Spittle
Sat, 02/05/2022 - 05:15
David, i am on i want you with me, i can play all the notes, but i cannot get through the song without the harmonica clogging up with spittle, which means i cannot complete the song in one go. i have tried to tip the harmonica backwards but i still get the same problem. Is there anything i can do, because it is really holding me back. have other students found this problem or is it that i produce too much splttle. if i can solve this problem my studies would take off. many thanks
Hello Camelot. First off, if saliva buildup is the only issue from having you move on, go ahead and move on. Though it doesn't feel like it, this issue will get better with time. Here's a detailed canned response for this common issue (I know you know about the head up importance, but there are some other nuggets in there)...
1) Head Up - Gravity does a good job of flowing saliva into your harmonica if your head is not level. Raise your music stand (or raise your computer monitor if you're reading from the lesson PDF) closer to eye level, so that you're looking forward, not downward. Not only will this help with saliva, but your neck will be less tired after practice sessions and your tone may improve (less constriction of the throat).
2) Light Touch - Use a light touch with your tongue and lips on the face of the harmonica. The harder you press your tongue on the face of the harmonica, the more saliva you're likely to push into the harp. Using a light touch is also important for good tone, speed (imagine the tongue getting stuck in the holes as you move), and hole accuracy for pretty much any of your tongue block techniques.
3) Tilt the face of the harmonica downwards - This is what I teach in the beginning lessons in regards to good technique for general embouchure (how you place the harmonica in the mouth), but it's also helpful for this saliva issue. Review the basic lessons on how to play a single note on the harmonica for visuals of this.
4) Play Softly – The louder you play, the more there’s a probability that saliva will flow out with your air. Less air can mean less saliva. This will not be an issue after you’ve mastered the above tips, but it’s something you can use now to help, and most players play too loud anyways, so it’s a good overall tip.