Holding the harp
Hi. Bought my first harmonica today. Got home and started on your lesson page. First major problem is - on my right hand I have no little finger! What can I do? Is there any advice you can give me please?
But I cant close my hands for wah wah etc. There is always a hole. I guess I just have to work around it. But also I am now having problems with my draws. I am getting air hissing into my mouth on the right. I must be doing something wrong.
That's right petermeriva, it's about experimenting with your hold. I think you'll find the standard pinch that I teach in the lessons will work best for you. Experiment with the angle of your palms and make sure to watch the video multiple times with a mirror in front of you to reference what your hands look like compared to what I show in the video.
In regards to the draw notes, this is very common for new players and the "leakage" you're hearing is most likely not leakage from around your mouth, but the airy sound created from improper tongue placement when playing (the back of the tongue commonly being humped). Take a look at this page http://www.bluesharmonica.com/faq, the video titled "My 2 draw and/or high-end notes sounds flat, airy or not at all!"
Hello petermeriva, welcome to the harmonica. There is no issue with you missing your pinky on your right hand, play everything as taught. Enjoy your studies!