Sticky lips...
Hi there,
I'm just getting started and having fun so far but...
I'm having a real hard time getting the harmonica to 'slide' in my mouth... if I try to slide I end up literally deforming my mouth because the lips stick in place! In your lessions you say make sure the instrument is wet - when I try that it works, but only lasts about a few notes and then it's all dry and sticky again...... what am I doing wrong ?
Also, to move I now started getting used to loosening my mouth a little, shifting the harmonica and closing up again. That works, but now that the lessons are progressing (getting to 3rd and 4th chorus of walk with me) that's just too slow and I fear I'm getting used to a technique that's 'bad' in the long run.
any hints or tips ?
Many thanks, Ulli
Hello Ulli. Here are some tips for you...
1) Play with a very light touch on the face of the harmonica (lips and tongue). Your lips and tongue work best when relaxed and barely touching the harmonica.
2) Play with the harmonica deeper in your mouth (this brings the harmonica into the more wet, inner lips).
3) Play with a slight angle... the front of the harmonica (the hole side) tilted downwards (this again will allow you to have more harmonica in the mouth).
4) As you get better on the harmonica, you'll move faster, allowing your tongue to keep the harmonica more moist (slow movement allows saliva to dry up where your lips are not).
5) As a last resort, try a lip balm such as https://www.wwbw.com/ChopSaver-Lip-Balm-for-Musicians-429500.wwbw designed for musicians. I have not tried this brand, but Sharon has tried Lip Ease and she likes it.