[Harp-L] New Video - The Only Thing That Makes Harmonica Notes Bend

[Vern]

That is an excellent explanation!  Your slide-whistle gismo demonstrates that you are correct. I made a similar gismo using a large syringe. It greatly affects volume and tone on a chromatic where only one reed is vibrating.

You also change mouth volume to determine pitch when you whistle through your lips.

I believe that changing the space in your mouth to resonate at the note you are playing..even when you are not bending…affects the tone produced.  This skill or lack thereof could account for the difference in tone quality among different players.

Then there is vibrato….

Vern

> On Mar 23, 2019, at 8:30 AM, Richard Sleigh <rrsleigh at xxxxx> wrote:
> 
> I just posted a youtube video on what makes notes bend on a harmonica.
> 
> I've noticed that many harmonica teachers focus on techniques or things to
> do or try to make notes bend (or overbend). When you focus only on
> techniques or tricks, you leave out the explanation of  the basic principle
> behind the process.
> 
> In this vid, I focus relentlessly on what actually makes the reeds vibrate
> at a higher of lower pitch than the one they are tuned to. There is a good
> chance you already know this, but it can be tricky to explain to someone
> who has never thought about it before. The visuals in this video make the
> principle a lot more obvious (I hope).
> 
> I made a gizmo out of a slide whistle attached to a harmonica that makes
> what is going on inside your mouth and throat (that changes the pitch)
> visible.
> 
> I also show the principle with a penny whistle.
> 
> If you have ever struggled to explain note bending to someone, this video
> may be a good resource.
> 
> Here is the link:
> 
> https://youtu.be/Fp-GxEaChr0
> 
> I welcome all feedback! Thanks,
> -- 
> Richard Sleigh
> Hohner Affiliated Customizer
> Contributing Writer for Harmonica World Magazine
> rrsleigh at xxxxx
> http://hotrodharmonicas.com
> http://rsleigh.com
>