Slidemeister (Chromatic & related only - no Diatonic discussion) > Chromatic Playing Techniques

Advice for beginners

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CasualChrom:
So I'm just getting started with my chromatic harmonica.

For the veterans on the board (and I define that as anyone with more experience than me--that is, more than 3 days), what is one thing (or more :) ) that you have learned about playing the harmonica that you wish you had known when you were first learning to play?

Thanks,
CasualChrom

triggerfinger:
Always warm your harp. No exceptions.

tonek:
Make sure that your mouth is clean before you start playing. Rinse, or even better brush your teeth.

Tonek

CasualChrom:
What do you mean by warm up the harp?  Do I blow gently (without making the reeds vibrate) for several seconds?  Should I put it under my arm or in my pocket?  How warm?  And why is that important?

Sander:

--- Quote from: CasualChrom on December 28, 2010, 02:38:16 AM ---What do you mean by warm up the harp?  Do I blow gently (without making the reeds vibrate) for several seconds?  Should I put it under my arm or in my pocket? 

--- End quote ---
Under the arm or in a pocket works. Some use other heat sources (light bulb, heating pads, central heating, t.v., the exhaust of their pc...). Gently blowing defeats the purpose of the exercise (see below)


--- Quote ---How warm?

--- End quote ---
About body temperature. Too warm will curl your valves (or melt the body of your harmonica  :-\)


--- Quote ---And why is that important?

--- End quote ---
Keeps condense from forming on the reed plates, which prevents sticking valves. Sticking valves are the source of a popping sound at the start of a tone.

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