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Subject: "U-block" Archived thread - Read only
 
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Conferences General Topics Topic #247
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Quante
Charter Member
Jul-17-05, 02:53 PM (PST)
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"U-block"
 
   LAST EDITED ON Jul-17-05 AT 03:40 PM (PST)
 
Hi, I have been harping for 2 months or something like that, I just naturally started with U-blocking, singel notes were never a problem and bends and overblows came real easy. then I came here and I read that u-blocking is not to recommended. I started to scout around the internet and all the sites sait that u-blocking was no good. but non of them said why. some sites said that you can't do the more advanced teqniques with it. is there anybody here who knows exactly why u-blocking is so horrible? it sure did help me alot, 'cuz with toungeblocking it's all sloppy and stuff


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shaggy
Member since Jan-28-03
232 posts
Jul-18-05, 11:00 PM (PST)
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1. "RE: U-block"
In response to message #0
 
U-blocking is harder than the other techniques, for most people. It's not recomended because most people simply can't do it. That's all.

But if you find u-blocking easier, then stick with it. Playing the harp means having it your way. Do your own thing.

Shaggy


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webmasteradmin
Member since Jan-20-03
1686 posts
Jul-18-05, 11:59 PM (PST)
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2. "RE: U-block"
In response to message #0
 
LAST EDITED ON Jul-19-05 AT 00:09 AM (PST)
 
Quante,

In over 25 years, I have not had one student come to me that was using the U-Block method that could bend well. If you're into Dylan type stuff, playing bends correctly and completely won't make much of a difference. If you're into blues, rock, and country stuff, great bending and great tone is what makes it come alive.

U-Blocking also promotes a very thin tone. Here is more on why I don't recommend it or "tongue-blocking" for people starting out and instead recommend the "Whistle Method"-
http://www.harmonicalessons.com/members/sinnotes.php

I can help you out better with my answer if I can hear how you sound using the U-blocking. If you don't mind a quick critique of your techniques, please send me a 30-60 second .MP3 of single notes on hole 4 blow and draw and bends on holes 2 and 4 draw (15 seconds on each is plenty). Use a standard key of "C" diatonic. I can then post it back in this Forum and hopefully you and other members can learn from our text and audio discussion. It's much easier and better to do this sort of thing in person, but this is the next best choice over the Internet.

Send it to-
webmaster@harmonicalessons.com

Play on,
Dave Gage


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Quante
Charter Member
Jul-19-05, 02:16 AM (PST)
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3. "RE: U-block"
In response to message #2
 
   LAST EDITED ON Jul-19-05 AT 02:16 AM (PST)
 
Quote
Quante,

In over 25 years, I have not had one student come to me that was using the U-Block method that could bend well. If you're into Dylan type stuff, playing bends correctly and completely won't make much of a difference. If you're into blues, rock, and country stuff, great bending and great tone is what makes it come alive.

U-Blocking also promotes a very thin tone. Here is more on why I don't recommend it or "tongue-blocking" for people starting out and instead recommend the "Whistle Method"-
http://www.harmonicalessons.com/members/sinnotes.php

I can help you out better with my answer if I can hear how you sound using the U-blocking. If you don't mind a quick critique of your techniques, please send me a 30-60 second .MP3 of single notes on hole 4 blow and draw and bends on holes 2 and 4 draw (15 seconds on each is plenty). Use a standard key of "C" diatonic. I can then post it back in this Forum and hopefully you and other members can learn from our text and audio discussion. It's much easier and better to do this sort of thing in person, but this is the next best choice over the Internet.

Send it to-
webmaster@harmonicalessons.com

Play on,
Dave Gage



yeah sure let's do it
I do'nt mind being critiqued, I won't progress unless my faults are pointed out.
And I actually am into blues, so I guess I have to eventually change my technique, sooner or later


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webmasteradmin
Member since Jan-20-03
1686 posts
Jul-20-05, 11:34 AM (PST)
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4. "RE: U-block (SOUND FILE INCLUDED IN POST)"
In response to message #3
 
LAST EDITED ON Jul-20-05 AT 11:36 AM (PST)
 
Andreas,

QUICK CRITIQUE-
Single notes sound fine, but that is not the issue with U-blocking. Tone is a bit thin, but better than most I've heard using this method. The bends are at best, half way to where they should be going.

Here is the sound file-
http://www.harmonicalessons.com/members/dcforum_sounds/andreas_demo_file.mp3

SOLUTIONS-
Don't give up on the U-Blocking until you can consistently get clean single notes with the "Whistle Method". This might realistically be about 3-4 weeks for you. Read or re-read the section on Single Notes and be sure to use the mirror to check your overall mouth position and then compare to photos on the site.

After a month or so with the new single note method, work on lowering your jaw and getting the harmonica further into your mouth to produce fuller fatter tone, more volume, and play notes with better intonation.

Your bend on hole 2 draw "G" note is going down about a 1/2 step to "F#" when it should bottom out just under a whole step down a little bit flatter than an "F" note. The bend on hole 4 draw is also not going far enough down. If you have access to a chromatic electronic tuner, you will see for yourself. Most people don't get their bends to where they should be because they are not aware there is even a problem with them. All in all, pretty good.

Let us know how it goes,
Dave Gage


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Quante
Charter Member
Jul-20-05, 01:08 PM (PST)
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5. "RE: U-block (SOUND FILE INCLUDED IN POST)"
In response to message #4
 
   thanks for a quick reply and good critique.
there is one thing I don't understand though. when hearing your soundfile on correct bending on hole 4 draw I can clearly hear a big difference. but when using the bendometer on www.harpsoft.com I come fairly close to hitting the C#, but when running your bend through the program your bend register as a 4blow(?). is the program so misscalculated or might it be my microphone that is the problem? but it register correctly on ordinari blow/draw notes.


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webmasteradmin
Member since Jan-20-03
1686 posts
Jul-21-05, 09:23 PM (PST)
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6. "RE: U-block (SOUND FILE INCLUDED IN POST)"
In response to message #5
 
The bendometer is rounding the note down the wrong way (for diatonic players learning to bend). Get a chromatic tuner and take a look. The sound file is close to a 1/4 step flatter than "C#", but that's not a bad thing.

Both the blues bends on holes 4 and 2 draw when bent all the way to the bottom, will be a bit flatter than the natural pitch. For instance, hole 4 draw will drop below a "C#" when you hit the bottom (but not all the way to a "C"). This is where you want to learn to bend to.

The bend on hole 4 draw in 2nd position is the flatted fifth of the blues scale (b5). Having a slightly flat b5 is a good thing when playing blues, it gives a nice edge to the bend. If you were playing unison riffs with a horn section, you would want to make sure you play all your bent notes in tune. Otherwise, taking your bends on holes 2 and 4 all the way down is a good thing.

Back to the sound file you listened to, I will try to re-record it and put a new one up. It's not bent down to "C", but my bending muscles may have been working overtime that day and if it threw you off, it most likely could confuse others also.

Play on,
Dave Gage


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Quante
Charter Member
Jul-22-05, 07:04 AM (PST)
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7. "RE: U-block (SOUND FILE INCLUDED IN POST)"
In response to message #6
 
   I really apriciate your quick responses and good tips/ciriques/info, thanks alot!


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