Re: [Harp-L] Mid tongue wag help

[Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

I've used this technique since I was about 15, and it has never been a matter of spasm (I must disagree with my esteemed colleague Mr. Conway on this). The same as any other quick, repeated motion (vibrato, tongue lifts, etc.) it can be both controlled for each individual repetition, or it can be set in motion as a series of actions that are not individually impelled, but with the ability to control when you start and stop, and how fast you do it.

I don't know why you would deliberately avoid doing it as a fast tongue switch; what's the point? It won't sound any different.

As to the parts used, I can use either the front tip of my tongue (for wider intervals) or, for narrower intervals, such as a total of three holes, the bottom of my tongue which has a sort of "cord" running front-to-back that is small enough to block only one or two holes. 

For me, the type of motion used also varies according to the width of the interval, For narrow intervals, it feels like I leave my tongue planted in the middle and just sort of nudge the edges from side to side. For wider intervals, I may do a tongue nudge or use a jaw flick.

Winslow

--- On Thu, 8/21/08, michael rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
From: michael rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] Mid tongue wag help
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2008, 1:08 PM

I have spent two spah's learning this technique from Joe Filsiko and
James Conway.  They are the only two people I have heard do this well
live.  Gwen Foster did it.

This is not corner switching!  This is not tongue blocking out of the
left and then the right very quickly.

According to the masters, you put the tip of your tongue lightly on
the harp and blow a double stop out of the two sides of your mouth.
At a certain pressure point the middle of the tongue begins to spasm,
moving left and right.

I have spent about an hour a day on this since SPAH.  SOmetimes I feel
I've got it, but then I wonder if it is my tongue wondering what I am
asking it to do and falling into tongue switching from muscle memory.
I also have experience my tongue seemingly involuntary coming on and
off the harp.  I also have felt some tongue motion and hear a
difference in tone, only to wonder if it a very light vibrato.

I seem to have the most success when the bottom of my tongue is
touching the harp.
How much pressure should I use.  What part of the tongue should I use?
 HOw much air pressure should I use?  How deep should the harp be in
the mouth?  How much intentionality should be used moving the tongue
left and right?  Conway seemed to suggest none, that it is all spasm.
Is this genetic?

Thanks,
Michael Rubin
Michaelrubinharmonica.com
_______________________________________________
Harp-L is sponsored by SPAH, http://www.spah.org
Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx
http://harp-l.org/mailman/listinfo/harp-l