Re: [Harp-L] Overblow Learning Trick

["Tim Moyer" <wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

One piece of advice I heard that works pretty well for intermediate 
players trying to break into overblowing is to do this: take a harp 
on which you can get a nice, stable, controllable draw bend on hole 
6.  Draw the note and bend it down, and then -- without changing ANY 
part of your embouchure -- simply switch breath directions from draw 
to blow.  With any luck, the OB will pop out.  

Once you can produce an overblow in this way, practice holding it.  
Remember to relax while you're doing it.  If you tense up it will be 
unstable and unsustainable.  

Just my two cents,

-tim

Tim Moyer
Working Man's Harps
http://www.workingmansharps.com/


Paul wrote:
> Once you've got the 'feel' of what an Overblow is supposed to feel 
> like, it'll make them a lot easier to practice and play; kind of 
> like how you got your first regular 'bend' . . . Once you knew 
> what it felt like, you were able to then practice them and get 
> more precise etc . . . So, to get your first overblow . . . Take a 
> G harmonica apart, and put scotch tape over the blow reed slot; 
> then put the harp back together.  Then, blow on the 6th hole like 
> you would blow for a 9th hole blow bend (for example), and the 
> note can only do one of two things . . . either it will play 
> nothing, or it will play the overblow . . . Once you've played and 
> can control the overblow somewhat, take the scotch tape off and 
> you'll have  better "feel" for how to play it . . . Hope this 
> helps . . . let us know . . .