Slidemeister (Chromatic & related only - no Diatonic discussion) > GENERAL CHROMATIC DISCUSSION

Embouchure Style

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BillG:
We've had this discussion before but now that we have the poll option we can tabulate the responses better.  If you use a combination please list when and how you use them.   If you use "other" please explain it in your email.

BillG:
I primarily use TB but will pucker when it enhances the tune or I'm at the end of the mouthpiece.  I've never used U channel and can't seem to make my tongue shape that way and still feel the holes.

pmelissakis:
Hello Everybody

When I first started playing I bought a book that said to use tongue block.
I used tongue block for many years, but now I use and prefer pucker.

Pete Melissakis

Danny G:
I know I'm asking for it with this post but here it goes anyway.
I answered the poll as being a combination player without really reading the "standard" part of the question.
Wally Peterman recently suggested to me that vibrato and playing octaves are tools available to the chromatic player that enhances the music. Wally plays split chords on the chord and it certainly enhances what the chord can do.
 So, including vibrato, playing octaves, tongue switching, using U channel tongue for single notes or using the same U channel for playing hole #1, blocking hole #2, playing hole #3, blocking #4, and playing hole #5. etc.. I've been trying to incorporate all these techniques into my performance but only in a limited way. I think the meat of the music should be played in single notes.
I think that all of the techniques (as well as improvisations) should be viewed as spice, Used sparingly to add flavor but not to overpower the essence of the music.

Jp:
I know I'm asking for it with this post but here it goes anyway.

Thanks for warning us. En garde!


I think that all of the techniques (as well as improvisations) should be viewed as spice, Used sparingly to add flavor but not to overpower the essence of the music.

In general I'd say I agree with you, however, I feel I should point out that blues chromatic players routinely play using octaves almost constantly, and it works in the context of what they're doing. I personally wouldn't go one way or the other all the time, but I could (and do) envision some tunes in which I almost exclusively play single notes, and others in which I'd almost exclusively use octaves in my playing. It all depends on the music, the mood, and the effect you want to create. I have a similar attitude towards vibrato, tongue-slaps/lifts, etc. ( Though I don't view vibrato as an "effect" in the same category as tongue-blocking techniques. The latter are pretty much exclusive to us harmonica players, the former is widely used technique on many, many instruments).

Guidelines like yours are useful, but I just like reminding people that rules can (and should!) be broken with wonderful results.

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