tongue blocking draw
Hi Daavid!
Brand new to this.
I'm finding that I can't draw any air IN when trying to block even one hole.
I'm sure I"m acually blocking more than I realize but it's wierd that it seems to be ok when exhaling but not on inhale.
why is this happening?
Thanks!
Amelia
Makes sense!
Thanks so much for reponse.
Amelia
Happy to help
Ok - now I'm confused.
I have a "C" harmonica. It has a C sticker on the box. Once I started reading the lesson material, I thought uh oh, I need an A harmonica so I ordered one (It'll be here in a few days).
Now that I'm looking at the Notation key, it looks like the chromatic note layout model is a C.
Help.
Amelia
Hello Amelia. The notation is based in C (to make it easy), but we'll use the A harmonica. Because each harmonica's layout is the same (just higher or lower in range), we can "think" on the C harmonica, but use any key we wish. So... for music theory sake, memorize the C harmonica, but you can use any key you wish when actually playing the music. You'll learn more about how this works in your Music Theory studies.
Huh - ok - seems like I should find a diagram of the chromatic note layout of an A harmonica since that's what i"ll be using.
Sorry - my music theory is shaky. I like to see things clearly defined in print (yes I'm a little uptight).
I"ll google it.
Thanks David!
I understand, it can be confusing, but it's common in the music world to do this. Since the intervals are the same, you can "think" on one harmonica, and use that thought process for all of them. You won't find Googling to be very helpful. Dig into the music theory studies, that is the most clear lesson you'll find out there to understand the harmonica and all the theory that relates to it.
Hello Amelia, welcome to the site. Draws typically take longer to master. When we blow, the lips blow outward (mouth getting larger). When we draw, the lips suck inwards (getting smaller). I recommend you experiment with using a larger embouchure, so that your lips don't squeeze together when you draw (this means to have your lips larger and tongue more to the left). Playing softer can also help a lot (less suction to bring your lips together). You want to purchase the Filisko Tongue Block Trainer, this way you can actually see what's going on with your mouth an tongue. Keep it up, you will get it!