New_B
1 post
Jun 10, 2008
5:57 PM
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I am relatively new on the instrument and am having some difficulty with the high note holes 7-10. I cannot make good tones on these holes (blow or draw), with any consistency. The reeds tend to stick on these holes. I would like to do some exercises in the spirit of Hanon's piano exercises, but without being able to hit the high notes, I'm basically sunk.
I suspect it is a result of using poor technique on my part.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank-you in advance.
Last Edited by on Jun 10, 2008 10:15 PM
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Patrick Barker
70 posts
Jun 10, 2008
8:21 PM
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I've found that its a lot harder to hit high notes if my tongue is higher in my mouth for some reason. Try opening your mouth more and putting your tongue as low as you can while still being able to articulate notes
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Sirsucksalot
10 posts
Jun 11, 2008
7:50 AM
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Practice
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oldwailer
66 posts
Jun 11, 2008
10:40 AM
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Well, I'm not really a complete convert yet to the theory that there are holes above 7--my theory was always that that part of the harp was just something to hang onto until I heard what Adam and some of the players do with them. When I do venture into that uncharted territory, I find that I need to really relax a lot--just let everything go loose just like you were blowing and sucking on the 2 or 3.
I have a tendancy to tighten up everything up there in the nether regions. The more I force it--the more it doesn't work.
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New_B
5 posts
Jun 11, 2008
3:05 PM
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Thank-you everyone for your advice!
I want to preface this by saying that I have no illusions as to the dedication required to become proficient, nor is it a quick process. I am enjoying the journey so far, by expanding my musical horizons and getting acquainted with some really exceptional people in the harmonica business.
My current issue is as follows :
Initially, it was the 2-hole draw that seemed to be the most difficult to play. None of the higher notes seemed to be a problem (if I recall correctly). Once I made a concerted effort to concentrate on holes 7-10, everything just locked up. The reeds simply seize up. I cannot get some of these holes to play. I spent the better part of the past two evenings with mixed success.
My questions are these:
Is the exact same embouchure employed for the 7-10 blow/draw as used for the 2-hole draw?
Could this be a mental thing?
I'm going to simply relax and continue to practice, practice and practice.
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eharp
36 posts
Jun 11, 2008
3:39 PM
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there is the slim possibility that you have something stuck in there. i say slim because to have more than 1 hole fouled, and on different harps to boot, is "las vegas bookie" rare.
good luck. we are all counting on you!
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harpmonkey
37 posts
Jun 11, 2008
8:10 PM
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Like others said.
Relax, drop your jaw, and try to get the harp farther back in your mouth.
Breath easy and concentrate on getting clean clear solid tones.
Then when you muscle and mind and your mind's ear have that, you can start adding effects, bending etc.
Before long you'll be all over the top end and having a blast.
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