RE: [Harp-L] old beginner - pucker or tongue block

["Steve Shaw" <moorcot@xxxxxxx>]

> Ideally I think it's best to know both methods.  However, if you are
> going to focus on one of the other I think Tongue Blocking is the
> superior method.  If anyone wants to challenge the comments of this
> predominately puckerer then I will refer you to the sound of Phil
> Isko.
>
> If I were starting again and knowing what I know now I'd be a tongue
> blocker.
> Chris Michalek

Chris is right - learn both methods.  I can only pucker (doesn't seem the 
right word for what I do, but it isn't tongue-blocking, that's for sure).  
This is because I was pig-headed enough to carry on for years without 
seeking tuition or any other assistance - big mistake.  Now, in my 50s, I'm 
having trouble learning anything radically new.  If you think a CD-type 
tutor is the way to go, buy Jerry Portnoy's CD set.  You can't progress at 
all well through this without learning to tongue-block - and he tells you 
how to do it, and he's a very good teacher.  I need to spend regular bouts 
of time on this stuff, but my discipline isn't up to much.  I need to sit 
down and identify the benefits tongue-blocking would bring to me in the 
music I play, because things seem reasonably hunky-dory at the moment 
without it and I need to find motivation from somewhere.   New Year's 
resolution coming up......

I will say this, though, and it isn't meant to be anti-TB whatsoever:  you 
can be a very good harmonica player even if you only pucker.  You will have 
some limitations, true, but don't go thinking that you're useless without 
TBing.  With puckering you can play fast, clean single notes and you can do 
whatever bending or overblowing (as if I'd know..) that you care to do.  You 
can get good tone and all the rest of it.  Doing it all with a good dash of 
musicianship thrown in is the thing to aim for, but that's a different 
story!

Steve



http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/trad_irish_harmonica

Steve's CD of mostly traditional Irish,  "Blowing Through The Reeds,"  is 
now available!  Hear clips at http://www.gjk2.com/steveshaw/cd.htm

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