If you hear any old timers play the harmonica chances are you will hear a style called "tongue blocking". This was the style everyone wanted to achieve a few years back. And often the little sheet of instructions inside the box of the Hohner harmonicas still teach this style.

With tongue blocking you open your mouth wide enough to blow through 4 holes and then you cover 3 of the holes with your tongue. The advantage to this technique is that you can then remove your tongue to play chords or add rhythm to your music. It really does sound nice when it is done right.

The disadvantage, and possibly the reason many have gone to the simple pucker up around one hole method, is that it is harder to get clear single notes and it is especially more difficult to bend notes. With the popularity of the blues style, many have gone to the single hole pucker up style. Even then you can open your mouth wider and play an occasional chord where appropriate.

You might want to experiment with the tongue blocking method. See what you think of it.

Congratulations! You have made it through the tenth and final lesson.

• Wildwood Flower for your C harmonica
• When It's Springtime In The Rockies for your G harmonica