2 Hole Draw Blues
Mon, 09/16/2013 - 14:51
I got the blues. The 2 hole draw blues. :) I've about 10 days into your (if I may), great set of instructions and I can "get" a 2 hole draw, it just ain't the note and its airy and yucky. So, any tip you can offer. I will say over the last 3 days a lot of improvement has occurred
If I may; I've taught adults for 20 plus years and I really have to say you are one of the best instructors I've encounterd in many years. Of great import is the fact that your lessons are so structured. Great job. I've also played piano, (depends on who you ask) :) since I was 8. That's only 50 years and I'm still learning it!! Thanks again..
Thank you for your kind words bobbianchini, I'm very glad you're enjoying the lessons.
First thing, watch my video on the subject in the FAQ section (top navigation bar).
This is a very common issue unfortunately. The key focus is in experimenting with your tongue position. Right now you're (unintentionally) placing your tongue in a place where your mouth is tuned to a pitch that is offending the 2 draw reed. A slight yawn is good... it drops the jaw, lowers the tongue, opens the throat and raises the soft palate (stopping air leakage from the nose). It's a good idea to do this without a harmonica in the mirror to confirm tongue position... most players have no idea where their tongue is. The goal is to get the middle back of the tongue down and out of the way.
Best wishes on this... it is painful... but will get better with time.