3 whole step bend
Mighty amount of frustration trying to hit all 3 bends on the 3 draw. (And of course I'm talking about the TB bend. Using lip purse I can hit the 3 whole step bend quite easily.) On a C harp, I can somewhat quickly get to the 1/2 step bend but almost always drop to the 1 1/2 step Ab note when trying to reach the whole step bend A. Today I had a G harp and decided to go after the 3 whole step bend and it seemed like I was there so I used harp ninja to check myself and yes I was within reason of it. So I spent some time on the G harp and Harpninja up and down the 3 draw bends and was mildly succeeding. Then back to the C harp and boom - problems again reaching the 3 whole step bend. My questions is - Is this normal for it to be harder getting quick and accurate bends depending on what key harp you are using? Should I be too worried that I can pretty much hit a 3 whole step bend on a G harp, but not the C at this point? It's a sticking and frustrating point for me on my harmonica playing progress and I could sure use some advice. Thank you.
You are correct, each key of harmonica requires practice to be able to hit the same bends. Relative to the G, you'll use more of the front of your tongue for the C... further forward in your mouth. The focus when practicing is to slide until you hit the 3' and then resist the urge to move further back.... you'll want to focus on moving your tongue more up. The roof of your mouth has curvature to it. When moving past the 3', the back of your tongue will be very close to your gum line, creating the unwanted 3'''. Your goal is to work more of the roof of your mouth, to make use of the middle of the mouth, to get those middle bends on the 3. Keep practicing, you'll get it. You're not alone, we all have to spend time exploring to find these bends.