Grip for harmonica and single notes

#1

Hi everyone
I am really enjoying the course. Luke is an awesome teacher
I have 2 questions
1- I’m going back and fourth with the traditional grip and Luke’s grip.
I also see Adam Gussow uses Luke’s grip.
Which does everyone recommend?
I also see Adam makes a loop with his right hand to rotates for wah as well as opening up his hands. I think he does that for both grips but he prefers Luke’s style. There’s a video.
2- Is it ok to rotate the harmonica down for single notes or should I work to stop that
Thanks very much and I’m very happy to be a part of the group
Evan

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#2

Hi Evan @Evan.meiskin

The quick answers are:

  1. It does not matter which grip you use, as long as it works for you!

  2. Ditto.

Regards,
– Slim :sunglasses:

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#3

I usually hold my harp in my left hand and in between my first three fingers (thumb, pointer, and middle). I use the right hand for cupping and warbles. Yes, I do warbles with one hand. I sought after those fast sounding trills (which is what they’re technically called) like what my harp hero, Terry McMillan, does on tracks like “Ain’t Goin’ Down ('til the Sun Comes Up)” and I couldn’t do them with my head or two hands fluidly or as fast as he can, so I do them with my right hand. My teacher does them that way too. Here’s a video explaining why he does it that way. Warble talk at the 5:00 minute mark.

It doesn’t matter which way you hold the harp. I mean Roly Platt plays the harp at a 45 degree angle. Just as long as you can move it with your hand. If it works, it works.

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#4

I use either hand. I swap around. I still have trouble with the-2 and would like to get it without having to really stop and reposition the harp. I think that will take a lot of practice. I dont do a lot. I have just closed a small business I ran for 30 years so I hoping to get more time. I still have 2 part time jobs. I can write with both hands so the grip for me is kind of optional.

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#5

Hey @Evan.meiskin - everybody’s replies here are spot on.

1 - whatever FEELS good AND SOUNDS good, IS good.

2- keep on tilting away as long as you need…

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