[Harp-L] Who u-blocks

["Tom McGovern" <tmcg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I, too, am primarily a u-blocker.  I always have been, since I
self-taught in the late 1960's.  I never really thought about it until
the discussion came up a harp festival a few years ago.  I find that I
can get great range with the tongue movement up and down the harp
without moving it.  One of my "parlor tricks" is to put the harp in my
teeth, no hands, and play a bit of a fast boogie-woogie bounce with
cords thrown in, in second position, including a one blow and six blow
single note.  It's fun and a good way for me to help explain to new and
non- harp players how important tongue position is in playing. I think I
get pretty good tone u-blocking also.  There are negatives, though.
I've always had trouble doing octaves, as the tip of my tongue won't lay
flat up against the harp.  I'm convinced there is no right or wrong way
to play the harmonica.  If it sounds good, it's right.

 

As a follow-up to my earlier post about my Seydel 1847's I was bring on
the cruise with our band, I'm pleased to say they not only held up to
some salt-air drenched (and too many boat drinks) heavy playing, they
still remain my favorite harps.  Thanks, Rupert, for bringing them to
the Buckeye.

 

Tom McGovern

www.airmargaritaville.net