Tongue curl method
Mon, 05/09/2016 - 16:32
Hey gang,
I recently came across a method of playing single notes on the harmonica called the tongue curl method. It was introduced to me in a video starring Norton Buffalo, specifically Norton Buffalo's Bag of Tricks. It's his particular method of playing single notes on the harp. I've tried it and found it very amenable to my playing. I may have even used this method years ago when I first fooled around with the harmonica. I was wondering if you've ever heard of this style/method and how you feel about this method/style if you have?
-Ralph
U-blocking was used by Norton and also by one of the tone monsters of the (non-blues) chromatic, Leo Diamond.
https://youtu.be/MunuI5Fl9fY
Not that many players use it, but it's a known embouchure. I've never fooled around with it much. You can use it to get single notes and even to move between different holes in your mouth. Not sure you could use it for such important techniques as slaps, splits, or pull-offs, though.