hold

Sometimes students change the angle of their harmonica to perform a technique, feeling that the change helps them. Resist the urge to do this, your goal is to use the same angle of attack on the harmonica pretty much all the time.

What angle do I recommend? continue reading...

Sometimes students change the angle of their harmonica to perform a technique, feeling that the change helps them. Resist the urge to do this, your goal is to use the same angle of attack on the harmonica pretty much all the time.

What angle do I recommend? continue reading...

I'm seeing a lot of students squeezing the harp when holding. Relax those hands... if you're not achieving the desired result, experiment with the angle of your hands. Visit http://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/cupping_hand_effects and http://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/intro_lesson_1_18_harmonica_insights

And now for the fourth point of the 4-Point hold...

The webbing of skin between your thumb and forefinger creates a nice backstop for the left side of the harmonica. The location of where you place the corner of the harmonica depends on the size and shape of your left hand, but the general ideas is simple... allow a little bit of the rear, left-hand corner of the harmonica settle into that area at some point so that it prevents the harmonica from sliding away from your mouth as you play. continue reading...

The basic 2-Point Hold has the position of the forefinger (A) on the top and thumb (B) on the bottom, but there's nothing stopping the harmonica from pushing away from your mouth as you play. In today's picture note that the middle finger (C) is behind the harmonica, between the comb and upper cover plate. This gives you a 3-Point Hold, making for a more secure harmonica and relaxed holding hand. continue reading...

Yes, you can just pick up the harp and play, but since we're studying how to play well, why not use a hold that's more stable and minimizes fatigue? Let's start today by looking at the basic 2-Point Hold (Pic 1 - 2 Points Contact.jpg). Note the position of the forefinger (A) on the top and thumb (B) on the bottom. Look at this, and then look at your hold and study how other parts of your hand (we're only talking about your left hand right now) may assist you in this hold. continue reading...

A tight cup is used in preparation for a Wa or Tremolo in acoustic playing, or when holding a bullet mic for amplified playing. Whether you use the Pinch, End Cap or Two Thumbs Up approach taught in your lessons, each have the common element of an airtight cup (I'm not saying you have to squeeze your hands tightly, but your cup results in an airtight cup). A great way to test this is to hold your harmonica in your normal way... close your cup (in preparation for a Wa acoustically or for deep bass amplified)... drop your harmonica into your lap... continue reading...