Strange How almost get an Octave
I am practicing Tongue Agility ( Tongue Switching ) 1.1 as I switch to 4+ to 1 some how I almost get the 4+
1+ octave I hear it . It's just starting to sound .But than I loose it . Almost got it by chance and a little trying ( Mostly by Chance ).. Any advice?
Thanks : )
Back to practice : )
I am working on my first octave. I can tongue block on either side. This was not a easy task, because I have a natural tendancy to U Block.
I am struggling with the Octave or the split. I will try Winslow's advice. All very good stuff.
Does anybody have the U block and can do an Octave? I hate the damn Ublock. My tongue always wants to do this.
Thank you so much, gentlemen.
Will
John Nemeth. He does octaves with the underside of his tongue like Gary Primich. Check out the Tongue Blocking part of the John Nemeth interview. It'll be better if you just power through it the regular way ( with the tip of your tongue). You'll get it. It's one of those things that's difficult, but once you get it, it's a clear "ah ha!" moment. Now switching rapidly between upper draw and blow octaves get a little more tricky but cross that bridge when you get there...
Thank you for your response, Ward. When you tongue block do you put your tongue underneath the harmonica? My tongue is underneath and touching the rounded curve underneath the combs or holes of the harp. Maybe this is making me do the U block. I am trying to get the tongue aiming to 11:00 and sounding the hole the right.
I can't do the octave, unless I bite down on the ridge that surrounds the comb. I have my top and bottom incisors clamping down and then I can do an octave. Go figure. This must put the tip of my tongue in the right place.
I need to find out if I am positioning the harp correctly. I thought I was. I am questioning if I should have my tongue underneath the harmonica.
Thank you so much. You can email me at billyedmartin@gmail.com
Will
Did you watch the technique video for Tongue Blocking Study 4? Octaves are an advanced technique. If you're just starting out don't worry too much about it. You'll get them eventually. You might just have to work on other techniques until you work up the fine motor skills to pull off the octaves. It takes time to build those connections in your brain.
Also watch the Filisko Tongue Block Trainer Lesson under Equipment. When you're ready for upper draw octaves, check out the Tongue Blocking Study 5 - Which is one of the two most advanced and final 2nd position lessons on the site.
So, are you hearing the octave briefly as you switch from Hole 4 to Hole 1?
If I understand correctly, then I'm wondering whether this is something you want or don't want - or would like to be able to control at will.
This octave is a four-hole spread. To sound a single note at all times, your tongue needs to be set to a three-hole block inside that spread. If your tongue is set to slightly less than the width of three holes, then you might get that momentary octave, as both holes have an opportunity to sound as you shift your tongue from one corner of the spread to the other.
To get rid of the octave, try doing the shift very slowly. Concentrate on always having one note sounding. If both notes stop, your block is too wide. If you get the octave as you shift, your block is too narrow.
If you want to cultivate the octave, try going from either of the outside holes (1 or 4) to an octave and back again with minimal tongue movement. When I do tis, the tip of my tongue does not move from side to side. It just kind of bulges out from right to left. Try this from both sides. Then try integrating it into a move from the single note on one side to octave to the single note on the other side.