Chafed Cheeks
David --
This may seem like a silly question but I can't seem to find an answer anywhere.
I've been playing for about a month and a half total -- two weeks with your site, and have switched to tongue-blocking. The only issue is that where the harmonica comes out either side of my mouth, the little lip between the comb and top plate is causing a bit of chafing on both cheeks near the mouth.
Any thoughts as to how to address this?
Also, a related question. I live in Nevada with extremely low humidity which means my saliva lubrication dries up pretty quickly, which causes more rubbing. How do other players deal with low humidity? Is there a product out there, or do I just have to use copious amounts of salive frequently to keep the harmonica lubricated?
Thanks!
Erik
David --
I appreciate that. Looks like I'll need to adjust my approach a bit. Didn't think I was using that much muscle as I am going for the whole "relaxed" feel you and others say is so important. Still, must be doing something more than needed.
As to lip balm, I wasn't using any for the very reasons you mentioned. Sounds like I am using too heavy a touch which is wiping away the saliva lubrication too quickly, and/or producing a greater rubbing effect than there should be.
Ah well...wish it was a straight line from here to there, beginner to accomplished player. I've got to remember this is part of the experimentation stage of getting to know the harmonica, and to have fun along the way.
Thanks much!
Erik
You have the spirit Erik. You may want to experiment with harmonica models as well. The Hohner Rocket has an extremely smooth and comfortable playing surface.
I wanted to let you know that you were right about the Hohner Rocket feeling that much more comfortable. I've just acquired one and it is a bit of a revelation: extremely smooth and comfortable playing surface, wider holes so easier to hit cleaner single notes, and a LOT more responsive (and loud). I'm able to relax as just the smallest of breaths gets the reeds activating, and bending with control is much easier. As you might imagine, a bit of an adjustment from the other harmonicas I've been playing.
Prior to getting the Rocket, I was still playing my previous harmonicas, and using Aloe Vera gel to keep the cheeks from getting too raw. The metal lip of the harmonica was just a bit too much. This was after taking care to not play it aggressively.
All of this is to say, thanks for the tip. I think I may have found my preferred model in the Rocket.
Great!
Evening Erik. The key is to use a light touch with your lips on the harmonica... just enough "muscle" to keep air from escaping, which is not much at all. You may also find tilting the face of the harmonica down slightly (I play this way... about a 25 degree tilt). This angle change not only presents the face of the harmonica better to the top of your tongue, it may help your chafing since the harmonica is angled more towards your bottom lip and less the more sensitive sides.
In regards to dryness. If you use a lip balm the issue is that it will build up in the holes of the harmonica and you'll have to clean your harmonica often (no big deal if it helps you). Trying different drinks commonly causes too much salivation and clogs the internals of the harmonica. After experimenting, most people end up using nothing and focusing on using a light touch on the face of the harmonica. Over time you'll be better able to keep most as you play (especially with tongue blocking, since you're literally licking the harp as you play).
With this said, feel free to experiment, but try to use the lightest balm you can find so you'll minimize buildup. Let us know what you find.