Re: [Harp-L] response to Elizabeth: how to tongue block

["David R. Fertig" <dfertig@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Elizabeth,

You're quite welcome.  And note, you don't need a whole durned book to 
learn tongue blocking, a visual demo is best, but  I'll try getting you 
started with a few words.  See below.

Oh, and the albums Froggy recommends (he meant "Folkways") are right on, 
too.  Also, the late William Clarke does some monster tongue-block 
chording, get any or all of his albums.

And as Garry helpfully notes, there are blues jams in your neighborhood, 
several, I'd bet.  I've found them all over the US, and in Europe 
too.  Especially Sunday and Monday evenings at weekend blues venues.  Don't 
be shy, almost all blues players are generous and supportive.  Those that 
aren't generous and supportive are little more than showoff technicians, as 
far as I'm concerned.  (So there!)

For tongue blocking, all you really need to do is:

        Put the harp well into your mouth, open your mouth wide enough so 
you're blowing in (or out) at least four holes (try the low side for 
starters).

        Then simply put your tongue against two holes so that you have air 
going thru one hole on either side of your tongue, it should be an octave 
in most positions.

        Try moving your tongue left and right, and vary the width of your 
mouth, or "embouchure" to vary the number and range of notes.  Sure it 
seems awkward at first, but you'll get the hang of it.    Also move your 
tongue on and off the instrument rhythmically, going from open chord to 
tongue-blocked  chord.

        Repeat all of the above two thousand times, and presto!  Whole new 
tones and textures!

        Just remember, whether you're tongue blocking or not, try to keep 
your jaw low and loose, your throat fully open, and breathe with the bottom 
of your gut.   And push that air through with steady and solid force, 
tentative don't get it.   But you don't need to bust a gut either.

        That's about all I know about harpmonica.  Oh, and you need a cool 
hat!

-Dave



At 11:19 AM 12/4/2004, EGS1217@xxxxxxx wrote:
> Thanks for yourresponse Dave.  I inadvertently forgot to sign my  previous
> post.  I'm Elizabeth. Pleased to meet everyone.  I  appreciate the emails 
> I've
> gotten from two of  your posters as well as your  response here on the 
> board.
> Confirms my thoughts that you're a nice group  of guys even though still
> technically "way over my head", lol.
>
>  In re your:  "Oh, and seriously, try tongue-blocking, it opens  up whole 
> new
> doors in terms of rhythm, chords and effects." -- I would if I knew  how to.
> Hopefully one of you can direct me to a good CD or book that would
> demonstrate it?
>
> Right now I'm still enjoying playing along with my CD's and the  radio.
> Maybe I'll get up enough courage down the road to join in with  other 
> musicians,
> but first I'd have to find some.  I'm on Long Island, New  York and not sure
> there are groups such as those you speak of around here.
>
>  Thanks so much for taking the time to make me feel welcome.   Noticed an
> error in my previous post -- of course it was "found" (not fun) an  Echo
> (tremolo).
>
> Elizabeth