Harmonica Tongue Blocking - Bill's Blues (Part 1)

Part 1 of a walkthrough of 'Bill's Blues' by Lee Sankey which brings together the techniques Lee has covered so far in his video tutorial series on tongue blocking for the blues harmonica. "Bill's Blues" is dedicated to late great William Clarke and uses a A harp in 3rd position (key of B). This video lesson covers the first section of the head which intermediate players will be able to tackle. Part 2 deals the remainder of the head which is suitable for more advanced players.

Lee is using an A diatonic harmonica in 3rd position - B

Check out Lee's book project at http://www.brainstruments.com
Read Lee's harmonica blog at http://www.harmonicathinking.com

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Lee Sankey
• blues
• harmonica
• lesson
• William Clarke
• tongue block
• harp
• diatonic
• 3rd Position
• learn

[ddtee1]

Hi Lee, thanks for your reply. I hold my harp with the low notes to my right. I hold the harp in my left hand and I use my right hand for cupping effects. I've been playing for 39 years. I also teach and some of my students find this a bit confusing... I am also posting a video response. would love to hear some feedback. all the best ! Dale

[leesankeygroup]

@ddtee1 Hi Dale, ok I understand now. Your video response is also really helpful and changed my initial thoughts on what I might suggest to you. I'll respond on the page where you posted your video. Might even post one back for you. Lee

[ddtee1]

@leesankeygroup Im looking forward to this !

[leesankeygroup]

@ddtee1 Hi Dale - I have posted a video response here and on my video channel. Hope it's useful. Warm regards, Lee

[ddtee1]

Hi Lee, As always, I enjoy your videos. I do have one question that is very important to me. I happen to be much more comfortable playing my harp upside down and backwards; however certain things tend to be a bit tricky this way. I have tried to switch it back to the normal position but my playing tends to be as awkward as a right handed person trying to write with their left hand.. any suggestions or wisdom about all this? merry christmas .. ddtee1

[leesankeygroup]

@ddtee1 Apologies I missed your comment and question. Can you clarify which hand do you hold the harmonica in and which way the low notes are when you are playing your normal way. And also how long you have been playing for. These will help me give you better advice. Lee

[leesankeygroup]

@portovechios Wow heavy stuff! Thanks so much for expressing how the videos have helped you personally. You made my day! Warm regards, Lee

[portovechios]

Tongue blocking changed my life,seriously!

I know it's not like getting married or child birth but man I hit a big wall whilst learning harp and Lee you got me over it,can't begin to explain how much broader my playin is now.

I love gussow and I've taken every tip and looked at every video and Lee's are the best to get your head around

[nvwoos]

Thanks a lot Lee!

[Tsutsomu]

I wish you a merry Christmas and an happy new year my friend.

THank you so much for all your videos.

Friendly :

STeph.