Skip to main content
Blues Harmonica logo

User Account

Username:*
Password:*
Forgot Your Password?

Visitor Menu

  • Sign Up
  • Sample Lesson #1
  • Sample Lesson #2
  • Student Recordings
  • Forums
Forums :: Tip of the Day

4-Point Hold on Harmonica = Less Fatigue, Part 3

No replies
Wed, 07/29/2015 - 07:45
David Barrett Admin
David Barrett Admin's picture
Offline
Head InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 11/30/2009

And now for the fourth point of the 4-Point hold...

The webbing of skin between your thumb and forefinger creates a nice backstop for the left side of the harmonica. The location of where you place the corner of the harmonica depends on the size and shape of your left hand, but the general ideas is simple... allow a little bit of the rear, left-hand corner of the harmonica settle into that area at some point so that it prevents the harmonica from sliding away from your mouth as you play.

With all four points in light contact with the harmonica you create an extremely relaxed and efficient way of holding the harmonica with your left hand. This allows you to play with your left hand only if you wish, or for effectively freeing your right hand for tone production (closed cupping, hand tremolo, wa wa, etc.).

Do you have a specific hold that works best for you? Share a picture of it on the BluesHarmonica.com Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/bluesharmonica

I'm heading out to paddle some lakes and rivers... see you all on Monday. Have a great weekend!

Top

Sign me up!

Full access to all lessons starts at $20/month! (with annual subscription)

Subscribe

Free Sample Lessons

After watching the BluesHarmonica.com overview video, try one of the lessons below to experience a lesson at BluesHarmonica.com.

  • Tongue Blocking Study 2 – This study is for the newer player or the player new to tongue blocking
  • Bending Study 5 – This is for the advanced player looking to improve their bending skills

Contributors

  • Aki Kumar
  • Joe Tartaglia
  • Gary Smith
  • Mark Hummel
  • Joe Filisko

Site Links

  • About David Barrett
  • Accredited Instructors
  • Links
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
Hohner
© 2009 - 2025 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com