Few questions on few issues
Hi there, I have a few questions regarding different things.
1) I'm learning The Strut at this moment, and I have a difficulty with the 3/4 dip with
a Seydel harmonica, problems which I do not have with my lee oskar in the key of D, nor do I Have
that problem on any other harmonica (all my others are Manjis), it just feels "stuck" when I try to dip it in a
fast and flowing manner. I tried working on my embochure for that specific harmonica but
it doesn't seem to help to get it right. for now ill just play my lee oskar but if there is anything that I can do to custom-wise
to improve that specific issue, I would like to know.
This is how it sounds with the seydel:
This is with the lee oskar:
2) In one of the interviews with Mitch Kashmar he played for david this rythmic thing
where he slaps the 2 draw and keeps at it, it sounded like the start for Boogie Chillen N.2
of John lee hooker and Canned Heat where alan wilson does that rythem. I try doing that
and I am losing my breath rather quickly, the only time I get to let air out there is on
the 4 blow. I have no Idea how he kept it going for 10 minutes :D would like to get some tips.
Here is how I sound:
It also happens to me just the other way around when I try to do the C major pentatonic
scale on the low end of the harmonica. the faster I try to do it, the more "airy"
(I think it refers to that) the blow notes feel, it feels like it requires more effort
and the sound just wont come out as quickly for some reason...
Here is how it sounds slow and faster:
http://picosong.com/9YAA/ - slow
http://picosong.com/9YAT/ - faster
Hope you have the time to help me with that :))
Thanks in advance!
1) Thanks dave ill ask Kinya that question!
2) the name of the video clip is:
"Mitch on Tongue Blocking"and the minute is 1:56 , you even mention what he is doing afterwards. the riff itself that i'm refering to is here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWEHN1i00Cs
and it's right from the get go.
3) thanks for the explanation, i'll try and work on it.
Ah yes, thank you for the clarification. That lick has a lot of draw notes, and the slaps and pulls make you suck in even more air. The secret is to exhale through your nose on that 4+ (of course keeping your nose closed for the draw notes).
Yeah that's what I tried and yet I keep running out of air after about four times, maybe I am not keeping my nose closed for the draw notes... ill try and be aware about that. it's a hard one that one.
Is it okay if I upload soon to the forum a video of me trying the embouchure that you talked about and you can tell me if I'm doing it right?
Thanks :)
Yes, I suspect that your nose is open on the draw notes. Work with the video in FAQ section on the subject. Audio is fine, I can hear it in your playing. Don't exaggerate too much, this is a small change in embouchure size, but it makes a big difference in the sound.
David, since Kinya havent answered yet, I would like to try what you suggested regarding the blow reed gap. when you say gapped too low what do you mean by that? too close to the reed plate or too far from it?
Yes, too close to the reed plate. It can also be how the reed enters the slot, so there are many variables. Be patient, Kinya will answer you.
Good morning crazymilk. Answers below...
1) This most likely has to do with the offset of the blow reeds (gapped too low). This question is best asked to KInya Pollard in the Forum, since working on harps is his expertise.
2) Please provide me with the name of the video clip and the time code (what it starts in that video) and I'll take a listen for you.
3) I can help you with this! Right now you're BLOWING out a candle... your embouchure is small and your tongue is slightly raised in your mouth... this is the enemy of good tone. The 2+ and 3+ are more sensitive, so while your other blow notes may sound okay, these notes are good indicators of proper technique.
So, how to fix it...
Yawn... a slight yawn drops your jaw slightly, lowers your tongue slightly (this is key), opens your throat a bit and raises your soft palate to stop air from going in or out your nasal cavity (we only open the nasal cavity when we NEED to get rid of, or take in, air). Make sure when you lower your tongue that you lower the entire tongue, not just the front, this can cause unwanted bending.
Now that the embouchure is in a good place, play a little softer. The goal is RADIATE air into the harmonica, not blow into the harmonica. This is how you should play all notes on the harmonica.