The Filisko Harmonica Hold
Fri, 12/09/2016 - 13:40
Does anyone here hold the harmonica the way filisko describes in his Harmonica Insights Videos? I find it very ergonomic, and it solves the problem I have on the discomfort caused by the uneveness of my shoulders when holding the harp. The problem I have with his method, is that he says the left index finder and thumb should always be connected to the face when sliding up and down the harp. I find it impossible to connect my left thumb and index with my face when sliding up and down and his video doesn't show him doing and how it works in a clear manner. Anyone else here have any more insights on the way he holds the harmonica, or can point me to further videos on explaining how he does it?
I just experimented a little and, without checking how Joe is teaching this I have to admit, I realized I am very much connecting my face to my thumb and index finger. As I check out Why and How i am doing that I realize I have learned to have the harmonica deep in my mouth so that my teeth actually do sit on the ridge of the reed. Tongue blocking of course so there is no option in holding it like this due to how far in my mouth the harp is. Advantage...TONE!!!
Also, I find when I slide in a glissando I have learned where the stop is to say..always stop on the 6 blow for the octave based on how the harp sits in this position in relation to my fingers and how it feels against the skin. As well it helps to make a seal for all sorts of hand effects.
To learn to do it, I actually clamped onto the harp at the ridge of the reed with my teeth and did that repeatedly. Eventually I played like this all the time (tongue blocking). Then learning to glissando I would use the feeling on my fingers to stop at the correct note .repeat over and over. The real point is not to be jamming the whole thing (harp and hands and fingers) into your face and teeth and tongue. It is a light touch that helps you maintain your position at all times and with good tone and control of your embouchure and tongue movement.
I have watched this Folisko video repeatedly in the past as well and I repeatedly adjusted holding the harp and yes,ergonomically, it helps to be relaxed when playing and not be fatigued.
I hope I'm helping. Again, I only have my experience as I make best efforts to apply what i learn on this site over time and lots of practice. The instructors will have more technical reasons of why this is a great thing to do but rest assured going through the effort and time is well worth the results.
John