Harmonica Lesson: Attacks and Percussive Techniques

C Diatonic Harmonica

This lesson focuses on ways to shape or attack notes on the diatonic harmonica. It starts with techniques for pucker players, then moves into tongue slaps for the tongue blockers out there.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Dan Gage
• Harmonica Lesson
• tongue slap
• attack
• mouth organ
• harp
• blues
• kingfish jones

[jalen77232]

how you get the spit out

[12gagedan]

@jalen77232 tap the harmonica out on your knee.

[hillspring13]

Super-duper vid, as usual, Dan, but I didn't quite catch where the "big-*ss" sound came from (over and above the tongueing) at 12:36, especially since there's an edited continuity break at 13:07, where I thought the extra hint would be :-) That BA sound is what sorts you guys out from mortals like us. Cheers from the UK.

[12gagedan]

I'm tongue-slapping just about every note, plus throwing in octaves/splits. The big sound comes from the chord-type sound that comes out just before you slap down your tongue. You're actually playing more notes, so the sound is bigger. Start with your mouth over holes 1-4 (ish) then draw to sound the chord. SLap your tongue down so only hole 2 sounds. The "WHUP" sound is what makes it big.

[thtsarumr]

Dan, for some reason Im unable to submit a comment with my email in it

[12gagedan]

just go to my youtube homepage and click on "send message" no need to make your email public. That's why youtube blocks it from the comment box.

[cky2k1035]

wow. i really didnt know that there was this much to know about a harmonica. this is insane. no joke im going out tomorrow and buying one. this is too fun. thanks for the video!

[Tryharp]

Well done Dan. Thanks

[svm12345]

How are you getting those notes at 12:00-13:00? you're playing E, G#, B, C# D... how do you get that on the diatonic?!?!

[Ledvolta]

really great vid

[coldfire59]

Super vidéo, mec! Merci beaucoup! (Great vid man, thx a lot!)

[branko2301]

lol magic dick :D

[amplimax]

Your wife must love your tongue. :X

[Masahdus]

Hello Dan and reagards from Finland ! I bought my first harmonica yesterday..and stumbled to your videos...really great stuff. Thanks for the inspiration...keep up superb work. I'll be back...over and over again..

[hillspring13]

Glad you wrote "1-4(ish)" 'cos I'd need a forked tongue to slap it onto 1,3,4 whilst leaving the 2 open! You make it all look so easy: great player and great teacher. Speedy and full response much appreciated.