Modern Blues Harmonica: lip pursing vs. tongue blocking 1 (AG.25)

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First 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: www.modernblues...
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: /www.modernbluesharmonica.com/kick_and_stomp.html

[@OtterLakeFlutes]

Vlogging from a within parked car is a secret hat-tip between secret society members, like stuffing half a hand palm-down in your coat. Not really, but you do kind of qualify as one of a few special guys making a significant world go 'round! Thanks, man. You've got a really amiable demeanor folks can zone out to forever

[@Modernbluesharmonica]

I should clarify: I think that every blues harmonica player SHOULD tongue block rather than avoiding the technique. There are sounds--big octaves and certain kinds of feathery and percussive sounds--that TB facilitates and that are impossible, or close to impossible, using lip pursing technique. By the same token, I don't think that full-time TB is required. And that is where I part company with some of my peers. Feel no shame! But learn the TB technique. It's a great tool.

[@gronki1]

The whining at the end expressed just what I thought after hearing your last sencence. I need to learn how to tongue block. Thank you for another amazing harp lesson.

[@Kimtheharp]

I love this Adam and I agree 100%. TB on Splitz,Dyadz & Chordz only, never single notes IMHO.

[@MNessmith]

I love the "you gotta know both" approach you take, Adam. So true. BTW, I found that learning how to overblow (while lip pursing) improved the resonance and tone of all my playing. Likewise, learning to bend while tongue-blocking improved my sound no matter what I'm embouchure I'm using at any given time.

[@StellarChi]

Dan Lynch Blues bar NYC was Awesome.....back in the day....I didn't know it was open again ! Cool ! You are so talented and dedicated Adam ! It's wonderfully infectious ! A real joy and treat for those of us in love with the harmonica. Floyd Lee e-mailed me the other day....so, spectacular he's still so heathly and alive. Thx for the heads up about who I was jamming wtih under the name Ted Willliams back in the day. Merry Christmas from HarpoJon !

[@tnysteph]

I started out u blocking. It is good for single notes. Not for double & triple tongue. Adam great video. Love the ending & I will keep after the pucker style of playing. Thanks for all your postings.

[@tnysteph]

Good stuff Adam. There is a 3rd way to play, U blocking, but it has limits. I started out u blocking because I could get the single notes. Now I am doing my best to learn the pucker. I know it is a better way to play. Today using the pucker I started getting bends. Bends with control. I have a lot to learn but with your KZbin videos and the other fine player that post teaching videos I am heading in the direction. Thank you

[@hopeira4622]

I learned by lip pursing, and only used tongue blocking to find my holes when I get lost (which is often) I never even thought about using tongue blocking for actual playing.

[@robertbrunston5406]

Thank you Adam

[@Modernbluesharmonica]

@hornplayer31: Thanks for that clarification. I tried what you describe and was able to do it; I think that harp players do it slightly differently--which would make sense, since the harp player's embouchure is somewhat different AND since at least half our playing is on the in-breath. (Brass tonguing--and note-production in general--takes place 100% on the outbreath.) We're cousins but not identical twins.

[@J.A.Jansen]

@talkingpoints: Junior Wells was mostly a lippurser, he sometimes uses a slap on a note and uses his tongue for octave splits. he double and triple tongues mostly. Cotton is a tongueblocker all the way.

[@herbster22]

Super Adam, Looking forward to seeing you February, Fort Lauderdale!!

[@NuestraCocinasp]

you are GREAT! thank you from Argentina for your music

[@fwerly]

Great !!!! many guys used to over value tongue blocking ... play as you fell better and do your magic !!

[@ridenhour1]

glad your back

[@AllGrowing]

Great explanation and demonstration - thanks!!

[@TalesOfHeilotia]

You make me laugh a lot but your are good teacher. keep up mate. Respect from UK

[@danielsmith2776]

I lip purse much of the time, perhaps exclusively. Adam G. is excellent.

[@joeholland4936]

tongue blocking was the was the way to go when I started in 1973. I do purse my lips on hole one and ten.

[@StellarChi]

Re-visit ...KZbin's " Floyd Lee with HarpoJon " ...some time. 72nd & Broadway NYC Street Jam ! Jam On ...I'm still working it out in the woodshed ! Guess we always do need to improve....not like that stops at some point. Thx Adam !

[@joelgraham1]

Adam, I could tell you how many times i've watched this one, but i won't. I'll just tell you it just 'clicked' and I feel far less shame about my reluctance to 'tongue block.' Many thank's my friend!!....oh, and the scream at the end scared the hell out of me too...best video since you b#itch slapped the camera...easily my favorite....and keeps my attention. YOU ARE THE MAN ADAM!

[@J.A.Jansen]

that scream at 8:59 just freaked me out man!

[@nacoran]

There is going to be some blood in the forum tonight. :) Actually, you did a good job of explaining the merits of both. I can't wait to see some of the responses.

[@Kenneth1944]

When teaching lessons is mentioned, I wish an online live class of several students with a teacher. Cost might be a little lower, and learning from each other along with the teacher. There probably is a list of reasons a group class would be great.

[@rickwaddell6603]

I completly agree about lip pursing that blocking can't do. You cant block and purse at the same time at least I cant. Also I really never tried to toungue block as I always thought it was kinda cheating but at the same time it get in my way and makes it harder for me to play and gets in the way of my playing for me , Idk just never thought about it much.

[@HakanEhn]

it was fun!

[@anbu94]

really?.... i have headphones on, the screams at the end scared the hell out of me haha

[@JerryDugger]

Awesome!

[@TalkingPoints1]

thanks Adam. This was informative. I live in NJ and recently met Dennis Greunling. He stresses tongue blocking, something I'm not real good at. To bend draw notes, I pull my tongue back and down, so it's ultra-hard for me to bend with tongue blocking, with tongue on the harp. I honk nastily like a rank beginner. I experiment with octaves a little, 1-4 draw and blow, 2-5, but I rely on lip pursing. How much tongue blocking do old time guys like James Cotton, or Junior Wells do?

[@rafaelbaring]

the same happen to me brow

[@cpjuliansp]

I haven't been able to make that "blues" sound with my harmonica... how do you do it?

[@amrnabil311]

all middle east support you

[@dominiclyons5947]

Adam, I've played for years w / the U-shaped tongue to isolate single notes. I'll tongue block center for octaves. Any experience / feedback regarding? I'm down in Mobile - will catch your show there soonest. Thx, d'o

[@dominiclyons5947]

+Dominic Lyons Never thought of it, but I guess I'm possibly pursing for chords. Is the Little Walter thing heavy on tongue block? I've thought I had to be one or the other but, screw it, why not just make it another tool in the box?

[@xtelevisionset]

I can't do lip pursing.

[@spyralspyder]

dadala dadala

[@GermanHarpist]

Hahaha,.. controversial... :) I like it..

[@debkay1380]

I have been a frustrated harp player for years, falling into the pucker or tongue thing. It is bunk. Check out JP's free lesson on harp.com to learn proper tech. You can only get so far with pucker and tongue is advanced tech. Put the harp in your mouth, way in. Just check out JP's lesson and improve your playing 100%