Getting the shake
Tue, 08/15/2017 - 12:04
Working through Feeling the Blues with bends etc. Bends are coming along well. Breathing is still an obstacle to real substantial progress but daily 45-hour practice is moving me ahead.
I have by-passed Shakes as I figured I could add that technique later. Its now later.
I see yoou do a shake with head movement. That's hard for me as I have a very stiff neck. Is there any problem with moving the harp to get the shake. For example, I find that I can move the harp using my thumb on the right side. This might inhibit my cupping but only for the duration of the shake.
Was there any video lesson that speaks to Shake?
Gary Knopp
Hello Gary. Yes, moving the harmonica with your hands is just fine. I recommend you use your normal hold (unchanged by the shake technique) so that your tone does not change. The shake is covered in Tongue Block Study 1, "Walk with Me."