Ostefondue
2 posts
Feb 03, 2011
3:21 AM
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Hi.
I just read the "Left-handed people and harmonica playing" and the current last post (by mrdon46) said that he is holding the harmonica in the left hand, but upside down (Low notes to the right).
I hold the harmonica in the right hand as well. The difference is, that my harmonica isn't turned upside down. Still low notes to the left, like you "left-hand-holders".
When trying to switch hands, or turn the harmonica upside down, I think my tone gets a bit warmer and richer (But this may be imagination). Also, i think my wah improves a bit.
Problem is, I either have to reverse everything i've learned by turning the harmonica upside down, or begin to hold the harmonica in the left hand.
With just feels unnatural to me.
How severe is this situation, would you recommend changing hands?
I've been playing roughly 10 months, though only the last 6 of them seriously..
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AirMojo
94 posts
Feb 03, 2011
3:30 AM
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I would... there will be more of a resonant chamber for the low notes.
Have you tried playing with a glass or aluminum cup ?
It always sounds better on the side of the low notes compared to the high notes... same goes for your hand.
Low notes to the left always made better sense to me, considering how a piano keyboard is layed out... those piano lessons in 5th thru 8th grade had to have helped me !
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Ostefondue
3 posts
Feb 03, 2011
3:35 AM
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Damn, I was hoping for an answer like "no difference, keep up the good work, sport!" ;)..
I guess i'll have to change to thew right hand.
The cup thing - You mean putting the open end of a cup in front of the harmonica?
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jbone
485 posts
Feb 03, 2011
4:12 AM
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i have always used my right to hold and left to cup. backwards from what Little Son Glover stated in his book of very long ago. perhaps my tone suffers a a bit, but i have adapted to this way and at nearly 39 years worth of messing with harps i think it may be late in the game to make any changes like that.
what works for you is the question!
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AirMojo
95 posts
Feb 03, 2011
4:27 AM
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Yes, playing into the open end of a cup... gripping it with the hand where the low notes are.
Its interesting to try various "containers" to do this. My current favorite is a small aluminum "aquage" bottle of hairspray (travel-size) that my wife uses. Its almost impossible to crush, thick aluminum, measures about 4" tall and 1.5" in diameter, so its very easy to hold (like a stick mic).
Lots of products in sturdy aluminum containers these days, from beer bottles to hair spray.
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Ostefondue
5 posts
Feb 03, 2011
8:06 AM
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@AirMojo
Hey man, thank you so much.
I found a glass container at about the size you described, and after these last couple of hours I've played, I can feel the change happening. In order for the lower notes to point into the container, I have to hold the harmonica in the left hand - So i'm getting used to this grip.
Holding the harmonica in the left doesn't feel weird anymore.
Just have to work on my right hand-cupping :).
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AirMojo
96 posts
Feb 03, 2011
3:40 PM
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Good!! But don't forget that its just not your hands... its your wrists, your arms, your elbows, your shoulders... watch what moves when you're opening and closing your cupped hands.
When you play harp, your whole body is involved, but you don't really have to think about it... it just happens, and its a good thing !
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