arzajac
33 posts
Jul 27, 2009
6:37 AM
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I've been playing for a few months and I guess I have been progressing steadily. Last week, I decided to focus on my 2 and 3 draw bends, cleaning up the notes I can play. Focusing on that one thing has led to a big improvement.
I practice in the car, twice per day on my way to and from work. That's about 25-30 minutes total per day and almost entirely on bending those two holes. Towards the end of last week, my jaw started hurting. I can't really tell if it's joint pain or muscular pain.
I can bend pretty well without moving my jaw out very much (something I have been doing due to the pain) but I can get a much cleaner note (and it's easier to hit) by jutting my jaw out.
In your experience, does this mean that I have poor technique or is it something that just needs to be worked out?
Thanks.
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The Gloth
149 posts
Jul 27, 2009
6:45 AM
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As far as I can rember, I never had jaw pain or sore lips because of harp playing. My advice would be : stay relaxed, don't force it.
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mickil
403 posts
Jul 27, 2009
7:04 AM
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The Gloth took the words out of my mouth: just relax.
My thumb under the harp used to hurt. It nearly drove me bonkers. Then I learnt to not tense up and now it's fine.
Tension is often an enemy of those learning an instrument: they think they're doing something difficult and that in itself can tense them up.
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'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
http://www.youtube.com/user/SlimHarpMick
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arzajac
34 posts
Jul 27, 2009
10:40 AM
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That sounds right. Thanks!
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arzajac
39 posts
Aug 06, 2009
8:24 AM
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So my pain is pretty much gone but perhaps this can help someone.
I had an appointment with my dentist yesterday and asked him about jaw pain in relation to playing harp. My dentist plays piano, guitar and trumpet.
He said that pain in the inferior part (lower or underside) of your joint is typically muscular whereas pain in the upper part is typically joint inflammation. To treat muscular issues, take a break or play less hard. To treat joint problems is much more serious.
If playing leads to clicking or popping of your jaw, you may have to stop altogether as this could lead to more severe jaw problems.
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harpcrab
17 posts
Aug 06, 2009
9:11 AM
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If it returns, have your dentist make you a nite guard- it makes a big difference for most people with TMD issues.
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