Re: [Harp-L] upper register tone



Mike - 

You don't say what kind of harmonica you're playing, but let me assume it's a standard diatonic.

If so, then the draw notes in Holes 7-10 don't bend down (exceptions would be instruments like the Suzuki valved Promaster and the XB-40).

You don't say whether you're using overbending techniques - overblows in the lower and mddile registers and overdraws in the top four holes. That would add to the discussion.

As to achieving a full tonal quality to notes played in the upper register, the foundation is to let the notes float out on your breath - no forcing or back pressure. 

Find out how gently you can play and still get a clear note in the top register. Open your throat (try yawning), get the tongue to completely relax and get out of the way of the air flow,  and completely eliminate any sensation of pressure or suction is the best way too do this. 

Once you form that basis as a habit, you can start to re-introduce tongue action and sensations of pressure and suction. But do it in a purposeful, conscious way for the purpose of  shaping and assisting in tone production.

Winslow

Winslow Yerxa

Author, Harmonica For Dummies ISBN 978-0-470-33729-5

--- On Fri, 1/1/10, Michael D'Aurizio <mdaurizio@xxxxxxxx> wrote:

From: Michael D'Aurizio <mdaurizio@xxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] upper register tone
To: "harp-l list" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Friday, January 1, 2010, 8:57 AM

Hello all,
 I've been playing for about seven years now. I've got good tone, and technique in the lower, and middle registers. I am having a hard time getting the same in the upper register. I really have a hard time bending draw notes in the upper register. I can get the blow bends easily, and consistantly, but the draw bends elude me.I use both tongue block, and pucker embochures in my playing. Can anybody give me some advice on bettering my skills in the upper register? Thank you in advance for any and all advice. Happy New Year to all.

                Mike
                           
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