Re: [Harp-L] Lip pressure

[IcemanLE@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 8/7/2007 5:29:53 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
murray.tyler@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:

Obviously the solution is to apply less pressure, but any tips for the  
novice? 
Already ensuring that I drink plenty of water and apply lip balm  to aid 
movement up and down the harp.


You've almost got the solution within this paragraph. Take a drink of water  
and notice how much pressure you use with the glass to your lips - just enough 
 to keep the water from trickling down the side of your face. Also, your lips 
are  loose and relaxed. If they were tight, you'd also dribble water down the 
side of  your face.
 
As you sip water, so should you play harmonica - just as loose, relaxed and  
natural. Tip the harmonica up 30 - 45 degrees, the same as angling that glass 
of  water up when drinking.
 
All your pain is caused by too much extraneous tension and unneeded  
pressure. 
 
A longer description can be found on Brian Purdy's web site - 
_www.harpgear.com_ (http://www.harpgear.com) 
 
The Iceman



************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at 
http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour