Tip of the Day

Speaking to non-harmonica players, they commonly comment on how we're always in the “hunchback” pose... not the most flattering position to be in ALL the time on stage (not to mention how much stress it places on our shoulders and back muscles). Think about using a more upright posture most the time... chin up... it's a more pleasing posture visually and does wonders for breathing, tone and longevity (it helps greatly if your band plays long shows... something Magic Dick spoke of during his Harmonica Masterclass Workshop with me years ago). continue reading...

It sounds like a strange harmonica tip to talk about a music stand, but a comfortable position to practice in is an important element of making your practice time enjoyable and efficient. The Manhasset (Model #48) is the standard in the music world and is worth spending the $40 for a high quality stand that will, well, stand the test of time.

Listening to all of the Rhumba King entries today... fantastic work here!... one of the two most common errors (more on the second one tomorrow) in the top placing entries on my list is the overuse of the root note. This would be G for 2nd Position (2, 6+), D for 3rd Position (1, 4, 8) and C for 1st Position (1+, 4+, 7+. 10+) relative to the C Harmonica.

In Leonard Bernstein's Omnibus series (1950's lectures) he covers the work of Bach in one show. He stated that early on in his studies that he found it difficult to enjoy Bach's work, stating it “seemed to me more like motion than emotion.” He goes on to explain the mastery of Bach, but this phrase resonated with me... this is a great statement for all of us improvisors to keep in mind.

The Ultimate Blues Jam Tracks series are one of the best sets of jam tracks in the market. In fact, your study songs on BluesHarmonica.com use these tracks. If you would like more, visit: http://www.ultijamtracks.com/blues.html

A common problem for those learning the flutter tongue and side-flutter tongue is to forget to turn their tremolo off. If you're new to this technique, this part of the tip is for you. If you already know the flutter or side-flutter tongue, try to reintroduce the tremolo for an interesting effect. Listen to the opening of Walter Horton's "Walter's Boogie" from the "Can't Keep Lovin' You" album. If you would like to learn more about the flutter tongue, visit Tongue Blocking Study 3 (Gary's Blues).

It is the size (volume) of the tonal chamber in your mouth that creates the pitch that the reed responds to for a bend. Reminder... the higher the bend (e.g., 6 draw bend) the further forward your bend is controlled in the mouth, using more of the front of the tongue... the lower the bend (e.g., 2 draw bend) the further back your bend is controlled in the mouth, using more of the back of the tongue. continue reading...

Visit http://www.facebook.com/bluesharmonica for an illustration I've made for you on general tongue positions for bending.

If your practice space is away from your computer, but you do have your portable music device handy (iPhone, iPod, Droid, etc.), a cheap way to amplify your music (when you don't want to use headphones) is to use computer speakers. Most people (I sure do) have old sets of self-powered computer speakers (they have a power supply to plug into the wall) not being used. These speakers commonly use an 1/8" stereo plug, which is the same as what your mobile device uses. So... computer speakers + mobile device = stereo system for your practice room!

A student recently posted a question of what they can do to learn songs faster. I thought this response was appropriate for everyone... I know it helps me to work hard, but enjoy the journey... knowing it is a process over time. continue reading...