David's Tip of the Day: More Consistent Shakes - Part 3 (Multiple Shakes)

Now that you've become comfortable centering your shake between the two holes you're shaking between, let's start with the common 4 draw shake (4 and 5). Again, focus on keeping your nose at 12 O'clock between the two holes, shaking to the left to 11 O'clock (4 draw) and to the right to 1 O'clock (5 draw). Play the shake for a moment and then take the harmonica away from your lips. Keeping your nose at 12 O'clock, move the harmonica to the left and perform a 2 draw shake (this is a very uncommon shake, but good practice of extremes). Perform the shake in the same manner as you did with the 4 draw shake. Take the harmonica away from your lips and bring it back on for an 8 draw shake... again, perform the shake in the same manner. Make sure your clock is still the same... the tendency is to turn your head to the right for the 8... your head needs to be centered.

What you're getting used to is moving the harmonica, not turning your head to the intended new hole you're going to shake on.

Now play a simple scale: 4+ 4 5+ 5 6+ 5 5+ 4 4+. Play each hole about two taps of your foot (half notes). Play this a couple of times, focusing on moving the harmonica, not your head. Visualize the holes you're playing... really KNOW where you're at on the harmonica.

Now perform a shake on each hole of that scale. Move your harmonica in the same manner as you did when practicing the single notes. It's desirable to start each shake with the bottom note of the shake, but at first just focus on being on the right combination of holes in time.