Temperature issues
Hi David,
I'm getting frustrated because I'm so close to being able to submit LOA study song 2 "Temperature" and I'm having issues with what I think is spit back-up. Everytime I get to the 6th chorus, my 5 draw and sometimes 6 draw have accumulated so much spit in the face plate that I can't get a note and I'm sucking sometimes hard enough to make a squeak. I tried to take the plate off to make sure there wasn't something else in there but my screwdriver isn't really that good and I don't want to strip the screws (Hohner Crossover), so I thought I'd hold off. I'm pretty sure it's spit because I can see it and when the harp has been shaken out I can play the notes fine.
It's got to be something from the 4th chorus on where playing all those notes and especially the double notes at the end of the 5th chorus that just kills my mid-register. I've started to not tilt the harmonica downward toward my tongue and instead tilting somewhat away from me hoping the excess will drain away, but it still stops the reed. What do I do?
Awesome thanks. I'll keep trying and hopefully be able to submit it soon.
Hello lkeeley. Here are some tips for you...
1) Use the lightest touch possible on the face of the harmonica with your tongue. Slaps will tend to throw spit into the harmonica if pushing hard on the face of the harmonica.
2) Head up... don't give gravity the chance to cause you to drool into the harmonica
3) Keep that tilt... I don't think changing your angle of attack on the harmonica is a good idea. That's considered good technique, so don't change it.
4) Clear the spit by slapping the harp on your leg when you can. You'll get good at being able to take the harp out of your lips, slapping it on your leg, and getting back onto the harp for your next phrase.
5) You can clear the harp by playing a draw or blow chord before the harp begins to stall. Experiment where you can place those chords so that they sound musical.
Let me know if this helps.