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 :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Contentious 6 draw

2 replies [Last post]
Tue, 09/16/2014 - 14:39
ameunier
ameunier's picture
Offline
Level 2
Joined: 02/18/2014

Hi David,

I'm working on the second bending study and my bends are coming along. I had to take a week off due to a painful cut in my mouth and now that I've started practicing again. Ever since I've been back, I am finding that I am having a lot of trouble with the 6 draw on my A harmonica (MB special 20).

The problem is that I'm getting this awful squeaking/screeching noise, the kind that seems to ring in your ears for awhile afterward. I can sometimes get the note to bend fine but it always seems like it's close to the awful screech. The weird thing is I was bending the 6 fine before my hiatus.

Any suggestions for controlling the 6 draw bend and avoiding this bad sound?

Thanks!

Andrew

Top
Tue, 09/16/2014 - 15:26
#1
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

Hello Andrew. The squeal happens when you're just beyond the reed's ability to bend. Focus on stopping your tongue movement before you get that sound. If it just jumps to that sound, you're humping your tongue in that position without sliding the bend down from the natural pitch of that reed. Start with more of the front of your tongue further forward in your mouth and slowly bend that 6 draw from its natural pitch to the full bend. If you feel the back of your tongue hump, stop it, you don't want the back of your tongue involved in the bending of the 6 draw, it can also cause this issue. Experiment, experiment, experiment.

P.S., also make note of your jaw placement... to be consistent in your bending practice you'll want your jaw to be in the same place. If one day your jaw is not lowered, it will be different than if you bend one day with your jaw lowered. Something to keep in mind as well.

Top
Tue, 09/16/2014 - 18:41
#2
ameunier
ameunier's picture
Offline
Level 2
Joined: 02/18/2014
Thank you- I'll work on that!

Thank you- I'll work on that!

Top

Sign me up!

The low monthly subscription of $16.95 gives you full access! We accept major credit cards and PayPal.

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 - 2022 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com