blues harmonica techniques: adding texture to single notes

I discovered this fantastic technique when, as a lip-pursed player, I tried to give my single notes the same texture and rhythmic snap achieved by tongue blockers. I use it every time I pick up the harp. It is literally THE technique that separates beginning and intermediate blues harp players from more advanced players.

With Adam Gussow of Modern Blues Harmonica.

[GiuseppiResponti]

I lip purse and this technique came to me without even having to think because I’ve been doing it without a harmonica as a nervous habit my whole life. You’re right about this being the most important technique, it opens up a new dimension of the instrument.

[KenWhitson]

Many years ago, my wife bought me a harmonica holder so I could try harmonica while playing guitar. I really got into it one afternoon while she was at work. After a couple of hours, I started feeling a tightness in my back, so I took the harp holder off, and when I did, my neck completely spazzed out. She came home to find me on the ground barely able to breathe. A chiropractor fixed me that afternoon, but I've been into harmonica ever since. But mostly playing melody type stuff, with a few blues riffs here and there. I wanted to play faster, bluesier notes, and I think your video will be a great help. Thank you!!!

[Joeymuggz]

Dude I just picked up a g chord harmonica that came free for buying a violin for my daughter. I’ve been hooked! This video added an arrow to the quiver immediately- super glad I found your channel!

[barnabasgray]

Yes, thank you for the lesson. I'm a beginner and I have watched many of your videos. You really explain things well. I have been playing drums for 50 years. It's really hard to just play drums by yourself. I wanted to play so I dug out my ancient Honer Pocket Pal in C. My son is a guitar player so we are going to play some blues . I have learned a lot.

[borisiori]

Merci Mr Gussow ! Really great lesson . This is a big help for me. Bonjour from Belgium.

[FAHRENHEITJL]

"Tounge blocking nazi's". Made my night, legend!

[a.reagam]

GREAT lesson thanks from The Gambia West Africa.

[oliverstieglitz]

Great lesson. Thanks a lot, Mr. Gussow. Greetings from Germany. 🤓

[mindscaper]

Loved this

Very useful and masterfully explained

[allanbewick]

Great tip Gus that sound you make is what I have been hearing when I have been listening to your videos on YouTube. Now to practise. Thanks. Old bones Bewick

[yoschieschmitt]

Thanks, Adam! Very helpful once again.

[iga]

Thank you so much Mr Gussow ! this was truly helpful !

[mrjoeyman]

I was on the verge of contacting you about this. You read my mind. This is exactly what I have been working on as a beginner. I have some of your lessons. I was almost of the opinion that it was impossible but I know it just takes time. Thank you so much for putting up more info about this technique. I’ll keep working. See you down the road, thanks!

[evertonbernardi]

Thank you SO much Mr Gussow! Always on the point.. your lessons are helping me develop faster than I would ever imagine!

Best regards from Brazil

[MemoxWasHere]

Always on the spot, Adam; amazing video.

[helium]

shit i needed this, gussow you are the best harp teacher

[tnysteph]

I love your " How To" videos. I always learn something from them.

[Copharp]

Adam, thank you, for the great explanations, that your always do for us. If it wasn't for your super ways of explaining various techniques, especially the close up views, I probably wouldn't have continued playing harmonica and I have a success story to prove this, but not for now!
I have primarily primarily been a a Lip Purser, but use Tongue Blocking when playing Shuffle, Chord rhythm and/or a combination or both. I can musically detect a "lower pitch" when Tongue Blocking (not a flat pitch), but Lip Pursing sounds sounds a tad higher in pitch to me; However, I like the Percussive sound of the Tongue Blocking when used, even though you can effectively do Lip Pursing while comparing the two techniques. The recent Global Blues Harmonica Summit, showed us both and was great. Adam, I thank you for all you have done and are doing for the Harmonica Community.

[goldflla]

Thank you so much for this lesson. I get my Hohner tomorrow. 2025 is my harmonica year of practice.

[nahuelpanza]

hey maan! greetings from ARGENTINA!!! i just bought my harmonice yesterday :D and you are the gretest teacher ever!!! :D