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DATE: Tue, 06 Sep 1994 09:37:49 CDT
Subject: Harp holding / Problem?
From: Craig.Smo~mf41.usace.army.mil

Hey all,

Hope everyone had a good and safe L-Day Weekend! :-) I've got TWO
questions for ya today if you don't mind humoring a beginner. ;-)

[Correct holding of the Harp]
Well, per Jack Ely's WONDERFUL 'Diatonic Tips' doc and many pictures
of famous harp players that I've seen, Jack states that the correct
way to hold the harp is:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOLDING THE HARMONICA:

The harmonica is held in the crotch or "V" formed between your left
thumb and index finger. The highest note (tone), or hole # 10
should be to your right. The heel of your right thumb rests and
pivots on the length of your left thumb and raps around under the
harmonica forming a sound chamber, left fingers lay along the
length of the harmonica, the right fingers form a cup, meeting or
slightly overlapping the left finger tips.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, I actually feel more comfortable holding the harp in the exact OPPOSITE
way as Jack descibes (i.e. held in the "V" of the RIGHT hand, and cup with
the LEFT hand). I was wondering if *my* "preference" of harp holding might
lead to any reprocussions or problems later down the road? In other words,
is there any specific reasons for holding it in the way Jack states?

[Possible harp problem]
This may or may not be a "serious" problem, but my harp may not be function-
ing to it's utmost ability. When I try to draw on holes 1, 2 and 3 they
don't sound as clean and clear as say holes 4-10, they are quite muffled
and harder to draw (i.e. MORE air pressure is required to even make them
sound). *AND* the #10 hole has an almost similar problem when blowing
into it. Anybody know what the problem could be, and if SO do you have
any possible suggestions on how *I* might be able to maintenance it
myself? (I have an A major Lee Oskar in case you were wondering). This
harp condition is making it more difficult to practice effectively IMO.

[When to lay out]
I think it as important if not MORE to know when NOT to play when it comes
to performances. And for *me*, this goes for ANY instrument! Granted, I
am just starting to learn the harp, but believe me, I will also be focusing
on harp rhythm playing as well as scales and licks. :-) Oh well, that's
my little $.01 on the subject.


Thanks for your time everyone! :-)
Craig S.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
| Craig Smoot |
| Systems Analyst / Programmer / Musician |
| Gradkell Systems, Inc. - Huntsville, AL |
| (cra~mf41.usace.army.mil) ...And NO, I'm not in the Army! ;-) |
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