Comments on: Introduction to Sonny Boy II Harmonica Technique

By: Wilf

Wilf — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:53:42 +0000

Hi Cain,
Welcome to the Surgery! I’d be happy to connect on Skype and see how you’re doing if this would help.
The Good Doctor

By: Cain

Cain — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:25:55 +0000

This is totaly brilliant as iv been here and there trying to gain some wah wah intermediate approach, as i have been stuck with a good wah wah but with little effect as in choking the harp ?? i thought this was bad as tought by someone on youtube but clearly its the grit behind sonnys wicked sound… can any one help me any further i would be real gr8tfull.

Thanks for a truley shit hot web site and info on throat vibrato too, not to mention intoducing me to the late GARY PRIMICH sssweet

By: Wilf

Wilf — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 10:54:14 +0000

I see what you mean! Thanks. I have edited the second paragraph, so it should be slightly clearer now. Hope your SB2 homework is coming on ok!

By: viper

viper — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:40:53 +0000

ok thank u i just get confused a little bit cause in the intro you talk about gettin into sonny’s first position style guess you rigth it’s easy to get lost in tecnical things instead of makin it easy speacially whit the harp an instrumen that don’t make mistakes thank and have a nice day bro

By: Wilf

Wilf — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 22:17:11 +0000

Hello Mr Viper! It’s all in 2nd position (cross harp). Maybe you’re looking in too deep? ;O) Keep it simple and you’ll get it I’m sure.

By: viper

viper — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 00:11:57 +0000

are this licks in 1st position? if they are can be used on 2nd? cause im kinda lost in that area i know the holes that represent the i iv and v chords for 1st 2nd and 3rd
positions but i see you dont stick to it or maybe you are and im not gettin please answer me this is blowin my head thank you and god bless you

By: Marko

Marko — Sun, 30 May 2010 11:53:52 +0000

Thanks very much for clear and comprehensive explanation!!!
i like the one man band style of Sonny and
this rhythmic technique for me is the root,
and the shuffle rhythm is fantastic!!!!

Thanks!!!!

By: Wilf

Wilf — Sat, 29 May 2010 20:41:35 +0000

Ciao Marko!

Great question. This is a technique which goes hand in hand with the tongue block method of playing harmonica. Instead of pursing or puckering, you are covering about four holes with your mouth, blocking off three holes with your tongue and playing the remainng hole.

Typically this means blocking the three holes to the left and playing the remaining hole on the right. So you might blocks holes 1 to 3 and play hole 4. The reverse can also be true however – you could block 2 to 4 and play hole 1. Either way the result is a system of playing where you blow from the side of the mouth rather than centrally.

Tongue slapping is achieved when you briefly catch all four notes before ‘slapping’ your tongue onto the harp to single out the one note you need. It adds a crunch effect to the sound. By repeating the process, a jig or shuffle rhythm can be created.

I will add this information and a sound file to our Harp Skills / Tongue Effects menu.

Good harping to you!

By: Marko

Marko — Thu, 27 May 2010 08:55:03 +0000

Hi,
very good tabs!!
in the third lick you explain,
Sonny use tongue slaps?
thanks
Marko

By: Wilf

Wilf — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:54:01 +0000

Hi Steve. I can totally sympathise. We weill look into it with the aid of The Amazing Slowdowner (available on line) and our expert ear. It may take us a week or two, but hopefully help is at hand.