Tone on 2" and 3", whole step bends
Sat, 08/02/2014 - 11:34
David:
I have been focusing now on working my 2" and 3" whole step bends. Songs I am starting work on have these in abundance. Harp-Ninja has been helpful to allow me to work on matching the pitch. While I have been able to usually match pitch, subjectively my playing of those bends sound a little sour and not as smooth. Besides obviously practicing them every day, are there any tips on improving my tone on these whole step bends (i.e. embrouchure, tongue position, bend control)?
Thanks
Brian
Sat, 08/02/2014 - 19:08
#2
Thanks
Thanks for the tips. I'll make sure to focus on those things during my practice time.
Brian
The main focus is to use a relaxed embouchure. Squeezing and tension will result in poor tone. We all start that way just to get a bend, but it's now time to focus on moving/humping your tongue in the proper place in your mouth to tune your mouth to the pitch that you're bending to on the harmonica. So... focus on moving your tongue to the sweet spot... move the tongue, not squeeze or tense your embouchure. Best wishes with this, it's a good challenge, but you'll get there little by little as the months and years pass (tone is a lifetime process).