So after 8 videos on Tongue Blocking we've now arrived at a point where we can start pulling the various techniques I've covered together. These include producing single notes, basic bends and octaves. Hopefully you should now have some TB technique that integrates with your existing lip pursing foundation. As I say in the video, this is both an exciting and frustrating point in the learning curve.
On the one hand you may be seeing several benefits including a better tone. On the other hand though, you now also have several options for doing the same thing which means you will start tripping yourself up. I certainly did at this point and still do from time to time. You will start asking yourself mid phrase "should I tongue block or lip pursue this?". So for a while things will seem confusing and you will lose some fluidity from your playing. Stick with it though. Eventually you'll iron out the transitions and knowing how to approach things will become second nature.
In this video I explain a cross position riff which is anchored on the 2 draw lip pursed and uses 3 other tongue blocked parts to:
- leap 4 holes
- play a 7th
- play two bends
It's an improvisational framework. You will be learning to seamlessly switch between the two embouchures and cover large intervals with ease. Get this riff down and you'll see even more of the possibilities of TB which we'll continue to delve into. Once confident, try to overlay other techniques such as tone variation and hand effects. More videos to follow next week. Enjoy!
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