Modern Blues Harmonica: lip pursing vs. tongue blocking 2(AG.26)

Second of a two-part series introducing beginning and intermediate players to a central point of discussion within blues harmonica circles. With Adam Gussow.

If you're interested in learning how to play blues harmonica, please visit Gussow's website: http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com

Gussow's new solo album, KICK AND STOMP, can be purchased at iTunes, Amazon mp3s, and CD Baby. It's also available as a download from Gussow's website: http:///www.modernbluesharmonica.com/kick_and_stomp.html

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• adam
• gussow
• lip
• pursing
• tongue
• blocking
• blues
• harp
• harmonica

[snoookie456]

I've been learning harmonica from your videos, I bought my first blues harmonica two months ago and I've been playing since. I'm new to harmonica and what I've picked up from your great videos has managed to get me on stage. Now I don't want to sound like bragging. I just wanted to say that these were extraordinary experiences for me to get up with musicians from my town and it's mostly because of you - so THANK YOU for your help, be well, live long and keep posting! -Denis from Bulgaria

[KudzuRunner]

@snoookie456: Hey man, that's great news! You're not bragging in a bad way, you're just letting me--and other folks--know that you used the information and inspiration that I put out there in video form to improve yourself. It takes YOUR hard work to make that happen.

[kloijhi]

one very very important thing.

by playing amplified, you can't get this legendary fat massive sound using lip pursuing (if you dont use any money special gear or vintage amps etc), but by tongue blocking you can get this sound even on solidstate amp ,no matter what mic u use. i don't know why , maybe because mouth chamber i bigger, but yeas, don't spend money on gear, for super tone - learn tongue blocking. i know it from expieriance

[KudzuRunner]

@kloijhi: What can I say? You have no idea what you're talking about.

[sammcj2000]

What's with the annoying scream?

[KudzuRunner]

@sammcj2000: I'm conjuring up the spirit of offended lip pursers and/or tongue blockers. It might amaze people who aren't part of the subculture, but many people take the issue very (too) seriously. I'm poking fun at them.

[fiendant]

Great video Adam, thanks for sharing:o)

[OutlawGene420]

ive never been able to figure out how to get that sound but thanks to this video i finallly get it. lets just say ive figured out your take on crossroad blues :)

[mrdannygb1606]

that sceaming that's me tongue blocking!

[mrdannygb1606]

once again thank you for theaching me the harp!hope to see you at hill country again someday. dan bower

[mrdannygb1606]

sorry adam went to jason's site found out if i cock the harp slightly i can get my first two hole draw by blocking the one hole and cocking it slightly! usually stay on your site all the time no doubt youre my only mentor!taking a little of your advice and expanding my horizons.

[mrdannygb1606]

have the toughest time blocking the one hole when just playing the two!

[robertomondongo]

I love the sound of your harmonica, you are a genius man... please tell me, when i play with tongue blocking is necessary bend the harp to the right of my cheak ?

[patjoslin]

dude you are a great teacher..thanks for your help!

[mekky5266]

how do you bend tongue blocking without air seepage