed, 02/01/2017 - 11:04
bob_greaves_uk@...
bob_greaves_uk@yahoo.co.uk's picture
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Joined: 11/16/2015

Background: I have been playing by blocking holes 2 upwards with my tongue to the left and hole 1 with my tongue to the right.

However it seems that in order to play the 2/1 draw in the first bar I need to block with my tongue to the right. Have I understood this correctly?

If I have understood correctly does this mean that the next 3 notes (2+ 3+ 2+) in the first bar would also preferably be blocked with my tongue to the right.

I can’t see any references to the preference for which side to block on. Have I missed something? I would appreciate your comments.

Thanks.

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Wed, 02/01/2017 - 14:35
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello Bob. To play the first

Hello Bob. To play the first three beats of that bar your tongue is off of the harmonica. You will start to tongue block for beat 4, for the 2+ 3+ 2+ lick. In this lick you will have your tongue to the left. The way you play is the recommended way... keeping the tongue to the right for hole 1 and to the left for all other holes.

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