Chords and bending
David Hi
Two issues please one comment and one question.
When I started this journey I never expected to deal with and understand music theory. I am enjoying it very much. Find myself trying to analyse music I hear all the time now.
Working on acompianment I have started recording myself using all the 6 holes to play the appropriate chords This has tended to uncover a problem I am suddenly playing 2 and 3 draw very badly only when chording. Not been a problem before. I think what I am doing is launching into the note in chording and getting a mini bend. Am working on this so will improve.
The second issue relates to bending. I am making good progress but have found to get to the deeper bends I can achieve this easier if I move my chin in towards my throat. Presumably this is changing the space between my throats and the air flow. Is this an acceptable practice or something to avoid.
David many thanks. Practice this morning was much improved. Yes lowering my jaw. Not that I have to, but is makes it easier. Will train without as you suggested.
Appreciate you quick response.
Fantastic, great to hear.
Hello John.
I'm glad you're enjoying the music theory, that's great.
Focus on playing your chords with your embouchure open (a slight yawn... jaw lowered, tongue lowered to the floor of the mouth, the back of your mouth large and resonant and throat open). Think as if you're fogging a mirror when you inhale or exhale. Confirm with a mirror (harmonica out of your mouth of course) that the middle and back of your tongue is lowered. If you're articulating those chords, use a very light touch, and raise only the smallest portion of your tongue that you can... if too much of the tongue is raised, it can cause a bend when articulating.
Would you say that, "chin in towards my throat" is that you're lowering your jaw? If so, you are elongating your mouth, making the resonant cavity larger. This can help with lower bends until you acquire mastery over your tongue movement. Bending requires no movement other than the tongue, but at first sometimes auxiliary movement can help, but eventually these movements will disappear.