Yes the dreaded (atleast for us beginners) whole step two draw bend! Currently im able to activate the bend reliably on all the harmonicas i own, G is the lowest pitch and F natural is my highest pitch harmonicas. My problem, is with a C harp and lower Im having an issue activating the 2 draw without growling. I make the bend happen with a few different syllabuls. Mainly, kuh, duh, tuh , pretty much always an “uh” shape. Another way I can describe how I activate it, is I sort of flip into a Darth Vader type breathing. I can feel back of my tougne vibrating while it happens. Sounds killer when I play the low rider riff haha but its not always the sound I want.
Now where im jamming mostly rock and roll with my buddies, its not a big deal and kinda sounds cool most of the time but I know im doing something wrong. I suspect that im probably not relaxed enough and am probably tensing up in anticipating of the bend.
Any tips on how I can deal with this? Like any instrument I suspect that with time and practice I should be more comfortable and relaxed but im afraid that if I keep playing my 2 draw bend like this im going to perpetuate a bad habit.
Yeah the Darth Vader type breathing can be helpful for the low bends for sure. I don’t think you’re developing a bad habit, and yes, as you said, it’s gonna keep getting easier and you’ll find various ways to accomplish it with time and practice. Keep up the great work! Congratulations on your progress!
Have you ever drank fruit juice through a straw? Have you ever had a piece of fruit stuck in the straw? Try to draw as you did at that moment. (p.s. This isn’t my idea. This is how legendary polish harmonician Sławek Wierzcholski learn).
A very good player told me to play the Batman theme song. I did not watch the show but remember it. he suggested the following riff just for this bend and it helped. -2 -2 -2// -2// -2/ -2/ -2/ -2/ -2 -2. Had to find the song but did and listened and playing the beginning with this riff sure helped me hit the -2// and then ease in the -2/.
I just tried that and believe it or not it kind of gave me a breakthrough! Thanks a lot. Part of my problem is I’ve been neglecting -2’ over the -2’‘. That little riff starting forcing me to take it in steps and once my -2’ was getting clean (was already less growly than -2’‘) the next note followed suit. Thank you!
Now I just need to commit hitting it clean to muscle memory.
Practice and more practice. I seldom play the -*2// or-3///. No tunes I like have them and frankly they do not sound good to me. With respect to the =*2/ try to freeze everything in your mouth when you hit it and see where your tongue is situated. I find it easier to hit a. - *2// and then release into the -*2/. If you can whistle inhaling you can bend a note. It is ease to go through the sweet spot. Listen to a male Bob White quail whistle on U Tube and if you can get close to this put a harp in place and mimic the sound. Your tongue does exactly the same thing to bend as you will do to replicate the first part of the quail whistle. I just wish someone would have told me tp do this at the get go. I would have gotten my first bend months earlier.