AlexMC
1 post
Nov 25, 2016
2:09 AM
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I've been playing blues harp for a few months and feel I'm transitioning from beginner to intermediate.
I'm learning from YouTube channels such as Adam Gussow, Jason Ricci, John Gindick. I can hit most draw bends pretty well but am struggling moving smoothly between bent notes on adjacent holes, in particular forming the correct mouth and tongue position the very moment the transition is made to allow for legato runs.
Can anyone offer any tips, please?
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Littoral
1434 posts
Nov 25, 2016
7:36 AM
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To even ask this question tells me you're pretty close to handling it just fine. I do suggest that you spend some time confirming how well you can go directly to any bend. If you're shaky on any that's an obvious place to work.
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WinslowYerxa
1241 posts
Nov 25, 2016
4:49 PM
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Think and, especially, *hear* the bent notes before you play them. Knowing your intention is a powerful directive to all the subconscious processes and actions that produce the result.
At the same time, though, work on developing the skills to hit each individual bend from a cold start. Then work on getting to each bent note from other notes, both bent and unbent, and then getting from them to the following notes.
All this stuff will add up, and it all comes down to the age old answer to the question, "How do you get to Carnegie Hall?"
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Winslow
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Last Edited by WinslowYerxa on Nov 25, 2016 4:51 PM
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AlexMC
2 posts
Dec 05, 2016
1:38 AM
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Thank you for the advice!
I've started to break licks down into pairs of notes and work on the transition between each note in the pair, rather than trying to hit each note on my first attempt.
I'm particularly struggling with draw 2 whole step bend to draw 3 half step; I'm going to spend this morning alternating between them.
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Killa_Hertz
1974 posts
Dec 05, 2016
5:04 AM
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I had this same problem when starting out. Specifically trying to hit the 4' 4 5 triplet. I just couldnt get a distinct enough sound between the 4 draw bend and the 4 draw, so it sounded very blurred.
Unfortunately I think the only real answer is " It will come with time and practice."
I feel like bending the harp is caused by using a muscle and you just need to work out that muscle to be able to hit with the right attack. Now Attack doesnt mean more air force.
Record yourself often and keep it going. You'll have it in a few weeks. And then it will get better and better.
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harpwrench
1104 posts
Dec 05, 2016
6:32 AM
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The 2-3 and 10 hole bends are areas where a properly set up custom harmonica will change your life. Yes technique development is still required but practice alone won't get it for some things if the reed/slot geometry isn't correct. A good example is Gary Primich playing the Juke riff in third position at speed in the opening of this song.
https://youtu.be/k9TX2TUo-IE
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www.spiersharmonicas.com
Harp repair and upgrade menu
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Killa_Hertz
1975 posts
Dec 05, 2016
7:38 AM
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Very true Joe.
When I learned how to setup the 3 reed properly, BOOM I finally could get good bends on the 3 hole. I still had to work (and still am really) to get them sounding good, but at least I was able to do them.
The 1,2,& 3 holes are the ones I spend the most time with when setting up. I feel as if they are always the farthest off (ootb) from where I want them.
I really just started playing the upper octave and am still working on how to set those reeds up. Any tips?
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harpwrench
1105 posts
Dec 05, 2016
8:41 AM
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Its best to have me set up a harp so you can study it. Then you'll get a great harp in the process and I get paid for my time. When I do have time for explaining it'll go on my site for free. Right now isn't a good time.
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www.spiersharmonicas.com
Harp repair and upgrade menu
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