Airy Sounds on Draws 2 and 3 with G Harp
Wed, 11/13/2013 - 03:14
Draws 2 and 3 seemed to sound fine on the A Harp when I was practicing Walk With Me. But when I moved to the G Harp, Solo Study 1, Example 1.6, the 3 draw and 2 draw get very airy sounds. I've experimented with different embrochures: sticking the harp deeper in my mouth, trying to flatten the tongue, tilting the harp etc.
I feel sure you've run into this with other students. Have you got any guesses as to what may be wrong and what I should try to do to improve this? Thank you
I recommend you experiment with the location of your tongue. Not the part that touches the harmonica, but what's behind it… from immediately behind the harmonica to the back of your tongue. Your mouth is the resonating chamber for each pitched reed you play. Sometimes the tongue location, which dictates the resonant pitch of your mouth, can interfere with a reed's ability to vibrate… from just a little bit (like the airiness you describe) to full on squealing or stalling.