Arbite
128 posts
Nov 12, 2011
12:07 PM
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I have a nice job which allows me to practice harmonica for all day long.
Problem is I tens up in my mouth after playing a while and cant keep embouchure and sound become airy and leaky.
I try to play as relaxed as possible.
I really try to focus on my embouchure and tilting the back of the harp up cause I can keep looser lips that way and don't get tired as quick.
But still after a couple of hours my lips cheeks and jaw is sore.
Anyone else having this problem?
I want to practice all day long when I work but it's frustrating.
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http://www.youtube.com/arbite83
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sammyharp
146 posts
Nov 12, 2011
12:19 PM
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That's totally normal for an emboucher. It's no different if you run a longer dostance. At some point your muscles will tense up. The important things to pay attention to is that you use a food emboucher when playing, and that you listen to your body when it says stop. It's not good to keep playing when your emboucher goves up. That will only lead to injury. as time goes on with regular playong your emboucher will gain strength. I'm a professional brass musician, and have learned over the years it's best to just pay attention to what your body tells you is right.
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Tommy the Hat
402 posts
Nov 12, 2011
12:52 PM
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That happens to me after only a few minutes of playing my Seydel Blues Session. It's just too fat. It has only happened on any other harp once after playing for about 4 hours.
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Tommy
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FMWoodeye
16 posts
Nov 12, 2011
1:04 PM
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I totally agree with Tommy. When I was trying to get my trombone chops back after decades of not playing, after a short time my lips would sag like....well, they'd sag.
Then I would rest, maybe sip a cocktail, play a little harp and go back to the bone. After daily practice for a while, I found that a day or two off would really do the chops some good. It's the same with running or weight lifting, etc.
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7LimitJI
574 posts
Nov 13, 2011
1:01 AM
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If tongue block most of the time you won't have this problem.
The lips are totally relaxed and just resting on the harp.
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The Pentatonics Myspace
Youtube
"Why don't you leave some holes when you play, and maybe some music will fall out".
"It's music,not just complicated noise".
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eebadeeb
24 posts
Nov 13, 2011
4:37 AM
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with tongue blocking one side of your mouth is exactly the same as lip pursing. neither embouchure can be totally relaxed. lips must be conformed to the shape of the harmonica to be airtight
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7LimitJI
575 posts
Nov 13, 2011
4:51 AM
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@eebadeeb
"with tongue blocking one side of your mouth is exactly the same as lip pursing."
You obviously don't tongue block.
My lips are as relaxed on the harp, as off.
When lipping you are putting the lips in an unnatural position. The kissing type shape.
When TB'ing the lips are in the same shape as when your mouth is closed. ie totally relaxed.
If you LP for long enough (I used to LP) the muscles around your lips get stronger and you learn to use the minimum pinch.
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The Pentatonics Myspace
Youtube
"Why don't you leave some holes when you play, and maybe some music will fall out".
"It's music,not just complicated noise".
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eebadeeb
25 posts
Nov 13, 2011
5:50 AM
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I do both. Although it is called lip pursing for lack of better description, there is no pursing involved except with the rankest amateurs. The harmonica is deep in the mouth and the air is directed into a hole without actually blocking the rest. The lips are as relaxed as with tongue blocking. Either way, the lips must prevent air from escaping and to do so they must conform to the shape of the harmonica, which requires some small amount of pressure.
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