I'm playing simple songs alright (most of the time) up to the 6 hole. Above that it's a disaster and the practice of the last few days has shown little improvement. I'm learning on "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" with a lot of blows on the 7, 8, and 9, with one 10 draw. Sounds like crap so far.
Do you let up a bit on the air pressure on the upper holes? It seems harder to keep a "proper" (deep set, tilted up) hold on the dang thing at the upper holes. I suspect that may be my problem, but the higher notes seem to be more picky about the breath strength.
Any ideas??
Thanks, Greg mandowhacker@gmail.com
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Just when I got a paddle, they added more water to the creek.
It's not the strength of the airflow, it's how you produce the breath pressure.
Produce all airflow from your diaphragm NOT your lips or mouth and keep a relaxed, open airway. If you don't the high register reeds will "freeze" and you won't have good tone on the lower notes.
Also, if you are LPing, make AS LARGE AS POSSIBLE AIR APERTURE (opening) in your lips--which is much larger than sipping through a straw and probably much lager than you might think. This is important for good tone on all notes in all registers.
And yes, keep your deep embouchure and tilt in place. Not all players tilt, but if you LP, I think there are clear advantages to doing so.
Last Edited by on Jan 08, 2011 10:05 PM
Ah, the breathing part. One of the things a beginner must remember to do!!!! Hopefully some of this stuff will become natural and a thought free process.
I had little problem learning a mandolin after 30+ years on the guitar. Unfortunately none of those skills transfer to the harmonica!!!!
It gives me a new understanding of beginners and their problems on the guitar forums. I guess it ain't natural to everyone. ----------
Just when I got a paddle, they added more water to the creek.
Breathing from the diaphragm is a must, same in singing.
Here's a breathing exercise used in singing. Bubbles or trilling
I know it sounds crazy,but this works. To sustain the bubble you have to breath from the diaphragm. If you hum a scale at the same time,its much harder.
I've closed up all the gaps quite tight in the top 4 or five holes of all my harps (but avoiding accidental overdraws). I've been to gigs where the harp player thinks it's fun to play those high holes as loud as possible to deafen the audience, but I prefer a sweet sound, and close gaps give you that. You can get inspiration for this kind of thing by listening to people like Jazz Gillum playing in first position in the top octave.
Plus diaphragm control. ---------- Andrew, gentleman of leisure, noodler extraordinaire.
Last Edited by on Jan 10, 2011 7:59 AM
