chromatic study 1
Hallo David.
First approach to the chromatic harmonica, I have a couple of issues:
1) I can slap the notes but 2nd hole draw make a sort of muted sounds if I try to slap it. Also, in order to get a good tone on that draw hole i need to keep my throat very opened, much more of what I do normally with other holes.
2) Chorus 5 of "No Sweat". The entire chorus is built with draw notes, I'm trying to figure out wher I can exhale the air :) At this moment I'm forcing myself to exhale after 5 draw cause is a quarter note, then on the octave pause before 1st draw and 2nd draw. Any suggestion ?
Hey David, I'm not able to sort out of that chromatic chorus 5 of the study song. I find myself always full of air. I'm almost sure I keep my nose closed when I inhalate but I cant play every phrase without exhale! I'm working at the nromal tempo.
The only suggestion I can offer is to make sure to exhale between phrases. If you need to breathe in the middle of lick, do so, but the eventual goal is to not.
Hello luckyharp.
1) Troubles with hole 1 mean that your tongue position is close to a bend position, so yes, opening your throat can help, but even better, experimenting with tongue position is most fruitful. Same issue with the slap on hole 2, your hole 1 is being effected with your tongue position. In most cases, it's the tongue humped up in the middle-back. Looking in a mirror without the harmonica in your mouth is revealing as to tongue position.
2) Your goal is to exhale at the end of each phrase, where the notated rests are. If you're working with the slower tempo MP3 this can make breathing challenging, but that's just a side-effect of working with a slower track. When using the full-tempo track this will be easier. As you become familiar with the licks you can also focus more on relaxing and making sure your nose is closed.
Have fun with the chromatic!