Hey guys, it's been about two years since I started playing and about a year since I stumbled across tongue blocking. I think it's time to share some of what I have learned again. In this video, I'm playing a pretty cool song from David Barrett's site bluesharmonica.com called Gary's Blues.
I would appreciate any kind of feedback (timing, tone, technique, did you like it, etc.). I've been practising the song for about two weeks now and I think overall it sounds quite good - though the relatively fast tempo still kicks my ass on some parts.
Things that I should strive to improve are in my opinion: a) dynamics of tone, b) the tongue flutter, which I've learned only recently, c) double stops and tremolo on double stops, d) maybe my tongue slaps? They sound a bit harsh (too much air?), but I'm not sure if that's a bad thing.
Anyway, here's the video (sorry for the bad quality, I've filmed it with a 20€ camera, lol)
Looking forward to any kind of comment, Cheers, Skullkid
My opinion is that your playing is already a hell of a lot better than about 99% of the videos people upload of their playing on here (and elsewhere). My advice is just keep doing what you're doing, because it's obviously working out for you. I'd agree with your assessment of the dynamics of tone, but wouldn't beat yourself up too much over that.
@skullkid: way to go, man! Nice rhythm, and those tongue blocking effects are sounding great. I expect you will develop into a monster player if you keep working at it. My 2 suggestions for improvements:
1) Work on pushing the air through the end of each note - breath support is key with any wind instrument.
2) Work on resonance and really making the reeds sing. Practice singing a note with a good, full sound and then play the same note on the harp while keeping the exact same throat, jaw, and tongue position.
These points #1 and #2 are the keys to killer tone for you, so work on them often.
Well played and thanks for putting it up here, I am even newer at this than you but I think you did really well so well done I’m a AG lip purser my self so 90 % of what I play is lip pursed and 10 % tongue blocked so it’s really interesting to hear quite a different sound from you. Stick at it is what I say, I think you are definitely getting some where with that
I agree with harpoon man....it is the last note in some of those lines (especially when you end on that 3 hole inhale) that becomes weaker (almost collapsing in on itself) than the notes leading up to it.
The last note is, in many cases, the target note of the idea, so when you land on it, you should be proud and let it ring out. I understand the mindset of beginner/int folk. So often they are just so happy that they made it to the end of the idea that they ignore the importance of that last note while starting to think of what they are going to play next.
Your body language is totally stiff up until around 2 min 10 sec, where you start to move/groove just a bit. I'd suggest working on this tune while standing up and let your body reflect the rhythm/groove of the song. Watch a Kim Wilson video and observe how his body moves and reinforces the groove.
Loosen it up, bro!
Everything else is on a great path for your future as a blues harmonica player. ---------- The Iceman
Last Edited by The Iceman on Nov 01, 2018 10:45 AM
@harpoon_man: Good suggestion, I've been working on my tone for a few months now and I realize that it gets especially thin when I'm tense. Will try the singing the note approach!
@The_Iceman: I agree with your assessment about me being very stiff. I had practiced this song on 15% slow for about two weeks and this is one of the first attempts to play it at the full tempo, so yes, I was in the mindset that you describe (just being happy to reach the end of each chorus without too many major mistakes). I will keep practising the song and as I get more comfortable, I will heed your advice and put more emphasis on presenting the licks instead of just playing them.
Thanks again to all of you that took the time to praise / offer good criticism!
Last Edited by SkullKid on Nov 01, 2018 11:45 AM
