SmokeJS
227 posts
Feb 22, 2014
8:24 AM
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In Jon Gindick's latest newsletter he recommends practicing long, like up to 30 seconds or more, draw then blow notes in hole 2 breathing only through the harp. This is said to improve breath control, encourage playing from deep in your body not the upper chest, and to learn to play softer. Sounded easy but breathing only through the harp, therefore my nose is always closed, is proving to be challenging. I know Joe Filisko says using your nose when exhaling can be a good thing but bad when inhaling. I find that I need to open my nose a tiny bit every now and then otherwise I feel like I'm not getting enough air to breathe. Anyone else working on this?
Last Edited by SmokeJS on Feb 22, 2014 3:11 PM
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orphan
317 posts
Feb 22, 2014
9:05 AM
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Iceman suggested playing notes somewhat like Jon is talking about. He said play a single note and really get to know it.(I'm sure I am not putting this exactly as he did.) Maybe it was something like "live in the note." This method really does require a focus on air and the shape of the mouth and throat. The tone will be affected by not closing off the nose. By playing softer you might not feel the urge to use your nose to get air. At first, it is a challenge to get used to getting good tone with less air. But being able to do more with less opens you up for lots of other things like phrasing with emotion and expression. And don't forget to relax!
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Rick Davis
2996 posts
Feb 22, 2014
9:29 AM
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Rick Estrin covers breathing through the harp on his excellent CD, "Secret, Subtleties, and Tricks of the Blues Harmonica." With Estrin it is more about keeping the groove going. I recommend the CD. I've done that for years. Breathing out through the harp also sets the reeds up to pop a bit when you are about to hit a percussive draw tone.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Last Edited by Rick Davis on Feb 22, 2014 9:43 AM
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The Iceman
1474 posts
Feb 22, 2014
2:35 PM
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I've taught "Long Tones" (including at Gindick's Jam Camps) for many years as part of my core approach to beginning mastery on the diatonic.
Co-incidentally, I also taught to do it for at least 30 seconds or more.
Hmmmm.
However, I do not recommend it for 2 holes at a time - rather, just one note. For instance - 4 hole exhale and then 4 hole inhale.
Learn to create a sustainable LONG TONE that is "solid" in its sound - like a beam of steel. No wavering along the way or collapsing inward towards the end.
You will learn so much about breath control and tone from this endeavor. As a matter of fact, if you can hand a note in the air for 30 seconds or more, it gives you time to really listen to what is going on and also to self correct many problems yourself.
The revelation is that you do not have to use too much energy (or force) to create a substantial and pretty loud note.
Breathe the harmonica...don't suck and blow.
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The Iceman
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SmokeJS
228 posts
Feb 22, 2014
3:10 PM
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Iceman, I made a small editorial change in the original post to clarify that Jon Gindick mentions inhaling and exhaling on the second hole of the harmonica, not two holes at a time. I think Jon sees that hole as being most problematic for beginners as he focuses on it. My personal practice is to use different holes.
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SmokeJS
230 posts
Feb 24, 2014
9:35 AM
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Rick Davis, I was fortunate to spend some time with Rick Estrin last fall and picked up a copy of the DVD. Not sure I completely understand the connection between keeping the groove going and practicing long notes but hopefully time and practice will fix that. Seeing Rick Estrin again in 6 weeks and really looking forward to it as he's quite inspiring!
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