2 draw bend is weak and flat.
Fri, 03/02/2012 - 20:16
I just started to seriously tongue block about 3 months ago. Until then i had been Lip blocking for about 14 years. I have noticed that on the A harp the tongue blocked 2 draw sounds weak. I can get the not pretty well lip blocking. I also notices that the note is a little flat according to the Trusty Bend-o-meter. I have tried several harps so i am pretty sure that it is me and not the harp. I remember that when i first started that the C would give me a little trouble. I try to relax my jaw but I am still having trouble. Any words of wisdom?
It sound like you're on track. The deeper bends, such as the 2", take the most time at first. Playing the 2" too flat is not an issue... we shoot to play the bottom bends too flat (1', 2", 3''', 4', etc.). These notes are commonly "blue notes" and it sounds good to go deep. The exception being when you play in unison with another instrument. The next step will be to dial in your half step bends. It takes about six months for most players to get decent and about one year to sound really good. Keep up the practice... it will pay off to have both embouchures dialed in.