roda0502
2 posts
May 15, 2011
3:48 PM
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Hey guys! I’m just starting to learn the harp. I was impressed by Adam’s videos and decided to give it a shot about two weeks ago. I bought a C harp and have learned Oh Susana and When The Saints Go Marching In. I would say I’m running about 95% on either of those songs. My basic practice routine is to play on my lunch hour/breaks at work then as much as possible at home. I can bend the 2 and 4 draw comfortably and easily, but my bend on the 3 draw has a quirk that leads me to my first call for help (I tried using the forum search and didn’t find anything addressing this. If it has been asked/answered before, my apologies):
When I’m bending the 3 draw it seems to jump from unbent to bent almost instantly. I’ve slowed the bending process down as much as my lungs will allow and I can’t really seem to stop that jump from occurring. Since I’m such a raw beginner, I’m inclined to think it’s a problem with my embouchure or some other similar rookie bad habit. But since I’m not having similar problems on the 2 or 4 draw, I’m not sure what to think. I’m quite hesitant to open up my harp to make adjustments since I’m so new to the game. I’m also playing a Marine Band if that makes a difference. Any help is greatly appreciated. I look forward to getting to know you all!
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oldwailer
1609 posts
May 15, 2011
4:32 PM
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Welcome to the forum!! The 3 draw has a tendency to do that--just keep working at getting your draw bends precise and controlled--it will come. I think it's even a little harder on the lower harps--like low D--but they're great for practicing--kind of like weight lifting. . .
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Always be yourself--unless you suck. . .
-Joss Whedon
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gene
755 posts
May 16, 2011
3:49 AM
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"...I’ve slowed the bending process down as much as my lungs will allow..."
Try working your bends more with your mouth/tongue/jaw/throat/whatever instead of your lungs. (The draw 3 bends are still tricky, though.)
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jimjam
20 posts
May 16, 2011
3:59 AM
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Along with what gene said, think of your breath like fogging a mirror instead of blowing out a candle.
...and do it a lot ;o)
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kudzurunner
2485 posts
May 16, 2011
4:09 AM
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Welcome to the forum and the site!
The 3 draw bend differs from the other two bends chiefly because the "space" within which the bend takes place is larger than that of the two other bends: an interval of a major third. In cross harp terms, you can make four discrete scale degrees on that bend: the unbent note (major third); the half-step bend (minor third); the whole step bend (major second, a.k.a., the ninth); and the step-and-a-half bend (a.k.a. the minor second or flat ninth).
When you apply the same bending force to the three draw that you do to the 2 or 4 draw, the note almost always bends further than the minor third. It may bend all the way down to the flat ninth (three half steps).
Try sounding the UNbent 3 draw in a staccato way, lightly tapping the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, just behind your upper front teeth: tuh tuh tuh tuh. Then, while continuing to do this, SLOWLY apply bending energy, narrowing and constricting your mouth cavity. You'll find that you can easily scrub a little pitch off the 3 draw, making a funky staccato blue third.
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roda0502
3 posts
May 16, 2011
4:49 AM
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Awesome. Thanks for all the help guys. I really appreciate it!
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jaymcc28
334 posts
May 16, 2011
8:04 AM
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I also find that with the 3 hole bends it's important to be able to hear the note in your head prior to playing it. Adam once referenced the song "Spoonful" for the blue third. When I'm struggling to find the right pitches on those bends I think of "that SPOON, that SPOON, that SPOON-ful" to get me back on track.
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"I say stay long enough to repay all who cause strife."-L. Staley
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