Tongue Blocking: Size of Block

There are times where we block only one hole with our tongue and times where we block up to five holes with our tongue. Simply stated, the smaller the blockage, focus on more of the front-top of the tongue (which is more narrow) and the larger the blockage, focus on using more of the back-top of the tongue. When playing a 2/4 split, use the tip of the tongue (and a light touch) to block hole 3. For the 1/4 split use the blade of the tongue (on top, behind the tip). For the single 4 draw, use the top of the tongue to block holes 1 through 3. To block 1 through 4 (like in a pull), use even further back of the tongue (commonly performed by just sticking more tongue out... less of moving to more of the back of the tongue). To block five holes (like when performing a pull or pull-slap on the high-end 5-hole octaves) use the top-middle of the tongue. I personally like to play all the time where the face of the harmonica is tilted downward 30 degrees, allowing me to easily access the top of the tongue due to complimentary angle of the harp and tongue.