Dear Sonic Junction community!

One question relating to the tongue blocking technique:
Is it advisable to learn playing single notes from the left corner of the mouth as well? Many instructional videos show the technique of using only the right corner. Do you use both techniques (switching between right and left corner of your mouth) when tongue blocking?

All the best
Manuel 

Ah yes, they have already discussed this topic in the forum a while ago: http://www.sonicjunction.com/jerry-portnoy/ask/topics/160-jerry-single-note-bend-while-tongue-blocking-fact-myth-or-legend

Ha-ha, it feels a little bit like going back to that time when I have worked on my lip pursed bendings ... back to the roots! 

Hey Manuel !! don t force it ... stay relax ... it will come , for Sure ... and later it will help because there so many things you will do with tongue block ... you ll see !!

Hi Manuel !! to answer your question , I will say that you Should pratice bending with tongue block ... to me , you have no choice if you want to get deeper in you playing , and for instance there a couple of Rick Estrin song on the Site ... that if you Realy want to groove and be able to have a good "grip" on the phrasing , you should bend with tongue block ... practice slowly bending wilth tongue block , and the "control" will come , it did to me !! ... hope it s gonna help ?? 

Hello Jerry and Sonic Junction community,

I am new here, therefore a few words about my harp playing and my interests. Mainly I am a lip pursed player yet. However I have a strong interest in digging into to the world of tongue blocking. 

My question is: if you play single notes with a tongue block what about bending these notes? In a lip pursed style I have control over my bendings however with tongue blocking … Ha-ha, it is tricky trying to bend a note from the corner of your mouth. Is there a specific technique too or is it just about practising and training your muscle memory to get comfortable with that?

All the best

Manuel

Simplify! You're right, you don't need to fill all the spaces. Give some air and space around what you play so it has a chance to resonate with the listener. Play simple straightforward lines that tell a story.

Jerry,

I am not a technically advaned player. I am completely self taught and there are many aspects of the harp that I am lacking.

Prior to very recently I was completely unaware of what tounge blocking and overblowing were. I am not an acomplished blues player at all.

I spent so much of my time practicing by my self that I tend to fill all of the spaces. I am hoping the lessons will give me more variety in what I choose to play as well as more real technique. I am close to retirement and plan to use the harp to fill my time again. My chops are almost back but I want to play more than just my stuff.

Thank you for making this resource available.

I have included a couple of songs I recorded a (long) while ago.

Mabey you can make a competant blues player out of me.

Mike

Jerry,

I am not a technically advaned player. I am completely self taught and there are many aspects of the harp that I am lacking.

Prior to very recently I was completely unaware of what tounge blocking and overblowing were. I am not an acomplished blues player at all.

I spent so much of my time practicing by my self that I tend to fill all of the spaces. I am hoping the lessons will give me more variety in what I choose to play as well as more real technique. I am close to retirement and plan to use the harp to fill my time again. My chops are almost back but I want to play more than just my stuff.

Thank you for making this resource available.

I have included a song I recorded a (long) while ago.

Mabey you can make a competant blues player out of me.

Mike

Hey Jerry, Have been messing around with the harp for about five years, but would say i'm still at the begginer level. I can not do the tongue block method everytime i try the air just stops nothing at all plese help. i thought of just giving up

Hi Earl ... good catch.  Jerry's playing an A Harp through-out the entire Masterclass series of lessons.  I've updated the description.  My apologies for the omission.  

Masterclass Tongue block What harp are you using C,A???   Earl S

Hi Guy,

Try relaxing the back of your throat to lessen the likelihood of playing the note flat. Also make sure you have the "true" note in your mind as you attempt to play it.

Been playing almost a year and still learning every day. I can bend really great but now my tongue always wants to bend even when I tell it not to so im having prblems with just getting a clean un bent note sometimes.

WOW  You are an awesome teacher.

You're on the right track Andrew. Especially the second chorus where the slaps and octaves come across very well.

practice 2 t/b octaves learning basics enjoying these lessons

Good start, Andrew. However, there is no double draw on the 1/2 draw chord when you return to the rhythm after slap tonguing the 4 blow or the 5 draw. It's just a single draw breath as you return to the rhythm.

Hi Guys,

Just stick with it. Careful listening and focused practice will get you there.

This is awesome. Thank you for sharing with your fans. This is a dream come true, to learn from thr best of the best.

Wheww... This takes some practice... It's difficult to recognize when the right notes are playing as my slap down is a little forced so I'm getting mixed results.  Being able to hear it done correctly (adjust and then try it again) is invaluable.... though m taking this lesson a little slower, in segments, a few minutes at a time. Thank you and best regards!  Phil