Breathing through the nose
Hello David, I am 61 and decided to learn an instrument and decided on the harp, I am currently learning to block. My problem is hitting the notes clean. I notice that I also breath through my nose. When I pinch my nose it seems to clear up most of the problem. I watched Joe Filisko's lessons on blocking and he mentioned "pushing" which in his discription sounds exactly what I am doing and my understanding is that it's an advance technique.
My question to you is should I practice my using my natural technique or learn to breath completely through the harp? I do hit clean notes but not as often as when I pinch my nose shut.
Thanks, Jerry
Welcome to the site Jerry, good to have you.
Clean notes are just a product of practice over time... you'll get it.
It is actually good technique to open your nose while playing blow notes. Since we spend most of our time inhaling on the harmonica, this IS a good habit to be in.
With this said, you DO want to have control over this, because there are passages where if you have your nose open, you'll run out of air and won't be able to complete the passage. Also, the beginning material is more balanced (more blows to help the new player balance their breath), so you may have trouble playing passages if all your air is being dumped out on your blow notes.
So, yes, keep the technique, but you do want to be able to control it. Here's the lesson on the subject: https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/breathing_harmonica
Thanks It seems that I am not having problems controlling it.
its almost a natural occurrence. I will continue to practice. Thanks again
Jerry
David
I wanted to add that after paying closer attention with my practice tonight it happens as I exhale. I tried to replicate it inhaling and I can't get a note and most of the time no sound.