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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Octave exercise

1 reply [Last post]
Thu, 03/05/2015 - 08:33
Stef
Stef's picture
Offline
Level 4
Joined: 06/21/2012

Hi David!

I'm not sure you'll be able to answer just with the explanation, but I'll try to describe as precisely as possible. If required, i could send you a recording.

Doing the octave exercise (note to octave to note on other side), it works well for the 1-4, although better on the blow than on the draw, but when I move to 2-5, the volume on the 2 draw get weaker than usual and compared to the 1 draw. It's sometimes airy, but even when I get a good seal, it remains kinda low.

I'm wondering if it only has to do with the embouchure (i.e. positioning of lips and tongue, to be refined) or the fact that the mouth is  shaped differently than when I simply play the 2 draw (which is usually fine) of if it is the result of playing it with the tongue on the right.

Anyway, any advice might help.

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Thu, 03/05/2015 - 09:42
#1
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

Good morning Stef. You're correct, it's a tongue position issue. You know that your mouth size and tongue location on the face of the harmonica is correct, because you're playing the 2+/5+ before the draw. It's what's happening behind the front of the tongue that's causing the issue. The middle and back of your tongue needs to be lowered so that it doesn't effect the 2 draw's ability to vibrate.

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