Spitting in my holes; a beginner struggles with tongue blocking

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My book give a simple do this then this to tongue blocking. Same thing the YouTube spits out

but I am pretty much only getting two outcomes, spitting in my harp or still getting a chord. The couple times I can get a single note my lips drag like a flat tire and i forget what my tongue is supposed to be doing.

any tips would really be appreciated, the mobility my tongue can give me if something I’m after right now, because I’m tired of dragging my lips off, much love.

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It’s not easy for a pucker player, I’m assuming you are, to learn tongue blocking.
Try to stay focused on what your tongue does. To avoid the lips drag keep a glass, or a jar of water close to you when you play. Hope this helps.

Ciao

Stefano :smiling_face_with_sunglasses:

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Hi Stefano! I’m trying to learn both, I have definitely found pucker easier but tongue blocking is the embouchure I want to rely on.

But if it is as simple as just keep trying to take my tongue I guess time is what I am missing? Makes sense

I’ll try keeping some water around, it obvious but I didn’t think of it :joy: thank you

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Keeping the pressure of your tongue minimal will help. Don’t push too hard. Also keeping your tongue to the default left side and keeping the Harmonica in your mouth will make everything easier. Dragging your tongue up and down the Harmonica while keeping it positioned on the left side is difficult at first. It’s almost like trying to. to speak with marbles in your mouth. Overtime this will get easier. I promise..

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Thank you folks, getting it much more consistent with these tips, Harmonica for the Soul also has a few videos which really helped. Can actually play some of my beginner songs easier, very glad to make the switch early

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@RynoSaurusRex Look up! (Never look down!)

Looking up, causes the saliva to run down your throat so there’s less of it in your mouth.

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