Rgsccr
457 posts
Nov 20, 2016
12:15 PM
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For me, it's the three draw whole step. I can usually hit the 1/2 step and the step and a half, but find it harder to hit the whole step. I think this goes better when I am playing with a band and listening, but if I am just running through the bends, I often find I go right past that bend all the way to the bottom. I'm getting better at this, by constantly working on it, not only by trying to play the bends, but also by learning riffs that require hitting this bend and then moving up or down one 1/2 step. I think that the main riff to "Messing with the Kid" requires this on the three draw, for example. I was wondering what others thought and would welcome any tips.
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mr_so&so
1059 posts
Nov 20, 2016
12:55 PM
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Ten blow half step bend, hands down, for me anyway.
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Killa_Hertz
1956 posts
Nov 20, 2016
12:58 PM
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The 3 draw is a tough one.
For me right now its the higher notes. Not just bending them, but even just playing them well. Im trying to learn the "Can't Stop Loving You" Version of Walters Boogie. And in the beginning when you have to glissando up to the 9 blow and work your way back down .... thats tough for me too hit. Seems easy, but im just not used to the way you have to play those short reeds. I haven't spend a whole lot of time playing the higher octave, but im sure if i could figure out how to set the reeds up right (aswell as how to breathe the right way to hit them) it would be much easier.
Anyhow, for your issue of the 3" .... I found that learning Adams Tradebit version of Chicken Shack really helped me. You hit the nail in the head with
" by learning riffs that require hitting this bend " ... for me, this was the tune that forced me to learn to hit those top two 3 hole bends. Either way its a super fun lil tune to play. I highly recommend checking it out. Theres quite a few useful things to take away from that simple little tune, believe it or not.
Hope that helps.
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indigo
290 posts
Nov 20, 2016
1:06 PM
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On a C harp we are talking about the A note,which is the fifth of the V chord in second position G.
If you download a one chord jam in D you have a lot of time to just practice hitting that note on its own or as part of a riff,without having to think about chord changes.
Also sets you up well for playing 3rd position later on.
Great for ear training.I do it while watching the Bendometer so i get visual and auditory confirmation that i am on pitch.
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nacoran
9292 posts
Nov 20, 2016
2:41 PM
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Tieing my shoes in the morning.
Once I've bent that far the hardest part is standing back up!
(Also the 3 bend whole step).
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Nate
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John M G
90 posts
Nov 20, 2016
3:35 PM
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I agree with Mr So&So, 10 hole 1/2 step blow and with nacoran!
Last Edited by John M G on Nov 20, 2016 3:36 PM
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Harp Study
226 posts
Nov 20, 2016
6:37 PM
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I'm with Mr So&So and John. The 10 hole 1/2 step bend is impossible for me. I've got it before, but it is very difficult for me and basically unusable at this point.
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Chris L
146 posts
Nov 21, 2016
7:41 PM
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Draw 3 whole step and blow 10 half step are both tough! Learning the Major scale in the key of the harp from end to end hits both. It is an excellent, if not very bluesy drill to help build your ability to hit both notes.
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arzajac
1797 posts
Nov 24, 2016
9:33 AM
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The 10 hole half-step bend is often impossible to hit on a stock harp because the air leak and inefficient reed shape overwhelms the effort you make to hit the correct resonance. A good harp really helps.
Making the 3-draw bends not only in-tune but sound good (like with vibrato) is what separates the good players from the great players.
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Custom overblow harps. Harmonica Combs and Tools.
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Swashbuckler73
3 posts
Nov 28, 2016
8:28 AM
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I can manage the 10 hole half-step bend with an after-market comb and after some profiling and gapping on my G Marine Band, but my face looks like it's going to implode.
Then I switched the after-market comb I had been using with a Sjoeberg comb from Joel Andersson, and I have a MUCH easier time hitting that half-step bend with consistency and accuracy. I kept the reeds/plates the same, same tightness of the screws (converted), same temperature/condition. Both combs claim to be extremely flat, so make of my small success what you will.
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kudzurunner
6087 posts
Nov 28, 2016
1:39 PM
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I agree with the 10 blow half-step bend. I find it easiest to dial in if I play the unbent note (the fourth), then the bend (major third), then 9 blow (root).
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John M G
91 posts
Nov 28, 2016
3:12 PM
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"The 10 hole half-step bend is often impossible to hit on a stock harp because the air leak and inefficient reed shape overwhelms the effort you make to hit the correct resonance. A good harp really helps"
Hi Andrew
I'd always thought it was just my lack of skill, wish I'd known some years ago.
The more I read here the more I feel that I've got to try a custom harp at some stage. It will probably be a lot cheaper than buying so many different makes!
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groyster1
2888 posts
Nov 28, 2016
5:53 PM
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3 draw.....by far the most difficult....half step,whole step and 1.5 step.......and its the blue 3rd!!!!!!!!!!!!
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STME58
1875 posts
Nov 28, 2016
7:50 PM
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For me it is the 10 hole half step blow. It is definitely easier on some harps than on others. My two Spiers setup harps are easiest to hit it on.
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