taking the lips off of the harp
Hi David. It's been pointed out to me that I take my lips off the harmonica more than necessary. I've watched myself in the mirror and it seems that I'm unconciously taking my lips off the harp as my lips become too dry to easily move side to side (which is all the time), and when I'm wanting extra accent on slaps. Also, sometimes I just want a breath. What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks
Greenshoes
Thx for the response! I guess I have unconsciously developed a bad habit. I play some on a rack too and maybe that has helped promote or initiated it. I use a Special 20 and I'm watching myself now in the mirror and attempting to not take my lips off as much as possible. I'm not as accurate or as smoothe when moving two or more holes or making a run for that matter.
a more accurate description of my habit would be that I take my upper lip off the harp and take a small breath after I play a phrase. I don't play continuosly unless it's your 12 bar harmonica solos, and then I don't take my lip off the harp except maybe when I'm playing something at the V chord. I guess I naturally play harp like I play guitar solos and licks. I hold whole notes etc, but I might not play the third and/or fourth beat. There are lots of spaces. Finally I think that descibes it best. What do you think about that?
Sounds fine to me... and leaving is space is a good idea. Taking the upper lip of to breath is fine (I use my lower lip... to each their own). As long as what you're playing sounds good and it's not inhibiting other technique they what's there to worry about?
As in all technique it's about balance. You have a reason for taking your lips off the harp to moisten them, but for the slaps it's not a good habit. What harmonica do you use?... maybe it's very porous... a much harder comb (absorbs less moisture) will be a good option. Ask Kinya about his opinion in his forum.