Savo93
1 post
Aug 09, 2016
8:12 AM
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Hi guys, im new to harmonica and new to this site, so hello!
I've been playing harp for a couple of months now and have been getting the hang of draw bends, but I'm wondering what peoples preference is on which embouchure to use for bending?
I mostly play using tb and can get most bends this way but for the bigger bends like the full 2D lp is much easier, is this normal and do a lot of people switch between embouchures while playing? Or are all bends doable with tb with practice?
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SuperBee
3974 posts
Aug 09, 2016
1:56 PM
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Hey!
I tongue block all but 1 draw. It's all doable, blow bends (and even the overblows, though I only use the 6 and even then I've decided not to do it anymore.)
Yes, lots of people switch. Jerry Portnoy advocates tb bends from hole 4 up, lipping 3 down.
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ME.HarpDoc
176 posts
Aug 09, 2016
5:15 PM
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I've been playing a little over two years and I'm still working on bending to pitch. I have a friend who's been playing less time than I have and he gets bends nicely on all holes TB. He finds it easier. Both he and I have taken workshops from Ron Shellist (great teacher) and Ronnie LP's holes 1-4 and TB's on up. I have used that technique of switching successfully but you'll find what works best for you and as you improve, your technique may also.
Welcome to the forum. The beginner forum is a pretty safe place to be and there's some great advice here. Where are you from?
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MindTheGap
1734 posts
Aug 10, 2016
3:05 AM
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Welcome to the forum!
In general, people report that all bending, and overblows, can be done with either embouchure. Individuals seem to favour one or the other. There's also the U-block embouchure where you curl your tongue like a tube.
If you're asking about personal preferences, I did learn to bend with TB but even so I prefer to LP bends. Sounds the same more or less, I just prefer the feel. I switch between embouchures in play, for navigation or to use a TB-specific effect like slaps or flutters.
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Aug 10, 2016 3:16 AM
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Killa_Hertz
1689 posts
Aug 11, 2016
8:07 PM
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Hey Savo, what's up.
Im getting alot better at TB Bends, but personally I like the sound of LipPursed bends much better. Im not sure if it's that my TB bends are inadequate or what.
3 hole bends are pretty much the same and passing bends or quick Dwa/scoop type bend sound the same, but if im hitting a hard attack 4 bend to 4 draw, the TB just doesnt have the Pop or crispness. Anyhow while playing I switch embouchure constantly. Sometimes a few times in one lick. You can get it to where its pretty seamless and effortless.
So basically ... go with what you think sounds better.
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harpsquealer
16 posts
Aug 16, 2016
9:26 AM
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Nice to see another member!
I think everyone covered your question nicely. Do what works for you since both techniques can hit all the bends.
Personally, I've been playing for awhile now but I can't hit the 1 draw bend TB or 2 draw bend TB consistently. I've found that for TB draw bending those, you have to make your mouth cavity quite spacious by dropping your jaw and tongue which of course slows your playing. If you do TB bend those notes, remember to drop your jaw.
keep on harpsquealin'
harpsquealer
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Savo93
2 posts
Aug 17, 2016
7:21 AM
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Hi guys, sorry it's taken me so long to respond to this, I forgot i posted it haha
Thanks for all your tips and for the warm welcome :) sounds like ive just got to keep at it and see what feels most natural!
Killa_Hertz I think im quite similar to you, I can get bends to pitch with tb (mostly) but they sound cleaner with lp, like you i think i might just not be doing it very well :P ME.harpdoc I'm in north East Scotland, anyone else nearby? To harpsquealer I know what you mean with dropping the jaw on those low ones, trying the 2D full bend on it's own with TB gets there usually but if I try to incorporate it into a lick or general playing a lot of the time it only goes to the half step, and that can just ruin that bluesy feel haha got to get practicing, I'll keep the board updated on my progress!
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