Playing a Fast Run Using Octaves
Hi David, Hope you are keeping well.
I am working on the chromatic study song So Blue For You, where you introduce octaves.
I think I've got the hang of playing octaves, but, my question is in regard to playing a fast run. By the fourth chorus, there are a few octave phrases played with a bit more speed. I'm wondering what the secret is to playing them, besides practice and repetition? Are you sliding you tongue across the mouthpiece, rather than lifting it between octaves?
Another slightly tricky aspect of playing octaves that I am finding is playing the 1-5 draw for some reason. Do you think it's because the four and five draw are both a C note? Have you heard of the 1-5 draw presenting some difficulty before? Or could it be my harmonica?
Thanks in advance, Dave. (Hope I was able to state my questions clearly.)
Geoff.
Thanks David, for the response.
Sorry, I was referring to the 1-5 draw which I should have said is a D note.
I guess that a light touch with the lips and tongue is still the best approach? Perhaps I am positioning my tongue a little too far to the left, because sometimes I can hear and feel the harmonica notes choke, if that makes sense.
Thanks for the advice. I will keep working on it.
Geoff.
Hello Geoff. Yes, a light touch with the lips and tongue is still the best approach. Pressing the tongue, or lips, too hard can cause the harmonica notes to choke as well. If you're not wide enough with your lips, this can happen as well. If your tongue is too far to the left, you may hear the bottom note sound weak.
Thanks, again, Dave for the responses. I will heed your advice!
Geoff.
Hello Geoff. I'm good, I hope the same for you.
Light touch with your lips and tongue on the face of the harmonica is key for speed.
I have not encountered issues with the 1 draw/5 draw... maybe you meant blow, since you mention the C's? If so, the key is not think about it... play it the same as all your other octaves (which are 5-hole)... keep your embouchure the same.