Geo
1 post
Aug 23, 2017
11:40 AM
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Hello everybody. I trying to learn harmonica for about 3 months now.
Having problem with bending on holes 2 and 3
Can bend a bit but not all the way down, i was wondering if you guys know anybody in London who could help me. I'd pay for your time and travel of course.
I think I need someone to face to face to show me how it's done
Thank you all
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Irish Soul
65 posts
Aug 23, 2017
11:50 AM
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I don't think he's in London specifically but I'm not sure. I've only exchanged emails with him...do a Google search for Liam Ward....he'd be a good one to talk to I believe. You can see him on YouTube as well...
Last Edited by Irish Soul on Aug 23, 2017 11:50 AM
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Geo
2 posts
Aug 23, 2017
12:00 PM
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Irish Soul, thank you
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nacoran
9585 posts
Aug 23, 2017
5:03 PM
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If that doesn't work out, you might look into Skype lessons.
You can check out the harmonica teachers tab. It does list Liam Ward out of London.
http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/harmonica_teachers.html
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Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
First Post- May 8, 2009
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GamblersHand
664 posts
Aug 23, 2017
11:20 PM
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You could try London Harmonicas
https://www.facebook.com/londonharps/
I haven't been there in a long time, so I'm not sure how regularly it's running
Or Greg Miller runs group lessons at the Royal George off Charing Cross Road
There are a lot of blues jams in London
http://bluesinlondon.co.uk/
Drop down and ask one of the harp players there for some pointers. It'll probably just cost you a beer
Also, Adam has an excellent lesson on the 3 draw bend and it's subtleties on youtube somewhere
The 3 draw bends in particular are one of the most challenging (and rewarding) techniques to master. I recall Jason Ricci one time saying that he found getting consistent tone and intonation on these bends more difficult than overblows.
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Geo
3 posts
Aug 23, 2017
11:53 PM
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Thank you all for sound advice.
GamblersHand, thank you
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The Iceman
3326 posts
Aug 24, 2017
3:25 AM
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There are also threads here that have discussed this very problem. Within some you will find my approach to bending that, when properly taught to a rank beginner will have them inhale bending - to pitch - within two weeks, even that "dreaded" 3 hole.
According to GamblersHand, Jason Ricci claims they are harder than OB, but that is just not true at all when the proper technique is learned. Do not even get that idea into your head, or you will really struggle with that 3 hole.
I'm not good at finding the old threads and posting links to them, so perhaps another lister here will help you with that one.
Remember, if you think it takes years to master, so shall it be. If you think that it is easy and can be learned in two weeks, so shall it be.
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The Iceman
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Chris Sachitano
23 posts
Aug 24, 2017
8:30 AM
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@Geo,
Before you spend money on lessons, I would flip through this board and look at Iceman's approach.
Also, take whatever embouchure/movements so far that are getting you results and see how much "gentler" you can be with the same technique, but still get a good sound. As you connect closer to the nuances of what you are doing to achieve bends, modifying them to get more range out of the reed will be easier. When you emulate other players, keep in mind that just because they look like that are playing hard, that does not mean you need to. The best thing I ever heard by way of advice on playing was another musician/teacher simply telling me to "Back Off."
Once you get yourself hitting more pitches, then pick a nice melody or lick(s) that will pass through those pitches for holes 2-3. And start your practice there, so it will become more natural.
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Geo
4 posts
Aug 25, 2017
10:26 AM
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Iceman, Chris, thank you
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Truth2012
66 posts
Aug 25, 2017
11:04 PM
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The first song I learnt was St Louis Blues from Adam's list. I had great results on learning to achieve hitting those stepped bends on hole 3 and 2.
I played that song like mad along with the Bendometer app on and learnt the bends pretty quickly.
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Geo
5 posts
Aug 26, 2017
3:53 AM
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And I straggling with Marcelle et Marcel JJ Milteau
Finding it very difficult but not giving up yet:)
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Grey Owl
809 posts
Aug 26, 2017
5:01 AM
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I'm impressed, Marcelle and Marcel is a tough one as it's pretty fast. I've put a version up on youtube a while back. It's a really fun song to learn. I wish you well with it. It's worth the practice.
YouTube
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Geo
6 posts
Aug 26, 2017
8:14 AM
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Thank you. But I'm learning in slow tempo and yes it's beautiful melody
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Geo
7 posts
Aug 26, 2017
8:19 AM
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And there are many distractions too. Just now Adam Gussow uploaded Hooker boogie groove with good explanation how to go with it, so i am tempted to give Marcell a rest for a while:)
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