Jun-25-05 1:44am  

Can anyone tell me why it is so difficult for me to bend a note without cheating and blocking the rest of the holes with scotch tape? I cannot seem to tongue block correctly and am wondering if there is any advice anyone can give me.

    

Jun-25-05 5:12am  [ re: adamacoustic ]

Maybe you should try the 'pucker' method, meaning make an 'o' with you lips the size of one hole, then trying bending from there. I find it's much easier this way vs. tongue block when bending.

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Jay

    

Jun-25-05 7:16pm  [ re: adamacoustic ]

the pucker method is an imtation of when you whistle, most folks can do a tongue block but some cant if youre just starting off , work on isolating you notes the bends will come as a natural advancment , when you become more famailiar with your harp,s

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drew

    

Jun-26-05 1:29am  [ re: adamacoustic ]

Try this. Draw(suck in) on one note pulling your tongue to the back of your mouth. I think this will work for you. Don't give up!!! Keep on keepin' on!!It will come.
elmo

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LARRY MOORE

    

Jun-26-05 6:40am  [ re: ELMO ]

Hey Elmo, I use the tongue U block method. If I pull my tongue to the back of my mouth I loose the single note. So what do I do?

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BillyRay

    

Jun-26-05 7:24am  [ re: adamacoustic ]

bro bear just play like your going to whistle . the tongue block will hinder some of the bend and make it reducedin volume . by moving your tongue to the back slowly it will increase the bending capabilities , tongue block basic is at its best for single slow melodic playing with very defined tones and articulative notes, fantastic for strait harp distinct playing. but lacking on bends it make bends harder to achieve, just locate your note first then pucker and pull back your tongue slightly when your sure you are staying on the note. then try your bend it wikk amaze you keep trying this u-block to pucker/whistle tech it will soon become a easier conversion than you ever thought it was what worked for me.

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drew

    

Jun-26-05 6:07pm  [ re: bear ]

Don't use the tongue block method!!!!

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LARRY MOORE

    

Jun-26-05 6:55pm  [ re: ELMO ]

Spider, I've been practising switching back and fourth tweenst the two already. I play streight harp but there are a few streight harp songs I like that require a bend or two (like Last Of The Summer Wine). So I have been trying to perfect the switch. As well as trying to learn to use "All" the different playing methods.

Thr hardest one for me is the oreginal tongue block method (block two holes blow/draw one hole) where one can cord along with the melody.

Anyway, I was just messing around with Larry when I asked the question (as well as trying to provide some information for others on this subject), and by his answer me thinks he figured that out......LOL

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BillyRay

    

Jun-26-05 6:59pm  [ re: ELMO ]

Elmo, you sound like my doctor. I told him one day that it really hurt when I raised my arms over my head. His answer was, "don't raise your arms over your head then".

[ Edited: Jun-26-05 2:00pm by bear ]

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BillyRay

    

Jun-27-05 2:44am  [ re: bear ]

I have to agree. Go to the whistle, pucker... method. Go back to tongue blocking once you've learned to bend. MORE important than bending is learnin to play one note - that' should be the focus - Jay's 2 cents.

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Jay