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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Tips on Snake Oil ending fade

2 replies [Last post]
Mon, 10/10/2022 - 19:52
Tracy Newell
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Level 3
Joined: 06/05/2020

Hello, I've been working on Snake Oil and finding it a nice challenge to my bending skills. I could use some tips on playing the ending fade. It sounds like the artist is releasing air around the harp (and into the mic) with the reeds still sounding, though very softly. But the 2" isn't very cooperative with this plan. Is this just a matter of just more practice, or is there some tip that might help?

Thank you!

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Tue, 10/11/2022 - 07:03
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello Tracy. In this case

Hello Tracy. In this case he's playing extremely soft and the air you're hearing is through the harmonica. You're basically hearing amplified breath. This airiness is heard strongest through the bends (the better your harmonica is set up by the way, the less of this airiness you hear... this is one reason why people play customized harmonicas). Playing softly and being able to control the bends is a product of practice over time, so no tips except to keep at it, it will come.

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Tue, 10/11/2022 - 19:22
#2
Tracy Newell
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Level 3
Joined: 06/05/2020
Thank you David

I appreciate the explanation. I will put playing bends softly into my practice schedule :-)

 

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