tongue blocking

#1

I couldn’t find anything on this forum when I did a search in re: tongue blocking.

I’m totally new to the harmonica. Just completed lesson #1.

Is tongue blocking a good technique for creating single notes and chords?

If so has anyone used what is called a tongue block trainer? A device that lets you, with a mirror, see exactly where the tongue is when blocking a hole(s).
What is your experience with it if you have?

Thanks, Judd

#2

Howdy Judd!
I don’t tongue block. It is a method some swear by,
and you can use it and other techniques. You don’t
have to choose one and stick with it. Maybe one day
I’ll find a need in my playing to use tongue blocking.
I’ll learn then. For now, I’ll dance with the one who
brung me.

thebugleboy

#3

Thanks. Good to hear that not everyone uses tongue blocking. I ask because I got a trial subscription to lessons on Hohner’s website. The particular instructor seems to advocate using this technique almost always. I’ll just continue through JP’s lessons and see how it goes.

#4

I am on lesson #35. I see now that JP doesn’t even advocate using tongue blocking. That ends that I think.