How to avoid damaging my teeth while tongue blocking
Hello David,
Well I guess most harmonica players face this dilema sooner or later, but for me it came rather sooner :)
I think I have overdone my practice yesterday. I was playing for about 6 hours, but...well it is weekend so what more fun to do :)
I am rather new to tongue blocking so I might not be doing something right, cos this morning I woke up and the teeth the lower left corner of my mouth (where most of the action is happening) but also the upper right teeth were huritng.
Now while I play I am not paying too much attention if the harp really touches my teeth, but I guess it does since I am trying to "eat it" in order to achieve that warmer sound and now with the dongue blocking it is inevitable that I need to have it closer ot my teeth.
What I am trying to ask is:
Can you please recommend me some "best practices" how to avoid beeing a toothless player :D ?
Many thanks in advance!
Angel
Thanks, David!
I'll go with the yawning and also try using a lighter touch.
I have that problem that when I concentrate I become too stiff. It is a very difficult thing for me to control, but I will definitely have to try and relax when playing.
No doubt. It is very hard to relax when trying hard to do something for the first time!
Hello Angel. I'm glad you're getting some extended practice sessions, but I'm sorry to hear that your teeth are hurting.
The teeth may touch the cover plates from time to time when playing, but it is a very light touch, and not constant... and again, not very often. If you feel that your teeth are hitting the coverplates constantly, then you need to open up more (slight yawn).
Use a light touch on the face of the harmonica with your lips and tongue. You should never feel your lips or tongue tighten with muscle when performing any techniques, and you definitely don't want to ever push (outwards, towards the harmonica, or teeth). I have a feeling you might be pushing your tongue against the face of the harmonica, and teeth at the same time. The key is to use a light touch, with soft, supple tongue and lips (both the lips and tongue are like rubber gaskets... and gaskets work best when soft and pliable. When gaskets fail, it's because they have become stiff/rig).