re: Technique question

["G." <gigs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

<quote>
Date: Thu, 6 Feb 2003 08:46:46 -0800
From: "DL Terry" <so_blue@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Technique question

I'm trying to learn to tongue block. I've been TB-ing as much as possible
lately - no pucker at all, if I can avoid it.

It's VERY difficult for me to get my draw bends with a TB embouchure.
</quote>
Hey there,
Try to remember how long it took you to learn to bend notes.  You're just going
through that process again, you'll get there quicker than the first time if you
persist.

Since you are just starting out with this technique, I recommend you practise
tongue blocking and bending notes from not only the right side of the mouth, but
also the left side of the mouth. Practise each side alternatively with equally
emphasise so that you remain equally comfortable (or uncomfortable) as you
develop it.   What this will do for you as you improve is open up the door to
corner switches, counter point, split double stops, octaves, as well as bending
a lower note while playing a higher note.

It is certainly achievable and practical to draw bend on bottom notes.
Concentrate on the back of your throat around the area where you cough, do
loooong gently draw notes while changing that area and noting any differences.
Work at opening it up as if you were trying to speak in a very low booming
voice.  Drop your jaw as well.  Relax and be patient with yourself.

I'm still working on it, but glottal stops offer you a way to give definition
between TB notes, mine are not nearly as crisp as with using the tongue with
pucker.

I've run off a quick and dirty sound bite of TB bending on the lower draw notes
of an A harmonica just to show it can be done.
http://www.angelfire.com/music/harmonica/sound/tbbends.mp3
MP3 download (38Kb)

Cheers
G.