Level 3 bending
I feel like I just about have the solo harmonica requirements dialed in. I plan to start recording next week. That tends to take awhile as I seem to forget my name the second I hit record - so it takes a few (50+) takes to get it right. Of course there is the rhythm part which I struggle with as well. But I practice everyday as you suggested. Triplets will be the death of me.
Now on to the bending. I can bend every note.
4 - no problem, 5 - no problem
6 - once I get the groove. Its a way different part of my tongue and takes a minute which makes it a real challenge towards the end of Feelin for the Blues
1 - yep, 2 - yep. Now 2 is my worst hole overall, so these are not great, but i'm happy with them. I have a real problem with not closing off my nasal cavity on 2 for some reason.
3 - That POS goes straight to the 1 1/2 bend 9 times out of 10, and when it doesn't it stalls. I am too the point where I can get the whole step under intense practice. I am sure I have seen the half step on the Ninja for at least a nano-second, but cannot hold it.
I am enjoying the journey and not the level accomplishment, but at the same time I am looking for advice. Do I settle in for the long haul and do not test until I can dial in the 3 half step or do I just do my best and realize my bending has a lot of maturing to do? If I don't have it right in level 3 will 4 just be a silly venture?
My plan is to test before year end so who knows I could hit the half step tomorrow, or not until March....
Thoughts?
rod from Nebraska
and the AMP reviews are super cool. I am getting the Bulletini mic for the holidays even though I do not have an amp yet. I am excited for that part of the journey as well...
I like the amp reviews a lot. I wait for it, so far once a week, I come and check regularly towards the end of the week/beginning of the new one.
Got myself a bulletini to start with too. Received it, will open at Christmas. Hopefully I should be able to choose an amp by then.
Bod
Great, glad to hear
Morning Rod. Yes, it does take many reps to get a take you like. This is part of the process... every take is like super-focused practice... dialing in the little pieces that need work. So, in the end, you're a better player because of it.
6 - Exactly, it takes using more of the front of your tongue, very far forward in your mouth
2 - This tends to be one of the last bends to develop good depth, so no worries.
3 - Control of the 3 draw is the ultimate practice (it's the main focus in the advanced lessons). Work on using more of the middle of your tongue, in the middle of your mouth. The back of your tongue is making close contact to the back of the roof of your mouth... don't let the back of your tongue do that. Start moving your tongue back and then focus on moving your tongue up towards the roof of your mouth, not back. When the bend dives to the minor third, you just went too far. Experiment, experiment, breathe (don't chuck the harmonica across the room), and experiment some more. Time, effort, experimentation, and patience is what it takes.
I say submit... if I feel more time is needed to pass a level I'll let you know.
I'm glad you're enjoying the journey (and the amp reviews... the Bulletini is a great choice).