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

Drawing And Blowing Problems

6 replies [Last post]
Fri, 09/18/2020 - 10:18
HarpLearner1138
HarpLearner1138's picture
Offline
Joined: 09/18/2020

I seem to get a metallic buzz whenever I draw or blow holes 1 and 2. I am a beginner who just got a SilverStar today and I don't know what to d. What should I do ?

Top
Fri, 09/18/2020 - 14:10
#1
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello HarpLearner1138,

Hello HarpLearner1138, welcome to the site, and the harmonica. This is a very common issue. Take a look at the FAQ section (https://www.bluesharmonica.com/faq) and watch the first video titled, "My 2 draw and/or high-end notes sounds flat, airy or not at all!" This will take some time, but you'll get it, keep at it.

Top
Fri, 09/18/2020 - 21:19
#2
HarpLearner1138
HarpLearner1138's picture
Offline
Joined: 09/18/2020
Oopsie

I left it overnight, hole 1 seems to be fine, but the 2 hole draw is still not working.

Top
Fri, 09/18/2020 - 21:19
#3
HarpLearner1138
HarpLearner1138's picture
Offline
Joined: 09/18/2020
Oopsie

I left it overnight, hole 1 seems to be fine, but the 2 hole draw is still not working.

Top
Fri, 09/18/2020 - 21:33
#4
HarpLearner1138
HarpLearner1138's picture
Offline
Joined: 09/18/2020
Oopsie

I left it overnight, hole 1 seems to be fine, but the 2 hole draw is still not working.

Top
Fri, 09/18/2020 - 21:33
#5
HarpLearner1138
HarpLearner1138's picture
Offline
Joined: 09/18/2020
Oopsie

I left it overnight, hole 1 seems to be fine, but the 2 hole draw is still not working.

Top
Sat, 09/19/2020 - 07:36
#6
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello HarpLearner1138.

Hello HarpLearner1138.

That's good. I would assume that saliva had congealed around the reed. It's a good idea to give the harmonica a good whack on your leg a couple of times after a playing session to clear saliva.

For the 2 draw, you could try to rinse the harmonica under water for about 30 seconds to see if it helps. After rinsing, tap the harmonica again (into a hand towel this time) to clear out all of the water. Do this a couple of times. Once you've cleared all the water from inside the harmonica, then play it softly for a bit and then continue normal play. Maybe this will help.

Again, 70% of harmonica players have trouble playing the 2 draw, so don't assume it's the harmonica. Obviously you found it was spit for the 1, so maybe rinsing will work, but do keep in mind that the 2 draw is a known issue for new players.

Top

New Interviews

Pat Missin
David Barrett
Jerry Portnoy
Dave Earl
Kim Field
view all interviews

Sign me up!

Full access to all lessons starts at $20/month! (with annual subscription)

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 - 2025 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com