Left handed player
Tue, 02/23/2021 - 04:51
Hi.
im just starting out, and am left handed. I instinctively pick up and hold it in my right hand, but your guidance on holding leds me to believe I'd be better to hold it the same as you (so as to thumb block 6-8).
what do you recommend?
thanks,
John
Tue, 02/23/2021 - 10:10
#2
Thanks David - that's really
Thanks David - that's really helpful. I'll continue to 'play' and see if I can lower myself to being right-handed ????.
Very much enjoying your lessons btw. ????????
Tue, 02/23/2021 - 10:15
#3
My pleasure Jbdesign...I'm
My pleasure Jbdesign...I'm glad you're enjoying the site.
Hello John.
The reason why we commonly use the left hand closer to the harmonica (we hold the harmonica with both hands, the left hand is just in closer contact with the harmonica) is so that we're creating our tone chamber on the left end of the harmonica...the area we spend time the most (holes 1-6). For this reason, it is preferable to start your hold with your left, and then rap your right around your left.
You may also want to experiment with the Two Thumbs Up approach (taught here https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/cupping_hand_effects), it uses both hands more equally.
With all this said, I commonly hold with just my left...or just my right...it doesn't matter if you're not using techniques that require opening and closing of the hands (Wa Wa for example) or if you're not holding a microphone.