New to harmonica
My 11-year-old has his first harmonicas- G and C. What is the recommended first lesson/lesson progression for young beginners? Thank you.
Thank you.
Hi. Sorry if this has been made clear elsewhere. I am just beginning the Levels of Achievement programme and noticed that there is a charge for submitting and getting feedback. I think this is $25 (I am in the UK and so this would be the Sterling equivalent). Is this a one-off fee that covers all submissions or is this cost for each submission?
Thanks
Mark.
Hello Mark. You can submit any material on the site, at any time, for no extra charge. For the official LOA testing program, since there's a pin to be mailed and such, there is a fee, of which you correctly stated it as $25. You will pay as you complete each test. I look forward to reviewing your work when you're ready.
OK. Thank you.
P.S., the testing fee is for the entirety of your submitted material (submitted MP3s and PDF)... not $25 per item... just to be clear.
Yes, thanks. That's clear.
Hi David,
I have had my free month's tuition and want to sign up for further sessions. The price is quoted in dollars but I will be paying in pounds sterling. Does the website convert to pounds sterling when I submit my card details?
Thanks,
Mark.
Hello Mark. You're correct, it will do the conversion automatically.
Thanks David. I've now signed up.
Great
Hi Again David,
I have a 'C' harmonica (hoping I get an 'A' for Christmas) and I'm working through the folk tunes and 'Walk With Me'. I can see that I am gradually getting quicker when transitioning between single notes but when I move the harmonica along, my tongue seems to stay in the same place for a fraction of a second. This results in gaps between notes, especially moving from blow to draw, or vice versa. It may just be a question of practice but do you have any suggestions on how to to improve this?
Hello sparkyburp.
Using a lighter touch with your tongue on the face of the harmonica will help this a lot.
It's also helpful to use more of the top of your tongue, further back in your mouth... it's wider, and more easily covers the three holes (apposed to pushing your tongue on the face of the harmonica to cover the needed holes).
Thanks David - I'll give that a go.
Mark.
Hi David,
I am at Level 1. Studies are going pretty good but I have one issue.
Swaying left to right for one note to a click is fine but when it's 2 or above notes to one click I go off. What if I am natural at keeping beat without swaying or if I can tap my feet. Is that fine or swaying is very important.
If important is there any swaying specific exercise?
Or does it just need a lot of practice?
Hello ShaneSullivan. You don't have to use the sway... it's just a tool that helps some. If you can keep time with, or without your foot, you're good to go.
Hi David,
I sometimes have an issue with hole 3. It is mainly when I draw. Sometimes the note sounds muted and I hear a spluttering sound which is obviously some of my inhaled breath getting misdirected. Do you have any tips on how to rectify this?
Also, producing tremolo on the lower notes is fairly strightforward, but when it comes to say, hole 8, it is more difficult. I think this is because the higher notes need more 'suck'. Any tips on mastering tremolo on all holes?
Thanks,
Mark.
Hello Mark.
It sound like your issue is the same as many have with the 2 draw. Take a look at the first video listed on this page https://www.bluesharmonica.com/faq and give the tips a try
The high notes of the harmonica, if you have your embouchure open and relaxed, take no more pressure to play than the lower notes of the harmonica (they do create a different air flow "feel" in your mouth, but no adjustment is needed for standard blows and draws). Work on keeping your mouth, tongue, lips, and throat relaxed and you'll find that your tremolo will come.
Report back on your progress.
Thanks very much David. I never realised there was so much technique involved before I started learning.
Mark.
That's the cool thing about the harmonica... such a simple instrument, but so many cool options in sound.
Hi again David.
I've just revisited your introduction to Level 1 and printed the requirements for the Level 1 test. This has given me a bit more of a focus for practice. I'm nearly 4 months into the course and have felt in the last week or two like giving up but I won't. I know that the first 6 months of learning anything new can be repetitive and sometimes not enjoyable. I am determined to get there!
My question is about choosing the right time to submit the level 1 test. I can play all parts of Walk with Me albeit very slowly but feel that it's too early to get feedback. When would you suggest submitting this first test?
Thanks,
Mark.
