Timoteij
1 post
Jan 17, 2017
8:34 AM
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Hi all, I can't work this one out and it's driving me insane can anybody shed light please?
It seems with every harmonica I buy (currently own 3 in the key of C and two in the key of A) the draw 2 hole straight out of the box just doesn't want to play ball! I'm not talking about trying to bend or anything but just simple puckered/pursed inhaling through to giving it some more welly don't get any results. It's almost like there is a sock stuck in it! Infuriating!
Any help would be great anyone experienced the same?
Cheers
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SuperBee
4431 posts
Jan 17, 2017
12:40 PM
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It's a well-documented phenomenon.
At least, I reckon since you have 5 harps all doing the same thing that it's a technique problem.
I don't have any personal insight into it, as I never had the problem but lots of people do apparently.
Adam Gussow made a video about it. I think the advice is to sink the harp a little deeper in your gob. Don't draw harder.
I'll see if I can find the video.
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SuperBee
4432 posts
Jan 17, 2017
1:01 PM
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Here is a link to the video I was thinking of.
You can see it's actually the very first topic Adam addressed after his introduction video.
It's possible this post will go directly to the bucket because I included a link, this is why I'm typing a fair bit of filler before hitting the button
Gussow .002
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timeistight
2077 posts
Jan 17, 2017
1:42 PM
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SuperBee's right: it's very common for new players to have difficulty with a particular hole, usually the 2 draw. Adam Gussow, David Barrett and Winslow Yerxa all address this.
The solution is to draw the back of your tongue lower in your mouth, drop your jaw and open your throat as if you were yawning. Don't try "giving it some more welly"; that only makes it worse! Instead, learn to play softly.
Last Edited by timeistight on Jan 17, 2017 3:22 PM
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Killa_Hertz
2106 posts
Jan 17, 2017
2:26 PM
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It happened to me. I bought three harps in my first month because the 2 hole draw was "Broken" or "Flat" as i called it.
It's true. Its in your technique. Don't worry you ll get it with a bit of practice. Watch that video Bee posted. And even search "2 draw harmonica" or something to that effect .. on youtube. There are a few good ones out there. Dan Gage had one i liked. Ill see if i can dig it up.
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knight66
16 posts
Jan 18, 2017
10:54 AM
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I always had trouble with the 2 draw on C harps, for xmas I was given a G harp today was the first day I got some thing resembling a note out of the 3 hole draw. That didn't last long before it went pear shaped again. Practice, practice, practice.
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Timoteij
2 posts
Jan 18, 2017
4:14 PM
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Thanks all, checking that link Im a little embarrassed to have brought it up. Been learning from two books for the last six months that dont mention it all! Thanks for your help
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Fil
263 posts
Jan 18, 2017
4:42 PM
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Embarrassed?? Don't be. We ought to start a thread on embarrassments related to playing the harmonica. I've got a sure winner.... A question like yours gets us all thinking a little more deeply about the thing. That's good.
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Phil Pennington
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Killa_Hertz
2108 posts
Jan 18, 2017
5:37 PM
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Yea seriously don't be embarrassed. That's what the beginner forum is for.
I do think it's weird that more lessons dont make you aware of it. Because it's very common. Like I Said, it happened to me ... lol
KNIGHT66. Have you ever tried gapping your harps. Until i learned to gap the 3 hole properly, i had hit or miss issues aswell.
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knight66
17 posts
Jan 19, 2017
1:55 AM
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Killa
The thought had crossed my mind but my attempts at gapping haven't been too clever so far. I'm a bit clumsy and heavy handed and have a Hohner c harp that's waiting for it's third set of plates thanks to my gapping and yes I have watched the vids. I may have a go because I don't think it's right.
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Killa_Hertz
2112 posts
Jan 19, 2017
9:30 AM
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Knight ... it just takes some practice.
Just be very soft with it. Hohners especially are very soft and easy to adjust. It really doesnt take much. If you have a harp that's already messed up, that's perfect.
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