Bending on low tuned harmonicas
Fri, 03/27/2020 - 23:11
Hiya,
I'd like to jam to tunes in the keys of C and D
Are the low holes in these keys bendable?
I have tried a Manji which only goes a little under a half step on the 2 draw
and an olive which has no bend whatsoever on the low holes.
Would brass reeds bend better on the low draws, or is it just a matter of technique?
I'm thinking of a
Thunderbird in F (NOT low LOW F, or the normal F which is way too high... Just F below middle C)
and a Delux for G.
Also, I'm assuming that the G tuning for the deluxe is
not the super high tuning.
If it's just a matter of technique
i can handle that, but
I'd kind of like to keep my low hole licks, without having to avoid the low regester.
Thanks 1 million for any adice
Greg deB
Hello Greg.
Yes, the lower holes are bendable on these keys of harmonica.
You're correct, the reed material does not matter, it's just a matter of you developing your technique.
The Hohner Marine Band Deluxe and Thunderbird are great harmonicas, they are a good choice.
You are correct, the G Deluxe is not high, it's low (it would need to be labeled as "High G").
When bending these lower keys, focus on using more of the back of your tongue, further back in your mouth. Opening your throat and mouth cavity (like a slight yawn) will help you to have good tone. These are considered (especially the G) part of our standard set of six harmonicas (Low-F, G, A, Bb, C, and D), so it's worth the time to play them well.
A simple tip...
Make your G your go-to harp. Throw it in your pocket and make it the harp you play throughout the day. By simply playing it all the time, within a month or so you'll get very good at playing it. Then do the same with your Low F.