7th and 8th hole draw problems
Hi David
Im having massive problems with the draw on the 7th and 8th holes on my harmonica. Im currently using the c harmonica, practicing the 5th chorus of the study song - walk with me.
Now each like i try to move from the 6th blow to the 7th draw, the note come out distorted and weak. At times, just trying to play the 8th draw (and sometimes even the blow) is an excersise in futility as the note come out tinny or refuses to sound at all.
Whats funny is that i was being ablr to play these note fairly clearly in the past. Amazing Grace uses the same notes and I could play that well. Now however, even thats become a bit tough.
Another thing. I have notive that be embrochure has changed somewhat. I feel that im coveing 3 holes instead of 4. I dont quite know how to validate that ( Im not being able procure a tongue block trainer in India). Could this be the reason that my 8th and 7th notes sound all wrong?
Thanks
Amartya
Hello Amartya. This all has to do with your tongue in the middle and back. Assuming you're using a light touch with your mouth and the top of your tongue on the harmonica, let's focus on what your tongue is doing further back in your mouth. Lower the middle and back of your tongue. Take the harmonica out of your mouth and look in a mirror. In the mirror exercise moving the back of your tongue up and down. Your goal is to have the back of your tongue lowered. This is where your practice is. P.S., this is not something you need a TBT for.
In regards to having your lips over three holes. It's not a problem to have your lips over three holes, blocking the two holes to the left. As you move into using octaves in your playing, your embouchure will naturally start to increase in size.