beginner bending
After many hours of arching and moving my tongue to different positions in my mouth without bending a note, I finally was able to lower the 6th hole a 1/2 step, the 2nd and 3rd holes a 1/2 step and a whole step each. I thought I was arching my tongue at first, but now I realize that I'm flattening my tongue somewhat and doing something with my throat to get the desired bends. Is that an ok technique or have I taken a road that will cause problems.
Greenshoes
When I first start working on bends, i get a somewhat good tone, but after a short while I also start getting some squeeks when I try bending down to the note. What's with that?
That means you've gone a tad too far... but you're in the right area... keep experimenting with your tongue location. A side note, asian harmonicas tend to have more of an issue with this, but with good technique you can get rid of it.
Thx for the reply, support, and pep talk! Your studies and site are tip of the top. I stumbled into the 4th hole bend this morning without trying and then got the 6th. What a surprise! Now I only have the 5th hole to go. I understand that the position of the tongue is the technique necessary for the bend, but it still feels like I'm tightening the muscles and changing the opening in my throat somewhat when doing a bend.
It's hard to say relax when we're trying hard to do something the first time ;-) Don't sweat the small stuff right now. Eventually, yes, everything should be relaxed and only your tongue moves, but that will take time and 1,000's of reps. Have fun with it, it will come.
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No, I said they are more prone to squealing when in a bend...
oh my bad. problem solved :D
but then again, why's that?
They use a different reed shape than the German harmonicas. German reeds tend to be smaller and thicker, making them, for whatever reason, less prone to that.
I see, that's good to know.
thanks!
Each model harmonica requires a little bit of adjustment, but with good technique (i.e. practice) you can overcome any initial hurdles.
Congrats on getting a bend! The throat has nothing to do with the bending process... most likely you're thinking throat and the very back of your tongue is arching up. Keep experimenting, experimenting, experimenting... you'll get it!