Good afternoon,
I am wondering: If my bends are not where they should be (sometime, not even close), should I continue to practice the blues scale with the bends? Or should I give up on the blues scale until I can get my bends working consistently hitting the correct note (half-step or full-step bend or gosh even a step-and-a-half bend)?
Thanks,
Don.
Do both! Practice of the scale with a Metranome or backing track is super important but so is just “pitch matching” with a keyboard, another harmonica, or even a tone generator. This ear training or “intonation practice” is something all harmonica players should do every single day. Include it in your practice regiment.
For most blues tunes in second position, you don’t need exact bending. If you can bend almost a half-tone, then you can play bluenote. Very desirable note in blues.
But If you will try play minor sad blues songs - then exact bendings are welcome. 1 and 2 semitones.
I would say no to your question. its the things that give you trouble that are the best teacher. No one bends after a few weeks and learning it requires your doing it. Only thing I can say that helped me is on the -2 and -3 bends start with the deepest one and ease out of it. You will hear the next step and play. -2// -2/ and then -2. Helped me. Hope it helps and never give up.
@Donc I agree with others have said here. Keep trying the blues scale, and then separately also work on just bending, perhaps with the Bend It Better™ – The Tool That Helps You Bend Harmonica in Tune!