Holes 1 and 10
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!)
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
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
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.
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)