Playing Hole 2 Draw (and 3, 7, 8, and 9 draw)
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Posted by Webmaster- Harmonica Lessons.com on November 29, 2001 at 03:07:53:
SOME USEFUL INFO & LINKS-
Exerpts from the ONE LINER TIPS and BREATHING sections:
- First of all- Yes, it is very difficult to play hole 2 draw, and yes, it is most likely your playing technique and not a bad harmonica. Don't feel bad, everyone has the same trouble in the beginning. Read on.
- Don't suck with your lips- "Correct breathing for the harmonica means N O T sucking and N O T blowing into the harmonica. Sucking and blowing occurs with your lips and at the front of the mouth. Put the harmonica further into your mouth to avoid this problem. In fact, the further you can get the harmonica into your mouth and maintain single notes, the better (period). If you are getting a thin, low volume, airy sound (or no sound) when you play hole 2 draw, you are sucking with lips instead of breathing through the hole."
- Angled Airflow- "Angled airflow is why so many beginners cannot get a good sound out of the hole 2 draw (and 3, 7, 8, and 9 draw). If there is any angle to your airflow (the airflow should be parallel to the hole and reed), then you will be unintentionally bending, or flatting, every note you play just enough to create a 'sour' sound. Some of the high draw or blow notes like holes 7, 8, and 9, may not come out at all. This leads many beginners to the conclusion that they have a bad harmonica."
- Follow Through- "To get better tone, more volume, and better intonation when you play, focus your airflow through the hole of the harmonica and not just into it. Visit this link for more information."
- Using Your Nose (BE VERY CAREFUL)- Breathing in through your nose while you draw can be a quick fix for playing hole 2 draw. But, BE VERY CAREFUL, this may help out in the short term, but in the long run, it is not recommended. You will get yourself into a bad habit because you'll consistantly take in too much air when you draw and therefore cannot play draw notes or bent notes for normal length of time. Follow the above three tips for the correct procedures in playing difficult draw holes.
- Temporarily substitute 3 Blow- Hole 3 blow and hole 2 draw are the exact same note (a "G" note on a standard key of "C" diatonic). Beginners and intermediate players can substitute the hole 3 blow for 2 draw in songs and riff playing. This substitution is not suggested as a long term solution. Because, of the two choices, only hole 2 draw is bendable and will ultimately give us a great whole-step bend for blues and rock playing.
- Be sure to visit our BREATHING section- There is a lot more information and other tips on good breathing technique and playing hole 2 draw.
Visit the Harmonica Lessons.com BREATHING page.
Keep Playing,
Webmaster
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