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

Holes 1 and 10

4 replies [Last post]
Sat, 05/16/2020 - 10:30
sbw
sbw's picture
Offline
Level 3
Joined: 04/18/2020

Hi David

I have been doing your course now for about a month and really enjoying it.

I have a question about hole 1 draw. Whilst I seem to be ok at keeping a closed nose for all the other notes I cannot get hole 1 draw to play unless my nose is open. Is this normal or am I missing something?

Also, I find hole 10 really hard to play and it seems very weak and takes quite a lot of effort. Is that usual?

I am using a Marine Band Deluxe A if that is relevant.

Many thanks.

Simon

(aged 62 and wishing I had started many years ago!)

Top
Sat, 05/16/2020 - 13:21
#1
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello Simon. Welcome to the

Hello Simon. Welcome to the site... I'm glad you're enjoying your studies.

The 1 draw IS hard to play without opening your nose. I have a lesson to help you with this. Go to https://www.bluesharmonica.com/faq and watch the lesson titled "My 2 draw and/or high-end notes sounds flat, airy or not at all!" Though I say 2 draw in the description, it's the same fix for the 1 draw.

The 10 can be hard to play as well, and it's the same fix. It can be likely that your reed is stuck. It may be a good idea, after trying what I speak of in the lesson (and it doesn't help), to move that reed a little with a paperclip (this way you don't have to take the reed plates off of the harmonica)

Top
Sun, 05/17/2020 - 02:00
#2
sbw
sbw's picture
Offline
Level 3
Joined: 04/18/2020
Hi David Thank you for

Hi David

Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I watched the video and it has given me some useful pointers. Interestingly, my 1 draw works ok on my C harmonica so I guess it is just a case of persevering with it.

Simon

Top
Sun, 05/17/2020 - 02:00
#3
sbw
sbw's picture
Offline
Level 3
Joined: 04/18/2020
Hi David Thank you for

Hi David

Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I watched the video and it has given me some useful pointers. Interestingly, my 1 draw works ok on my C harmonica so I guess it is just a case of persevering with it.

Simon

Top
Sun, 05/17/2020 - 06:38
#4
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
My pleasure. Yes... keep at

My pleasure. Yes... keep at it. The lower the key, the more likely your nose is to open. I know it's frustrating now, but in time you'll forget that it was even an issue.

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