I learned to tongue block from the leaflet inside the first Hohner harmonica I bought many years ago, and it hasn't been until recently from Jerry and Rick's lessons that I've incorporated chords and "slop" into my playing. I'm not really a fan of traditional blues, but it is important to utilize all of the tricks of the trade into my playing.
I learned third position, "slant" style from Jon Gindick, and I'm a big fan of William Clarke, and Jr. Wells. I also tend to write a lot of my originals in minor keys, so I
play a lot in that position.
I see you play some in Sarasota, Fl. with Doug Deming and The Jeweltones. I live in Barcelona now, but for many years I had a group, Dan Electro & The Silvertones, and The Five O' Clock Club was one of our venues.
Thanks for the lesson, I'm sure I'll be able to "rob" something.
Hi - 3rd position is great for minor key songs, but just remember that there are plenty of "major" notes in there too, so it is not foolproof for just minor keys. Lots of possibilities in there. And William Clarke and Junior Wells are two of my favorites too...very cool!
Hi Mike - Yes, tongue-blocking is very important for anyone playing harmonica, but I know many people don't do it, or they struggle with it (understandably so - especially if trying to figure it out on their own). However, there is definitely a difference in tone and techniques that can be advantageous to you as a player if you start incorporating tongue-blocking. This is why I use it basically all of the time... thanks!
I learned to tongue block from the leaflet inside the first Hohner harmonica I bought many years ago, and it hasn't been until recently from Jerry and Rick's lessons that I've incorporated chords and "slop" into my playing. I'm not really a fan of traditional blues, but it is important to utilize all of the tricks of the trade into my playing.
I learned third position, "slant" style from Jon Gindick, and I'm a big fan of William Clarke, and Jr. Wells. I also tend to write a lot of my originals in minor keys, so I
play a lot in that position.
I see you play some in Sarasota, Fl. with Doug Deming and The Jeweltones. I live in Barcelona now, but for many years I had a group, Dan Electro & The Silvertones, and The Five O' Clock Club was one of our venues.
Thanks for the lesson, I'm sure I'll be able to "rob" something.
Mike
Hi - 3rd position is great for minor key songs, but just remember that there are plenty of "major" notes in there too, so it is not foolproof for just minor keys. Lots of possibilities in there. And William Clarke and Junior Wells are two of my favorites too...very cool!
Sorry, Adam, but I'd have to agree with Dennis. Tongue blocking is boss tone.
Mike
Hi Mike - Yes, tongue-blocking is very important for anyone playing harmonica, but I know many people don't do it, or they struggle with it (understandably so - especially if trying to figure it out on their own). However, there is definitely a difference in tone and techniques that can be advantageous to you as a player if you start incorporating tongue-blocking. This is why I use it basically all of the time... thanks!