Building critical muscle memory on the harmonica

[@MrSpanky2001]

When it comes to music, there is no topic more fascinating to me than this one. How our muscles communicate with the brain, then how the brain signals muscle movement. (or vice versa ). I think each one of us has an innate "pattern" we tend to revert back to when playing, which is recognizable to others. If we could get out of our own way , I think is how you put it, and develop new "innate" patterns,( which is an oxymoron), .....but none the less, that would be an unbelievable sensation and experience.. I loved Shane's comment. "There are no wrong notes, merely the note you follow with." That's my approach, especially when "diving" into a backing track or solo situation with a group. No truer words.

[@heiko6983]

Thank You very much Ronnie. I never thought about moving my whole body (dancing) when playing. I am only tapping with my right foot. I‘ll give it a try😀

[@garyfunchion7566]

Ear training, muscle memory, combined with sensitivity, less attack, hit some second wind moments in sound .. Lather it up in some other areas , kind of sixth sense development and dumping the old impulses that hinder.. really great content here Ron.. Thankyou..

[@cincinnatipedalsteel4347]

Muscle memory is when you become completely connected to your instrument and you can truly Improvise based on what you are hearing and feeling during a song. You absolutely must practice slowly. This helps you get the notes but also the nuances you desire. Playing fast and sloppy in practice is not good. If you can play something slowly and clean you will be able to play it fast once your muscle memory and neuroplastixcity is developed. Might I add when you want to learn LCIKS, learn licks not phrases. A lick is a 3-4 note melodic group of notes. A phrase is several licks strung together. If you teach yourself 3-4 notes licks, later on down the road when you are up to take a solo you will string together these licks to create a nice solo that is improvised. If we learn things in long phrases we will recall them as long phrases which makes truly improvising very hard.

[@norfolknwhey4787]

Another item related to muscle memory is to stop looking down at the harp to use the coverplate numbers… I find it useful to stop looking at the harp and to slowly memorize where the holes are without looking. It takes a couple months but afterwards you can jump to any hole without looking. Great for dark venues and being able to focus on playing vs finding a hole.

[@cincinnatipedalsteel4347]

@@norfolknwhey4787 absolutely. I won’t allow myself to look at the harp.

[@gilbertterroir6743]

HI Ronnie, Thank you very much for special price ''july40'' 'i bought your hybrid embouchure classe. I m excited to practice that. Thanks for all...

[@Harmonica123]

much appreciated.

[@Harmonica123]

Hello!! Thanks for checking this out. The big 40% OFF sale is going on through Sunday July 7th. Coupon Code: July40 at checkout. Classes: www.harmonica123.com/product-category/webinars/ronnies-classes/ Here are the notes I was looking at off screen, if you care to have those: docs.google.com/document/d/1UAQqE41cox5sWCFfpFvfijMsbEEKgLUy7garSNB3wAE/edit?usp=sharing

[@Harmonica123]

5:51 and working on breathing exercises can really help relax the mind.

[@ericnoden]

Cool!

[@howardcoleman4748]

Thanks for the relaxing knowledge Ronnie

[@Ironman-harmonica]

Thanks Ronnie, very motivational content

[@Harmonica123]

My pleasure

[@danwilliams8695]

🎉

[@wubbalubbadubx2]

Ronnie give the link please for the hybrid pucker/tongue blocking class you mentioned.

[@Harmonica123]

www.harmonica123.com/product/hybrid-harmonica-approach-puckering-tongue-blocking/

[@howardcoleman4748]

Sorry the exit point needs to be pointed upwards or it can be playing better with no spit and that's muscle memory as well

[@Harmonica123]

This is true. Keeping your head straight and not looking down at all, can solve this problem.

[@billmarchant7741]

Just joined when you had buddy Green. Don’t know how to use the computer that was the reason I joined. Send a phone number want to talk for 30 seconds will pay you for your time. I am 81 years old want to know how the process works on your program . Jason Richie has been helping me and can play quit well. I am self taught and. Been watching you for six mounts. Ian going to be good before die. Bill Marchant

[@howardcoleman4748]

My advice is to stop spit in the harp to have the exit