Harmonica: Tongue Block vs. Pucker

This is my 2cents (or 5 minutes) added to the old debate of TB vs. Pucker embuochure when playing the harmonica. My take is very "end justifies the means" and don't limit yourself or worry about myths. (I believed for a very long time that bending and TB was impossible) The bottom line is: achieve the sound you want by working towards good tone with either approach. Apologies to all U-Blockers, as I'm not very good with that.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• harmonica
• embouchure
• technique
• lesson
• blues
• harp

[cedke007]

i'm a beginner, i clean play clear single notes, but i use the U-blocking with my tongue. is this a good methode to pratice??

[12gagedan]

@cedke007 I'm not good at U-blocking, but there are some folks who play very well with this embouchure. I have trouble bending while U-blocked, but that's just me.

[jo3shb]

Oh yeah, this is very helpful. Yet I need some help with blues techniques using no hands. I'm an acoustic blues player and play harp with a neck rack. Think Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee rolled into one. There's lots of us out here who want tol sound less like BD and more like Charles Musslewhite or John Popper. Any ideas?

[12gagedan]

@jo3shb learn to play harp on its own for a while, then learn to incorporate new skills into your rack playing. Work on bends, bluesy licks, playing along with classic blues (Muddy, Lil Walter, Slim Harpo, etc.) and performing with just harp. Check out Paul Oscher and Jimi Lee for inspiration (they're doing awesome stuff with the rack)

[thedebtsettler]

Great video's...the best teaching ones on here.

I just can't get that "foghorn" sound that you have.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[12gagedan]

@thedebtsettler the "sound" comes with time and effort. We made a video called "how to play raw, dirty harmonica" last fall. Maybe that one will help?

[seyan]

@12gagedan Hey dan, thanks for your vids, I also use u-blocking, can you name a few good players who use that technique, for some inspiration.. And do you also know if it's possible to do different tongue techniques when you use the u-block?

[dreadedbuddha]

@MrUnknown07 mine is exactly the same!

[memedixie]

thanks man

[cedke007]

@12gagedan ok,, thank you. your video's are really helpful.

[LouisianaBluesBro]

Dude. Your Freaking Ahmazing Soon as a saw this i had to create a account to tell you how freaking awesome you are in detail.Keep up the Videos.I've Mastered bending so thanks for giving me somthing else to do.