Tongue Blocking One and Two Hole
Good Morning,
So I have been at this right about a month and am now trying get to figure out several things. The first is how to tongue block the 2 hole. I saw where you talked about tongue to the right for hole 1 and to the left for 2 through 10. If I do that it puts my mouth almost off the Harmonica, is that what is suppose to happen?
The other thing that I am wondering, and believe me I am finding out that improving is not always a fun thing. But anyway, just wondering if the tip of the tongue goes on the bottom ridge of the Harmonica. I am finding the more I work with tonguing the more I question exactly where to put my tongue.
I knowill there is a few questions but I figured I would get the all out with one post. The last thing right know is when I use my second hand, I find that it takes a little bit to find the note that I am looking for. Is that normal, I don't feel I am changing the angle of the Harmonica.
Again Thank You
For an old guy this is really enjoyable and at times frustrating but in a good way.
Dan P.
Your right on with the placement of my tongue, I will play around with it some to see what works best.
I will watch the 2ND video about holes 1 and 2.
The feedback you give is great, I can't Thank You Enough!!!
Hopefully in another month I will be sending you Walk with Me.
One last thing, the daily Exercise A2 you said play one octave at a time for each note.
Not sure what you are wanting.
I am having so much fun you have no idea,
Thanks
My pleasure.
Sounds good.
One octave is would be from 4+ C to 7+ C for example. If it where a D scale, we would do D to the next higher D (one octave above) for example.
Got it.
Hello Dan.
Yes, you'll be pretty far left on the harmonica, with the corner in your mouth.
If the ridge you're speaking of is where the lower reed plate meets the front edge (with a slight overhang) of the comb, of the face of the harmonica (the hole side... where you mouth goes), then yes, you'll feel your tongue touching that. I feel my tip go past that edge. I use more of the top of my tongue for tongue blocking... it more easily covers the three holes commonly blocked to play a single note.
I can see that if you're used to playing with one hand rather than two, it can throw you off. If you're not changing anything with your left hand, then it seems like you're on the right path and you just need to get used to it.
Yes, a little bit of frustration and growth can go hand-in-hand sometimes. Keep at it, you will get it.
P.S., I assume that you've already watched the Blues Harmonica Fundamentals videos and Tongue Block Study 1 videos, but I recommend that you review them... I speak of embouchure (tongue blocking) in there. The 2nd Chorus of "Walk With Me" in Tongue Block Study 1 details how to play holes 1 and 2. A review is a good idea.
Best wishes on your studies.