I was measuring the drop in pitch when bending w/o drawing my tongue back. A doctor and know nothing about what changes occur. I do this it seems the contraction is deeper in the throat the rushing sound is further down the what ever, For those that do this is this primarily for the quick bend a tune requires and others you play? I have started using this for short snappy bends needed in a tune. I have trouble getting the -3// consistently with this method but sure would like to be able to. Any thoughts or comments are welcome. My tongue remains flat but everything seems to happen further down the pipe.
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You’re moving in the right direction keep it up. Just remember there are two types of bands. Ornamental or missing note. Ornamentation is what sounds like is happening when you try to do it. This is the easier of the two. Keep at it.
I can get those quick, snappy bends it helps. Is ornamental a missed not that sounds close? Is this this something I have heard people refer to as an avoided note? I use a tuner to see just what is coming out. It takes my a bit more time to use the raised tongue method so when the rhythm allows the time I do this. Thanks for you help. I was told today by a established harp player bends only occur drawing back the tongue. I contract my throat a bit lower ( it seems) than my Adams apple. It is definingly lower down when I keep the tongue flat. I feel a air pressure differential is when initiates a bend and there are two ways to do one. I did get a -3// today but consistency the flat tongue method is going to take some time unless its a quick -3/ or -4/.
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An ornamental band is just that - ornamentation. It is not hitting and holding a missing pitch. Those missing notes are not tuned on the Harmonica by the manufacturer and require creating the bend in your throat.
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Thanks It seem there are two ways to bend and create a missing note, I was told that the one and only way to create the missing note is the raising the tongue and was confused. I have respect for the player’s knowledge but got a bend contracting my throat further down.
The tongue down method is not mentioned in books I have. I can get the drop in pressure both ways and was confused about the issue. I compare bends as something similar to the black keys on a piano that only are half notes. Just wanted some clarification on the issue. Thanks very much for your help and clarifying the issue. Without this forum I would be completely on my own as there are no harp players nearby. If you are in Hunt, Texas I’ll buy you a very cold beer if our store reopens. Got washed away on 7/4/25.
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My pleasure!
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If you can whistle and carry a tune, you probably already have the tools you need to become a good bender. If you can whistle inhaling and drop the pitch, you will be bending. This is the exact.action that happens in the throat with the tongue to make the pitch go flat (or aka down).
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can whistle and am better inhaling the the usual way. Very dry hear but n days like today either way is easy. Never thought I would see flooding in the Texas panhandle. The whole panhandle got a rain. Streets were flooding. First drop in five months.
Bending is coming along and its the tough parts that is ahead. I was listening to Charlie McCoy and he bends so very smooth. His single note play is second to none. Did not play for over a week and i takes a while to scrape of the rust. I cannot get a decent bend unless I hit the note right and when I do the lighter the pressure the better.
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This is good to hear. Bending does not require force. One can bend very quietly or one can be very loudly. Using gentle breath and staying relaxed is critical. Keep at it.
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A majority of the bends i hear are on the smooth side or more quiet. Its getting to the point hey sound like the missing note they are and sound well consistently is the real challenge. I feel it is one thing to be able to activate one but something very different to be able to consistently play them and they augment the tune being played. This seems to be one of the forks in the road that determines how well one can play..
Do you use throat contraction to bend whenever it fits as well as the conventional method primarily or do it when you need a quick bend that in a you have to hit , release and lay another note quickly? To me throat contraction is further down the pipe but quicker.. A warm harp seems to work better for me especially on cooler chili days, 70 F or lower and 70% or higher humidity.
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Yes, I use throat construction of the note pulling it down my throat using the K sound. Keep it relaxed. Keep it soft. Hope this helps!
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Thanks I use this as well and your comments helpful. I have been told otherwise so I tried this and got a bend. I feel if you can whistle inhaling and drop the pitch you already have thins in muscle memory. That being said it feels like the diaphragm is what really drops the pressure and I tend to over cook a bend sometimes, especially -3//. I just wish I tried this at the beginning.. I could get so frustrated a reed would lock up as I was already through K spot.
Again Thank You for your time and help.
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My absolute pleasure. Glad to help..