I have a doubt since a while regarding those TB techniques.
Regarding some interval playing such as 5ths or so on when the player blocks for example 3 draw and play the 2 and 4 together as a type of chord thing (a 5th here)
Or octaves in the high register which are 5 holes instead of 4 to play 3 and 7 draw at the same time for example
How can this be achieved?
I can only do the regular splits Ex. 3/6 2/5
Does anybody has any tips on doing this?
Or if can somebody do like a video lesson if it is not asking to much haha
Practice octave scales which will require frequent shifts between a 4-hole and a 5-hole embouchure. Also practice keeping a drone going on the 2 draw or 3 blow under a melody played on the upper holes.
Some people can play two simultaneous parts moving in different directions.
I go into a lot of detail about these techniques in Harmonica For Dummies, second edition.
Short answer: The underside, tip, and upper surface of your tongue can all block different amounts.
The top surface can block the widest - try that for the five-hole splits you need for draw octaves in the upper register.
The underside has a narrow, cord-like muscle running along its length. I use that for the one-hole block needed for three-hole splits, like Draw 2/4.
The tip is the in-between size.
-- Try starting with a block of 1 and 4 (blow or draw). This gives you an octave. -- Then try making it 1 and 5, then 1 and 6, Do this all in one long breath so that you can hear the results while you're changing the size of your spread (holes in your mouth) and your split (whatever your tongue is blocking out). -- Then try returning to the 4-hole spread/2-hole block, and go for the three-hole spread/1-hole block (1 and 3).
If you have trouble with the larger blocks, try consciously angling your tongue down for the larger blocks to place the broad upper surface o you tongue on the holes.
If you have trouble with the smaller block, try angling your tongue up to use the underside of you tongue to block just one hole.
You can also angle your embouchure to the side to make the lingual surface wider for those 5-hole splits.
Or, try this:
Use whatever surface of your tongue that works for 4-hole splits. Notice that the center of the tongue is right on top of a comb's tine, the one centered between the 4-holes.
Now, slide your embouchure exactly 1/2 hole width, say to the right, so that your tongue is now centered on the adjacent ~hole~ instead of the tine next to it. Now your tongue is in the right location to execute a 5-hole split but it may not be the correct width. All you need to do then is press your tongue ~ever~ so slightly harder than you do for your successful 4-hole split.
Works for me.
Michelle
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