Tongue Blocking Study 1 - Single Notes
David: working Single Note Review - Tongue Blocking Study 1 Technique
I've been at this 30 to 60 minutes per day for a couple of weeks.
I can get through the exercise where we move through the scale from 4+ to 6+ the first time, but on the second time around (going up) my embouchure falls apart at 5 draw.
Is this common? Are there any fixes, or is it simply a matter of more hours
Thanks,
Evets
Using lip pursing, I can move 4 to 7+ and back with only 2 to 3 double-note bleeds.
Using tongue blocking, my mouth falls apart around 6.
Tongue blocking, I actually do better if I grasp the right side of the harmonica with only the thumb and forefinger of my right hand. In traditional grasp, there is something about running into my right hand fingers that seems to terrify my lips :-(
Maybe it's a subconsious thing stemming from all the hot sauce my mother used during my finger sucking days? (I sucked first two fingers rather than thumb.)
I recommend you just keep giving it reps, you'll get it.
In regards to holding... maybe using the Two Thumbs Up approach I teach in they lesson https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/cupping_hand_effects might work. Give it a try.
I'll keep on keeping on.
I will also try the Two Thumbs Up approach.
Thanks for the assis
My pleasure. Keep me posted.
David:
Two Thumbs Up for the Two Thumbs Up approach.
I reviewed the "how to hold harmonica lesson" and found this method of holding to feel natural and comfortable for me.
I played a few scales (up and back down) without my embouchure collapsing.
I'm not saying all notes were perfect, but I am able to blow/draw all notes on holes 4+ to 6-
Thanks for the assis.
Great!
Hello Evets. The answer is reps over time, but some key elements to keep in mind...
1) Light Touch - Use a light touch on the face of the harmonica with your tongue and lips (excess force creates drag and can open your embouchure unintentionally).
2) Make sure your lips, and the face of the harmonica, stay moist (same issue above with drag)
3) Generally, keep your head facing forward, and glide the harmonica in front of your mouth (if you're turning your head a lot, the angle of your embouchure changes, and this may be throwing you off track).
Keep at it, you will get it, you just don't know when.