Posted by Jeremy Steinberg on January 21, 2003 at 18:14:41:
In Reply to: Moving the harmonica just right posted by Raffi on January 21, 2003 at 15:17:52:
: I'm just starting out, and I can't seem to figure out how to move the harmonica over just right so that if I'm blowing a single note on, say, 4, if I move over to the right I end up with my mouth over a little of hole 5 and a little of hole 6. Any tips on how to figure out how much to move it so I get it just right?
: Raffi
Hello Raffi -
Pick a single hole with the tip of your tongue in the hole. Now purse your lips (almost like a kiss!), to isolate that hole and either draw note or blow note. Now, move to the hole just to the left, or just to the right, and do the same thing. Go back to the original hole, and back to the second hole, back and forth. Give your mind and lips and tongue some time to develop a 'movement memory' on how far your mouth, or head has to move to get to the next hole. Incidentally, most harp players move their heads when they play, not the harp. But neither one is right or wrong. It's what works for you, and feels good for you. Practice, patience, and persistence!
Regards, Jeremy c/o JSteinberg@ucwphilly.rr.com