control

Today's exercise is fairly simple, but is exactly the way you'll use your new-found power of nasal cavity control. Play the following bass line, one note per beat...

2 3 4 5+

Follow these steps:

1) Exhale before starting

2) Make sure your nose is closed

3) Play the 2, 3 and 4 draws being conscious that your nose remains closed

4) Open your nose for the 5+ (bring your bellybutton to your spine to help get rid of your air quickly)

5) Close your nose when the 2 draw comes back to repeat the lick

Hopefully you had some success learning how to close your nose from last week's tips. Let's now exercise that skill. continue reading...

The root of the tongue and pharynx walls are what move in the vibrato process. The tongue needs to be in a relaxed state as to allow the tremolo action of the throat (vocal folds) to move the tongue sympathetically... this is why it's important not to use tension in the bending process as one advances in their skills. continue reading...

Tip of the Day comes from educator Winslow Yerxa in his upcoming interview on the site. In this video snippet he talks about blow bending and the small, frontal embouchure required for the technique. My tip (in the video as well) is to play a 6 draw bend on the D Harmonica... observe the movement of your tongue... and then perform an 8+ bend on the G Harmonica with the same movement (it's the same pitch/bend, so you can use this familiar movement of the tongue for your blow bend). http://youtu.be/f8FDXiwD_o4

HarpNinja is an invaluable program for those working on their bending skills. Join me for a quick screen-cast lesson on this software. For more information and to purchase this program visit: http://harpninja.com/wp/ This is lesson is for all skill level players. No harmonica is needed for this lesson.