Train imitation, how to breathe?
Hello,There is no Joe Filisko forum, so I'll post my question here.I find train imitation challenging for breathing. As many blows as draws, no rest...My first try was to inhale and exhale through my nose continuously while playing. At slow speed it is ok, but faster "panting" continuously quickly creates tension.
I tried to add nose breathing only every X measures, but I could not follow a consistent pattern.What is the breathing strategy to develop here?
Should I be able to use only the air coming through the harmonica, without using any nose? I'm far from it. At slow speed with loud volume, yes, but not at a lower volume, nor when increasing speed.
I have tried to add some nose airflow, but it is either "always" (panting effect) or irregular and not sustainable.
The general rule of thumb is to keep the nose closed while playing. We then open it, using it as a pressure relief valve, when we need to get rid of, or take in, air. Over time, our body gets pretty good about having the ability to allow air to flow at variable rates through the nose as needed. A key element is to keep your body and mind calm. You are breathing as you're playing, it's just very shallow in this case. There are other parts in your performance where you can get more airflow. The train whistle for example, brings in a lot more air, of which can be exhaled slowly as you play, allowing more air to escape out than in as you go back to your train pattern.
If you haven't already seen this lesson, check it out: https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/breathing_harmonica
With all this said, these are general tips... I don't do train imitations, so let me not assume I'm correct in this case and I'll forward your question to Joe. I'll be in touch when he writes back.
Here is Joe's response...
It's a pretty big subject and I have changed my opinion on the proper execution of it. Here's my full thoughts in lots of details here: https://www.filiskostore.com/files/1900363/uploaded/Train%20Rhythm%20and...
Practicing this will force the body to overcome the asphyxiation reflex and breathe differently. Getting the body to do this is one of the most important goals. Breathing through the harp is important but the use of the nose is neither good or bad as long as the rhythm is never broken. You can breathe around the harp too, just don't break the groove. Some of the more recent opinions I've come to are - Accent the exhale not the inhale (this helps keeping the air out) - Get quieter as you speed up (most folks want to get louder and this is a trap).
I still strongly believe that the Train Imitation is the #1 best exercise for building the best blues harp playing chops. Folks can find the most basic lessons on my store in the Chicago Blues Level 1 - https://www.filiskostore.com/product/BCBH%201%20D and also the Train Groove Workshop at RootsDuo.com here: https://rootsduo.com/product/train-groove-for-guitar-and-harmonica-with-...
I hope that this helps.
Peace & Blessings,
Joe
Indeed, my "asphyxiation reflex" is still strong! I will keep on practicing that, and if I can overcome it without tension building up in my neck, it will be a great achievement. If I understand correctly, there is no particular breathing pattern, only practice...
Hello ÉricD. Are you saying that when playing the train pattern with your nose closed, that you're not getting enough oxygen? I'm trying to make sure I understand what the issue is.