Re: [Harp-L] Tongue blocking and tone

[Mojo Red <harplicks@xxxxxxxxx>]

Nicely stated, Richard, and quite to the point.

Personally, I learned to play harp using strictly pucker and eventually 
developed a good tone. 

Later, I wanted to get some of those cool effects that can only be created using 
tongue-block techniques (ie. tongue slaps, lifts, splits etc.) and I surely 
struggled a bit at first to master TB. I found it awkward and frustrating, but 
kept plugging away and eventually achieved proficiency.

It was VERY much worth the trouble, however, as now I can easily switch from 
pucker to TB to pucker and back again... and I do so continuously and naturally 
as I play, employing each technique where it seems to fit. Mastering both 
techniques has given me a very wide tonal pallet. More arrows for the quiver. 
Learning TB is highly recommended.

Good luck! 
Harpin' in Colorado,
--Ken M.
 TeraBlu Band on My Space
http://www.myspace.com/terablu




________________________________
From: Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thu, September 9, 2010 10:14:24 PM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Tongue blocking and tone

"John Dekker" wrote:
<As a beginner, I pucker for everything, and find tongue blocking to be very 
<difficult. Is it true that the great Chicago blues tone can only come from 
tongue <blocking? I think I read that Little Walter and others tongue blocked 
most of the <time. Is anyone getting "that" tone while puckering?

Butterfield was a pucker player, and another poster noted that Musselwhite is a 
self-identified pucker player too.  I think both these guys sound great.  That's 
not a direct answer to your question, but it's a big hint as to what the real 
question is.

As a beginner, I think you're better off working on getting a big sound with 
whatever embouchure comes most easily to you.  If you stick with the harp, 
sooner or later you'll learn additional embouchures.  In the meantime, making 
notes sound loud and clear is more important than playing a particular 
embouchure.  


Getting a big sound is more about breathing from the gut and relaxing your 
throat than it is about your embouchure.  See 
http://www.hunterharp.com/breathex1/ for more info.

Regards, Richard Hunter


  

author, "Jazz Harp" 
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