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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Angle of the harmonica and two note playing

3 replies [Last post]
Sun, 06/23/2019 - 14:50
Jimmyjim
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Joined: 05/25/2019

Hi David, 

 

Two quick questions that I'd love to get your input on.

 

I find ever since switching to tongue bending that I tend to place the harmonica at a bit of an angle to the right side of my face, horizontal angle that is. It seems as if I just play a bit better with less leak and what not with it slightly pressed against the right side of my face. Particulary on draw notes as the mouth tends to tense up more for me currently. Is this a bad habit in playing that should be addressed or something that is more typical? 

Also, you mentioned in your lessons about the option of playing two notes together by either smiling slightly or moving your tongue farther to the left. I'm curious, what is your own preference on this?

 

Many thanks, your material has been incredibly useful. 

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Mon, 06/24/2019 - 08:02
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello Jimmyjim. This is not

Hello Jimmyjim.

This is not an issue, since many players (including myself) angle the right side of the harmonica towards our right cheek for cupping purposes (between the right thumb and the cheek, we're able to block out leakage from the higher holes of the harmonica for a more bassy tone while playing amplified, or for a more smothered sound when playing acoustic and starting the Wa Wa technique... you can see this in the lesson https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/cupping_hand_effects)

I open my mouth more and move very slightly to the right.

My pleasure, and I'm glad you're finding the material useful.

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Mon, 06/24/2019 - 14:39
#2
Jimmyjim
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Joined: 05/25/2019
Fantastic, thank you very

Fantastic, thank you very much. 

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Mon, 06/24/2019 - 14:48
#3
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
My pleasure

My pleasure

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