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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Cheek puffing? Blues Harmonica Fundamentals

1 reply [Last post]
Tue, 11/06/2018 - 15:12
Stephen Starling
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Joined: 11/04/2018

I'm on day 3 of my harp journey. 

In the Blues Fundamentals, we learn single notes 4+ to 6+.  My quality of single notes is getting a lot better every day, but I've noticed that I tend to puff my cheeks a bit.  I heard your advice NOT to breath (blow) too hard, and I don't think I am. There seems to be a good bit of resistance when blowing a single note (through my Hohner Crossover in A). It makes sense to me, trying to breath through ONE reed.  As opposed to Ex.2 - Playing Chords, breathing through 3 holes is much easier.

 

So, is a bit of cheek puff normal?

 

 

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Tue, 11/06/2018 - 17:31
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello Stephen, welcome to the

Hello Stephen, welcome to the harmonica. Yes, a bit of cheek puff is normal. It sounds like you're going about everything well, so I'm sure it will all get better soon for you.

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