Notes Freeze
Fri, 07/05/2013 - 08:32
Hi David...What causes notes to freeze up? For example, on your 5-4-1 lesson lick (Improvising Study 4) #36 the 2+ often makes no sound when I hit it. I have to either slap the harp on my leg or blow in and out to get it working again. Like it has arthritis? Thanks...Fran
Reed arthritis... I like it. In most cases if it's later in a song, saliva can have a tendency to pool around certain reeds... and 2+ is right in the middle of the common playing area.
How to help it?... chin up... let gravity help to stop drool from traveling into your harmonica. Playing with a lighter touch with the tongue in the tongue block embouchure literally helps to not throw spit into the harmonica. Playing softer also helps any possible stalling that may happen when playing a reed.
Hope this helps. Have a great weekend.