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

Dry mouth problem when playing 2 note combinations for a long time

2 replies [Last post]
Mon, 02/03/2020 - 14:07
Angel Georgiev
Angel Georgiev's picture
Offline
Level 5
Joined: 01/19/2020

Hello David,

Here I am with another strange question :).

I am curently practicing chorus number 5 of the "Temperature" song.

I have cume upon a strange (for me) problem.

At a certain point after playing those 2 note combinations for a while I get not only dry lips, but the right side of my tongue gets dry as well.

Considering the intensity of the song at this point it is difficult to find a rest long enough so that I can get my mouth wet + get my lips wet + to get the harp wet.

I know it may sound funny, but I am usually a drooler :) and I have had more problems with having too much seliva in the harmonica then the other way arround, so I fing it odd to cope with this issue.

Perhaps the answer would be pretty obvous like "breethe more softly through the harp", but I still have decided to ask:

How can I avoid drying my mouth when playing 2 note combinations for a lont time?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Angel

 

Top
Mon, 02/03/2020 - 20:22
#1
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Online
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello Angel. You're right,

Hello Angel. You're right, breathing more lightly can help. Breaks in the music (the phrasing, where there are rests) are the places we can deal with saliva issues (swallowing when there is too much spit, and licking our lips when we don't have enough). As you've stated, the lack of rest in this part of the chorus is the challenge. In Chorus 5, the place to do this is after your 2 draws. Don't hold the 2 draws to their full-length... use your tremolo and decrease your volume quickly (which is a common dynamic thing to do anyways). This way you finish the note earlier, giving you time to lick your lips. You won't have much time, so you'll need to make those 2 draws really short. As time goes on, your body will be able to regulate your saliva more easily, and this will be less of an issue. I hope this helps a little bit.

Top
Tue, 02/04/2020 - 12:33
#2
Angel Georgiev
Angel Georgiev's picture
Offline
Level 5
Joined: 01/19/2020
Thank you, David! I will work

Thank you, David! I will 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