Other web Sites
Harmonica Blues  Harmonica Amps
Harmonica Links Harmonica Pages
• Archives Home
• Years
 · 1992
 · 1993
 · 1994
 · 1995
 · 1996
 · 1997 		 · 1998
 · 1999
 · 2000
 · 2001
 · 2002
 · 2003
 
Web HarpL
Ebay Searches:
Amps:
Microphones:
Effects:
Harmonicas and Gear:
Harmonica Music and Instruction:

 

 

Harp-L Archives

[Previous Message] [Next Message]
[Next in Thread]
[Start of Thread] [End of Thread]

From: Michael Will
Date: Wed, 29 May 1996 20:19:37 -0700
Subject: Re: 2 and 3 hole

Garrett Casey wrote:
>
> I just started playing the harp a couple months ago.
> I have a Honers Blues Harp in the Key of C and a Pro Harp in the key of A.
> I love the blues, yet when I try to draw from the 2 hole (key c) and the 3
> hole (key a) I am getting a wierd distorted sound.
>
> Is there some trick to these holes...
>
> KC

Well, not a ~trick~ exactly. The 2 and 3 hole draw are (most) often
difficult for beginners. It'll come if you keep at it.

The most common problem is the so-called "pre-bend". That means you're
choking the reed by almost but not quite "bending" it flat. Concentrate on
drawing while making an "eeeeeeeeee" sound (NOT an ooooooohhh sound). Don't
drop your jaw, and keep your tongue flat about the middle of your
mouth, with the tip just behind your lower teeth--don't pull it back or hump
it in the back. Don't tighten your throat. Try opening your nose as if you
were breathing in through both your nose and mouth (but don't breath in
through your nose very much). (Conversely, if you *want* to bend on the
draw, you *have* to keep your nose closed!)

If you still have trouble (after a bit of work) you could try this. On the C
harp, the 2 draw is a G note, and the 3 draw is a B note. Try playing those
notes on a guitar or piano while you're practicing so you know what they
sound like. Then, when you try it on the harmonica, shape your mouth and
throat as if you're going to hit that note, and go for the sound.

Hope it helps. Good Luck!
- --
Mic'l http://wj.net/mic-l (has Harp Content!) (Last update 5/4/96)

Harp-L Tape-II Due June 15, late July 1. $5 for contributors, or $6
To: Michael Will, 18600 Castle Hill Dr., Morgan Hill, CA 95037

FAQ: http://www.island.net/~blues/faq/faq.htm
Archives: http://www.garply.com/harp-l/archives
Price Comparisons: http://wj.net/mic-l/Harpcosts.htm