my 'monica

[Ultimate Dave]

why can't i bend notes on this thang? my roommates busted through my door because they thought i was strangling a kitten..

 

nuts

 

but seriously though, anybody have any tips on draw bends for a harmonica?

 

thanks

[S~R~O]

Have you tryed soaking it in water.......

[Stackabones]

Some harmonicas bend easier than others. Most of the Hohners and Lee Oskars that I've tried bend easily. There are few cheapo dimestore harps that don't do the trick.

 

Bending notes on a harmonica is similar to whistling inward and bending the note flat. Some learn how to do it on the 4 draw, although 1-3 can be attempted also.

 

Check this out. Very cool anatomical graphic!

[Blackwatch]

You'll find that the lower notes bend easier than the high notes. (You are trying to bend on the draw aren't you? Suck don't blow?) I wouldn't soak your harp. If it's wood it'll swell up badly and if it's plastic it really won't do much. A little water and a good blow will do about the same.

I try to think of a flat tounge in the front pulled back and forth to get the "bend" sound.

And listen to alot of Harp music. I learned by listening to John Mayall, but there are many great players out there. Good Luck.

[Dave W.]

For me the 4 draw was definitely the easiest, so I would start there. The best I can describe the mouth movement is it is like trying to draw liquid up a straw, like a thick shake. For me, it is the shape of the inside of my mouth, and once you get it you will move on pretty quickly.

[guitarcapo]

I seem to bend easiest on the draw around hole 4...and bend blowing easiest around 7 and 8.

 

I'm not very good but I tend to pull out an A harp for blues in E and mostly bend when drawing on the notes 2 to 5.

[mmb]

I've always dropped my lower jaw and tounge when bending on a draw, much like a trying to suck a malted through a straw.

 

I've found Jon Gindick's books and CDs to be really helpful on learning to play and then working on the harp.

 

http://www.gindick.com/

[Ultimate Dave]

draw bends have clicked in for me (although the 2&3 draw bends of more than a half step havent) thanks guys

 

now ill just keep at it so that it may sound good