Big I
9 posts
Dec 04, 2013
6:20 PM
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I realized today that I may have been holding my harmonica in the wrong hand. I hold it in my right hand but when I try to hold it with my left it feels unnatural, and I cant hit the notes. WHen I hold it with my right I can hit single notes pretty well. I have been playing about 4 months. Hopefully I don't have to change. What advantages are their holding it with your left hand. Also I tilt the harmonica down to the right side about 30 degrees because I think it gives you more hole space. Any thoughts on that.
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Frank
3430 posts
Dec 04, 2013
6:23 PM
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Get a John Gindick book - he'll set ya straight :)
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BC
12 posts
Dec 04, 2013
6:36 PM
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When I saw the post title I thought it was in reference to a Sonny Terry technique :)
If you are using a reference standard style hold with your right hand gripping the harp and the left cupping you will have a hard time controlling the sound on the lower holes with hand techniques. Most blues tunes play on the lower holes so you want to bias the cup on that end if you use a reference standard hold, particularly when you use a mic. However check out Adam's beginner videos and his recommended hold. He appear to hold the harp with each hand equally with no significant bias. This type of hold may feel more natural to you. Definitely check out Adam, or John Gindick, or Dave Barrett instructional materials for more detail.
BC
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Slimharp
65 posts
Dec 05, 2013
7:16 AM
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There is instruction on hold. My opine - what ever feels natural to you. Just make sure your index finger on your holding hand stays down on the cover plate so you do not wedge your lips off the comb. This usually happens on the lower note end ( at the crotch of your hand). A bad habit to get into.
I have seen all sorts of hand holds. The main thing is to be consistent. The harp is the only instrument I know of that you can not see when you play it. Its all muscle memory. If you start changing your grip it will screw you up. Some harp players play what most call backwards ( high notes to the left if you are holding with your left hand ). Its only backwards if you dont play that way. Whatever you do be consistent. You are forming habits that will stay with you.
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