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From: Debbie Hamper
Date: Sat, 30 Nov 1996 19:11:39 -0600 (CST)
Subject: Breathing: Harp vs. Singing

At 10:47 PM 11/30/96 GMT, Wim wrote:

>But do you see a difference in the breathing technique for playing the
>harmonica and for singing?

Not very much. Others may disagree with me. I am finding that techniques can
be as varied as the different types of harmonica there are out there.

>
>Does the fact that a harmonica player needs good control over both inhaling
AND
>exhaling a difference in breathing technique?

A good question. Exhaling techniques are developed in singing. Inhaling at
such different rates as those required for harmonica do take some
developing...but it is not that difficult of a transition.

Although I do not generally breathe through my nose while I play harp, I do
find it necessary to do this while playing the lowest two holes on my 270.
Blow or draw makes no difference, I must keep my nose open or I'll never
find good tone on the low notes. This, however, is to compensate for the
construction of the harmonica. It keeps the pressure right, so to say. I do
not keep my nose open when singing. It's strictly a harmonic thing for me.

The mouth plays a similar role in singing and harp playing for me. Where in
singing the mouth and tongue are primarily responsible for articulation; in
playing the harmonica they serve a similar purpose. In addition on harp, I
use my mouth (and throat) to regulate air with more control.

>I don't use my hands at all to shape tone. I use my left hand to hold the
>instrument with only two fingers and the remaining fingers I use to hold the
>microphone. My right hand does not hold the instrument. Only two fingers of my
>right hand (the thumb and the third finger) do touch the sound case at the
>right side and the bottom side and my indexfinger does control the slide.

Forgive my comment. Yes of course there are many people who play in this
fashion. Lost my senses for a moment. As well I disregarded those who are
also playing guitar at the same time.

I hope this answers your questions. I do go on record as saying that I am
not an expert on harmonica. I'm sure there are many that would disagree with
my methods and have their own suggestions. But, hey, it works for me.


- ---Debbie H.