Performance Tip: Exhale Before You Play

As a randomized sample of our ratio of draw to blow notes played (rests were not counted), I analyzed the first four choruses of these songs played in 2nd Position (our most common position):
1) “Bonus Boogie” by Kim Wilson – 8 beats of blow and 147 beats of draw = 95% draws
2) “Blue Midnight” by Little Walter – 25 beats of blow and 143 beats of draw = 85% draws
3) “Baby Scratch My Back” by Slim Harpo – 12 beats of blow and 122 beats of draw = 91% draws
With these numbers in mind, it’s obvious that every time you pick up your harmonica to play, your reflex should be to exhale before starting.