How long does it take to finally get the bending?
Hi David,
Thanks so much for your wonderful videos of teaching. I've been practicing the bending which I know it doesn't happen just over a night. It seems like I go so slow ever since. So I'd like to know how long it usually takes, so I know when to expect and if I've come the right way of practicing it.
Thanks,
Skon
I'm glad you're enjoying your lessons Skon.
Yes, different keys of harmonicas are different in regards to bending. The lower-keyed harmonica require more of the use of the back of the tongue, further back in the mouth. The higher-keyed harmonicas require more of the use of the front of the tongue, further forward in the mouth. Working with different-keyed harmonicas takes practice and time… it's just part of what we have to do. The further your studies go with me, the more you'll use different keys, so that's all part of your lesson plan.
How long does it take to learn how to bend?… years. I work four levels of bending proficiency with you and once you finish all four it takes the average student two to three years. Every student is different of course, but just know this… be patent… it takes time. A wonderful technique!… but it takes time.
I've been playing harmonica over a year, and I'm starting to get the bends. You need a lot-- a LOT -- of repetition. There will be days where I practice bends for 30 minutes or more, just sitting with a tuner and trying to get the deepest bend I can.
This website is a great resource if your computer has a mic:
I have found HarpNinja helpful as well.
Man, this was music to my ears:
"How long does it take to learn how to bend?… years. I work four levels of bending proficiency with you and once you finish all four it takes the average student two to three years. Every student is different of course, but just know this… be patent… it takes time. A wonderful technique!… but it takes time."
I'm on Level 2 in the Levels of Achievement and I've been able to bend a few blow and draw notes after a few hours contorting my tongue into every shape imaginable, but for most others I end up bending my tongue, jaw, throat and brain, but the notes remain stubbornly at nearly the same wavelength. That was very frustrating. But now that I see it takes time, and lots of it, I can stop beating myself up.
I'm glad you found that helpful ChuiChui. Yes, work hard, but no beating on yourself... this technique takes time! Hope you're enjoying your studies.
One more thing, I try the same key of different harmonica bands and feel like some band is easier to bend than the others? Some keys are easy and difficult to bend, is that right?