Oh and just to report back on my last post: I think that the problem I have beeen getting with muted low notes is that I haven't been closing my nose. When I pinch my nose, the note volume goes up quite a lot!
Hello Mark.
Once you can play with the provided jam track at full tempo and you're not too upset with what you played, it's time submit.
Exactly, the early stages can be tough. Remember that this is your hobby, and it should be fun. If you're getting bogged down with the details, pull back and play what makes you happy... the "study" material will come with time.
Good to hear about the nose... you figured it, so now there's a path to fixing it.
I'll look forward to your submission when you're ready.
Much appreciated. Thank you.
Hi David,
I have a Hohner Marine Band 1896 and the draw note on hole 2 is very quiet/muted. This seems to be a harmoica issue rather than technique-based because I also have a less frequently used C harmonica where draw note on 2 is fine. I have tried using a paper clip to free the reed without success and have also tried to use my jewellers screwdriver set to disassemble but the screw heads are very difficult to turn (are they actually nails with a slot in the top?)
Could you please advise what I could do to get my harp working again?
Thanks,
Mark.
Hello Mark. It does sound like this can be a harmonica issue. Those are nails. When I used to play Marine Bands with nails, I would use a butter knife to pry the cover plates off, but that was long ago... I'll repost this question for you in Kinya Pollard's (the HarpSmith) part of the forum... he's the harmonica tech expert.
Here's the post so that you can directly view his answer to your question:
https://www.bluesharmonica.com/hole_2_draw_problem
Hi again David,
I have just bought a fairly expensive Hohner Crossover as this is the one you recommend at the start of the levels of achievment programme. This because I thought that there was an issue with hole 2 draw on my Marine Band 1896. This new harp has the same hole 2 draw problem which means that I am the common factor!
I checked out your video in which you describe the common issue with hole 2 draw and I have experimented with different embouchures. I am slightly amazed that if I get the embouchure right, that hole 2 draw sounds OK on both the Crossover and 1896, hence there is no issue with the harps.
When hole 2 draw sounds well, I can feel the inhaled air going down my throat more easily. I think that I had the 'humped tongue' issue. I don't regret buying the new harp: I now have 3. I think good harp players seem to have a selection.
I'll post a similar message to Kinya as he has also responded about this issue.
Mark.
Mark:
I can't resist butting in with some stuff.
1. It's fun to learn how the mouth, throat, nasal cavities, etc., are all really part of the harmonica's sound.
2. Years ago, when I was first starting out, I bought a D Special 20. Darned if there wasn't something wrong with the 6 draw. I actually sent it back to Hohner USA for warranty repair. Hohner sent it back with a very courteous note that there was nothing wrong with the 6 draw. After a few months of practice, surprise, that 6 draw started sounding just fine. I've now been playing that same harp for about eight years. And the 6 draw continues to sound just fine.
3. Having various harps in the same key can really be a benefit. Per Joe Filisko, the No. 1 enemy of the harmonica is spit. Defense No. 1 is to tap the harmonica out before putting it down. Which is why having a small towel can be handy, to keep your pants looking nice. (Check out David's interview with Mark Ford for comments on the towel thing. Mark's is his good luck charm.) But beyone that, having a different harp means that during a long practice session you can let one dry out, while getting a lot of spit into another one. And if your harps are different models, it can be nice to switch during practice to give the mouth a different feel from time to time.
Oh ... and it's hard to beat Hohner's Crossover. Sounds great, plays great, feels great, and is easy to service. Just pick up a Pozidrive 1x 60 screwdriver for your tool kit, and you're ready to go.
Enjoy!
Thank you for the update Mark and glad that you're having some success now. Keep practicing, it will come more consistent with time and practice.
Thanks for the benefit of your experience Rob. I will check out David's interview with Mark Ford if I can find it.
No problem. Playing the harmonica has so many complexities especially connected with tongue and breath control. Such a simple instrument on the face of it.
Welcome to the site. There is an intro lesson for those with only the C Harmonica, and it's found here http://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/c_harmonica_intro_lesson. After this lesson, if you decide to continue, you'll need to pick up an A Harmonica (this C Harmonica study will keep you busy for 2-3 months, so there's no hurry). I hope your 11-year-old enjoys the lessons.