Dead notes

Technique
1

Hey!

Pretty much an amature. I seem to be constantly plagued by dead notes. I have a feeling this because of lousy technique.

Anybody have any thoughts on this? Using Lee Oskar harps.

Thanks

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You are almost certainly playing with too much force. If you want to be loud, use a microphone and amplifier. A properly gapped harp that is played with correct technique does not need much “power” from the harp player’s air flow in order to play all bends, overblows, overdraws, etc. All of these should be able to be played at a low volume.

The blues harp can be set up to be played at a rather high volume and with more force – but then you no longer have the potential to play softer, mellower music phrases/songs. And your harp’s reeds will be like too many hard rockers: dead before their time.

So learn to relax when playing and use electronic assistance to play with loud musicians. Your harps will live much longer and your tone and techniques will sound much better.

Having said all of this, there is another common cause for “dead notes”: dirt and filth between the reed and reed plate. Always do your best to play with a clean mouth: not while or just after drinking sweet, sticky drinks or eating food – at least rinse your mouth with plain water before playing. And don’t forget to fairly regularly clean your harp’s reeds, reed plate and comb.

Regards,
– Slim :sunglasses:

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Most harps don’t well play out of the box you have to set them up, there’s some great vids on gapping on YouTube that may help you there’s some good ones on cleaning the harps. And @Slim has given you some great advice. I must say I’ve never had an issue with dead reeds on Lee Oskars they aren’t too bad out of the box, and unlike some harps they are quite easy to play so it may be your technique or it maybe some dirt has got in.

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Thanks! I think you are right, I’m playing with too much force. I probably need to learn how to clean them better but I know I am playing them hard trying to hear myself through the monitor.

I didn’t realize initially that was the issue but it’s been a continuing problem so I suspected as much.

Thanks!

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Yes, playing too hard. I agree :100:.

Also, just keeping everything very relaxed. Lowering back of tongue. Raising soft palette like when you yawn. Very open throat.

And relax.

And also, relax. :wink:

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