Everything you have played up to this point has been done by simply inhaling or exhaling through the harmonica. However, there are several other techniques used to produce notes on the harmonica. The most important of these is tonguing. This means articulating the sound of each note with the tongue by saying ta as you play. Listen to the following example on the CD to hear the difference between notes and chords played without the tongue and then with the tongue.
Here is a single note exercise to help you become more confident with the tonguing technique. Remember to say ta ta ta ta to get the correct sound when tonguing.
It is important to be able to play a melody equally well whether you are tonguing the notes or not. Practice the following melodies both ways. Make sure all your notes sound clear and even in volume and time.
This song contains many tied notes which provide good opportunities to use hand vibrato.