David's Tip of the Day: Good Tone While Bending

A student asked in the forum this morning how to achieve good tone while bending. I thought I would share my answer with you, it's a common question.

"You've identified one of the areas of technique on the harmonica that takes persistent practice over time. You're right, it's what separates the great players from just the good players. The key element is relaxation... no tension (or extremely little) in the bending process. In our early years of bending we use muscle, tension, squeezing, etc. to achieve the bend, and all of these create thin, whiny, airy tone. Relax your embouchure... your lips, mouth muscles, your tongue especially... and all of the auxiliary muscles like your neck, shoulders, back, etc. Know that it's the placement of the tongue that tunes your mouth to the bend you're trying to create, not the squeezing. Best wishes on this, it's a good challenge. Be diligent in your practice... it will take time, but you WILL see improvement as each month and year rolls by."