Tongue Blocking

Study 3
BluesHarmonica.com Support Material
Written by David Barrett

Section 1 – Technique
Ex. 1.1 – Pull

Properties: Though similar in rhythm to the lift, the pull is very different in application. Each pull is articulate—produced by
pushing your tongue slightly on the face of the harmonica (changing the shape of the tongue from convex to flat) to block all of
the holes in your embouchure in preparation for when your tongue pulls off—in a plucking-like motion. The pull should generally
be performed at half volume (relative to the single notes) and the chord of the pull should dissipate quickly. Pulls are a
substitution of a single note and are found on the upbeat. Pulls are as much of a rhythmic device as they are a way to make a
melody subtle. When using pulls, it’s assumed you’ll be slapping downbeat notes, so no slap notation is used.

Ex. 1.2 – Flutter Tongue

Properties: Start with a slap and continue to make the slapping motion with a fully supported airstream (not individual pumps of
air like that of individual slaps). Again, light touch is key.

Section 2 – “Gary’s Blues” Song Example

Section 3 – Performance (Playing with a Band)

Ex. 3.1 – Ending the Song

Look at band and raise hand… Drop hand at 6+ After hold, raise and drop hand again.

© 2008 (© 2016 Revision) David Barrett & The Harmonica Masterclass Co. for BluesHarmonica.com, All Rights Reserved

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Section 4 –Chorus Forms Analysis
Look at the beginning of each chorus for analysis of what Chorus Forms (repetitive phrasing) is used in
this song.

Section 5 – Improvising (Applying the Chorus Forms)

Ex. 5.1 – Lick #1 (Measures 2 & 3 of the 1st Chorus)

Ex. 5.2 – Lick #2 (Measures 9 through 12 of the 4th Chorus)

Ex. 5.3 – Lick #3 (Measures 1 & 2 of the 2nd Chorus)

12 Bar Blues Form Reference

© 2008 (© 2016 Revision) David Barrett & The Harmonica Masterclass Co. for BluesHarmonica.com, All Rights Reserved