RE: [Harp-L] U blocking

[chicago bluesman <chicagobluesman@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

You're fine with U-blocking.  You can achieve the classic tongue 
blocking slurs and tone with U-blocking.  Listen to the great players 
who tongue blocked--I'm a Big Walter fan, myself-- and work towards 
achieving that sound with U-blocking.  Who knows?  Maybe they U-blocked,
 too.  I find that U-blocking is useful both for the classic chicago 
sound where you alternate chords and single notes, sliding/slurring into
 the single note, or maybe doing a tremolo-like effect,  as well as 
hitting single notes precisely and cleanly when playing faster runs.  
What you can't do with a U-block technique is have a sharp attack and, 
for that, I find that a pursed-lips method of achieving single notes is 
necessary, should the phrase, song or style call for it.  You want to be
 able to do both the U-block and the pursed lips method of achieving 
single notes, using them in different playing circumstances as 
necessary.  I think the data indicates that 15% of people cannot curl 
their tongue--count yourself as lucky to be in the 85% club!  It's 
important, though, to be comfortable having your tongue slapping against
 the harp so you can use it to hit octave chords. 



> From: tnysteph@xxxxxxxxx
> Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:13:20 -0500
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [Harp-L] U blocking
> 
> I want to know does anyone play harmonica with u-blocking? If so give me the pros and cons of this style. I started out this way, I like playing this way but I do not hear anything good about this style. Help!
> 
> Sent from my iPhone