Re: [Harp-L] Hole 10 bend

[Mojo Red <harplicks@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Graham,

Yea, the half-step blow bend on the 10 hole is crazy-hard to hit, let alone control. I'm no master, but I think the best way to begin is to start with a low-key harp such as a G or low-F and practice, practice practice. First you need to gain control of the bend itself, then we'll try to find that elusive half-step.

First, see if you can get it to bend down using the least amount of breath-force as possible. Lots of guys push those blow bends hard and then it's virtually impossible to control when you go at it that way. 
Next, see if you can bend it down as slowly as possible. Smooth it out so you're not just pushing it down all at once. Nice and slow, keep the waver out. 
Then, see if you can bend it back up as slowly as possible. 
Now, slower... bend down... hold... bend up... Too fast!! Try again! Slowly and slowly and slowly. Nice long, slow breath (this part takes a bit of practice)

Okay, you've smoothed it out and are not being too forcefull. Now, sit down with a piano or other chromatic instrument and, with your G harp, play ten hole blow and the G on the piano, and then slowly lower it. On the piano hit F#... match that tone with the half-step bend on the harp. Good! Now, finish by hitting the F on the piano and match it with that nice hole-step bend on the harp. 

Keep practicing playing G, F#, F on piano, matching the tone with your harp. Nice and slow. F, F#, G... G, F#, F. Your ear will tell you when you've got it and when you're off. 

Patience! The changes in embochure are subtle! It will take a while. As you start to feel comfortabe you will devlop muscle memory for that tone/embochure. After a while, try to moving to higher key harps... Ab, A, Bb, B, C etc... The higher you go the more difficult and subtle the differences ini mouth shape (embochure) become. 

If you can accomplish this feat using an F harp, come over and tell me how you did it, because I can't hit it on that harp for the life of me. :-)

Good Luck! 
Harpin' in Colorado,
--Ken M.

 
----- Original Message ----
From: Graham Moore <grahammoore2008@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2008 7:39:34 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] Hole 10 bend

Ok Guys Its Graham from Ireland here again; I have a new request for the
masters. 



I can bend every hole on the 10 hole diatonic harmonica except the hole 10
blow bend from C to B To Bb on the C harmonica (This also applies to all the
other keys just using c as an example)



I have tried everything but I still don't get the 2 bends I would very much
appreciate it if you guys could share your expertise and tips on how to get
these bends 



Many thanks for all your previous help hope you can help me on this one 



thanks Graham

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