Saturday, 21 April 2012

Harmonica - first tentative steps

With the helpful advice from JP Allen in his introductory video I am trying to develop the breathing with the rhythm. I am told that there are three key elements to successful playing:
  1. Rhythm
  2. Melody
  3. Technique
Most people start with Melody but this may lead to developing poor habits and so JP recommends starting with Rhythm. Two other key points:
holding the harmonica deep in the mouth with the upper lip across most of the top cover plate and the lower lip over just a small amount of cover plate. This means the Harmonica is positioned at an angle down towards the lower lip.

Next step is breathing and JP suggests: Tucka - Ticka method
Tuc - Ka breathing in
Tic - Ka breathing out
Both having clear emphasis on the Tuc and the Ka.

These words are said quietly when sucking and blowing.
I will create my first podcast to demonstrate my current level of performance