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Subject: "Duh .... Single notes" Archived thread - Read only
 
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Conferences Beginner's Forum Topic #254
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jolo
Member since Oct-9-05
29 posts
Oct-09-05, 01:11 AM (PDT)
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"Duh .... Single notes"
 
I get somewaht confused when the lessons mentions that your harp should be in your mouth as deep as possible to play single notes???

What confuses me (like most of the world), is that I am trying to do a "pucker" think for single notes. How the heck can I shove that sucker deeper down my mouth, with my lips farther away from the notes and "pucker" to so I can cleanly blow or draw on a single note.

Or am I just ...a "blowhard".


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webmasteradmin
Member since Jan-20-03
1469 posts
Oct-09-05, 02:52 AM (PDT)
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1. "RE: Duh .... Single notes"
In response to message #0
 
Jon,

The corners of your mouth are actually what block the two surrounding holes when attempting single notes. This will work when you drop your jaw (slide it down and back slightly) and then use your index fingers to press in the corners of your mouth (a la "fish face"). Once the corners of your mouth are covering the two surrounding holes, push the harmonica into your mouth. The slight pressure pushing in will hold the corners of your mouth to the harmonica.

See first color photo example-
http://www.harmonicalessons.com/members/sinnotes2.php

Do the best you can to get the harmonica further into your mouth, but not at the expense of playing single notes.

Hang in there, it just takes practice good single notes and a full "professional sounding" tone. Check in a mirror to really see what you are doing with your mouth. Let me know if this helps.

Play on,
Dave Gage


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jolo
Member since Oct-9-05
29 posts
Oct-10-05, 11:02 PM (PDT)
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2. "RE: Duh .... Single notes"
In response to message #1
 
Bless you Dave for your reply.
Great tips on the fish face. I tried it and I think I am understanding it better. So much to learn, so little talent.
I will let you know how it goes as I go with it for a few days.

Your post of "Do the best you can to get the harmonica further into your mouth, but not at the expense of playing single notes." really has relaxed me a lot.

It appears that since you cant watch what is going on inside someones mouth, that Blues Harp seems to be a practice, relax, try and listen until you get that "feel" and sound of doing it correctly.

Jon



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