[Harp-L] Tongue Block (regarding Bry Thomas' post) noodling, and what I do...

[Dan <billybudd1313@xxxxxxxxx>]

Multi-threader here.  I didn't check email all weekend.
 
Bry, 
 
I feel you.  I once swore to high heaven that I didn't want or need tongue blocking.  
 
First:  Relax.   It will come if it's going to come.  It will come if you want it and work for it.  It won't come if you force it.  My philosophy on harp, and perhaps mine alone, is to keep it fun.  If you get frustrated, focus on something else, then go back.  Also, you can read or be told until the next ice age, but all that talk  doesn't amount to xxxx unless play the heck out of it.
 
I started with a Dave Barrett octave switching lesson in "building harmonica technique"  (Thanks for the reccomendation WVA Bob all those years ago)
 
I got used to feeling the harp with my tongue by using the posts between the holes.  
 
Or perhaps you can just open your mouth, play a big fat sloppy chord (1-4 draw ) and slap that tongue on and off the comb to get a rhythm.   Get the feel of it, you know?  It's touch and that touch is a trained feeling.  Pretty soon you'll be sliding your tongue to one side and getting clean runs of notes.  Then you'll be able to slap on or place any note.  Try not to worry.  All the explanations work for their authors, but words don't always convey touch.
 
To re-visit the old 'driving and playing' thread of last week.  Somebody said he only "noodles" in the car, then tried to make a distinction between noodling and "practicing" .  I say,  no such thing.  Playing is playing. Everytime the harmonica is in your mouth you are doing good.  Those of you who can play amazing note-for note songs....offstage.... but then play one or two licks over and over again onstage..... you know who you are..... maybe it's time to start noodling?  Focus is good.  Scales, techniques, dicipline... all good.  Don't forget to just fool around sometimes.  "Let down your hair.... in fact, take the doggone thing off"   once in a while.
 
 
Lastly:  I make drugs.  I'm getting used to married life.  I am totally addicted to this stupid Grand Theft Auto game.  I study voice  (huge help to my playing).  Most years I am into fitness/diet and the like, but this year, is a bit of a transition into married life.  I need to get back into the gym.
 
 
Dan G.
 
\Message: 23        
   Date: Sun, 05 Dec 2004 17:32:04 -0600
   From: "Bry Thomas" <baddaddy_46@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] re: Elizabeth: Tongue Blocking...

Anytime I see something regarding technique on tongue blocking I read 
it 
over and over.  Then practice it over and over.  Then keep getting 
frustrated over and over.

It isn't so much the splits, etc., that were described to Elizabeth 
that 
give me problems, it's using TB to get single notes.  As some of you 
may 
have seen me post in the past, my tongue gets sucked against the face 
of the 
harp and either I am unable to draw air in or choke, or both.  It 
hardly 
makes any sound except for my guttural gagging, etc.

I misinterpreted the Portnoy cd's to think the tip of the tongue is 
used.  
Apparently, this isn't quite right. At least from what i've read since.  
I 
know it hasn't worked for me.

The Norton Buffalo video primarily uses the "u-block" for single notes 
and 
tb for octaves, etc.

The David Barrett technique video uses the top-front surface (I think 
that's 
what I see), but in trying that it doesn't work for me either.  By not 
working, I mean not only doesn't it work now, but I don't see how 
practice 
will make it any easier.  I just don't see how it will work for me.

Most sources just have drawings with the holes blocked out and the hole 
to 
be played open.  Fine.  They simply say to stick your tongue in (or 
over) 
the holes you don't want and draw (or blow)the hole(s) you want.  Vague 
is a 
nice word to describe that.  Nice work if you can get it right off the 
bat.

Sorry if I sound sarcastic.  Just completely frustrated.

By the way, thanks for all your Suzuki comments.

Sincerely,

Bry Thomas  (Indiana)



		
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