[Harp-L] Re: I U Block, 2

[MilwHarmonica@xxxxxxx]

Hello, Harp-ellers. I was also a self-taught harp player until about 10  
years ago. I didn't know of any harmonica teachers in my town, so I studied from  
method books, most of which were not worth the price.
 
None of the books I've used mentioned the U-block technique, but that's how  
I started, and still play about 85% U-block, 10% tongue blocking, and 5% 
pucker.  I do this on all types of harmonicas, from bass to mini-harp, and all 
other  types. 
 
Through experimentation, I've found drawbacks in the U-block system,  
although I sound much better when 
U-blocking  than when I use the other single note methods. This is  according 
to my harmonica students.
 
I'm slowly re-learning, keeping the U-block, but using the Tongue Block  more 
often. It's difficult, but I'm hearing a few positive results,  especially on 
octaves and other double stops, impossible with the single note  U-Block.
 
 I haven't done much with the pucker yet. As another player said in a  post, 
the U-block is not very effective 
on the draw bends (or blow bends, in my case). The pucker is best for  the 
draw bends, for me. I get a deep, resonant reed bend from the pucker. 
 
On the slide chromatic harmonica, I never bend notes, so I'm safe with the  
U-block, but I'm trying the pucker, also. It's a slow process, but I've got the 
 time.
 
John Broecker. 



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