David's Tip of the Day: Dip Technique - Part 2

On Friday I defined how a dip is performed on a standard draw or blow note (any bendable note on your harmonica). You can also perform a dip on a bend, on the 3' (3 draw half step bend, B-flat on a C Harmonica) for example. To perform a dip on the 3' the goal is to start slightly below the 3' (B-flat), say 3" (A), and slide into the 3' without it releasing too far... to the natural 3 draw pitch (B). That's the challenge... to practice playing the 3", which raises quickly to 3' without the 3' completely releasing. Using a tuner or pitch-generating device is very useful for this. Play your dip and hold the final intended note... in this case 3' B-flat... and reference the tuner that you're in pitch as you hold it. For a reference of all the notes on your harmonicas, look at the lesson "Understanding Position Playing" and download the "Harmonica Chart [All Keys]" PDF.