Harmonica Basics XXVI - Harmonica Lessons Intro to Blow Bends

[@archiguitarchi]

Can you imagine? I first learned just enough harp in the early 1960's to play Beatles songs. From about 1990 until 2002 I played blues (in a utility role, as I'm actually the lead guitar player) and did, what knowledgeable audience folks had said was a good job. Now in 2016, I JUST leaned the blow bend from you. THANK YOU! PS: Anybody ever tell you, you look kinda' like James Franco?

[@FunkyHarp]

Yes. In my experience, the lower the key, the easier the blow bends are to execute.

[@rocketgirllise]

thanks so much!!! Made so much sense to me the way you explained it. thanks for starting on a G too as I hate the high notes 🙀

[@soulrongang]

Hey Luke.... Thanks for putting this out there... actually I've been playing blues harp casually for over 40 years, self-taught by trial and error including breaking so many reeds never having known that one has to play SOFTLY... the last few years, I find myself on some stages with the harps, and have been trying to hone and fine-tune the craft. Working on more technique, my lack of which has been compensated by some soul :) ... so you're videos are really helpful. Those high blow bends have been missing for me... I see that it works better when not thinking too hard about it and then it happens.. feels like a knack.. I'll keep on practising it.... Love your smile... the evidence of a beautiful soul. Be blessed!

[@FunkyHarp]

Well, it sounds like you're well on your way if you've already master the blow bend on holes 8 and 9. Well done! 10 blow is going to be the hardest to get (it took me a looooong time!) It takes a lot of pressure. To answer your question: Yes, you will find the 10 blow easier on a "G" harp than on a "C" harp. I also recommend starting with a "C" for learning the draw bends, but I do think you'll find a lower key easier for the blow bends. I know I do! Happy playing.

[@FunkyHarp]

You got it. Th the right of C it typically goes up to F# (although you can find a high G) and to the left of C, the keys go down to G (although you can find a low F) So, with the standard keys, low to high is G to F#. C is in the middle. As you get higher, blow bends become more difficult to execute...

[@2010jimn]

It seems that if I think of the air going down the face of my tongue like a slide, and narrow the distance between the back of the top front teeth and the face of my tongue to force the air down the slide I get slightly better success.

[@FunkyHarp]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Can't tell you how much they mean to me!

[@Jaysmobiledetailn]

I can get the blow bends but holding them in that position is hard to do.

[@FunkyHarp]

True. It just takes time for the muscles to develop.

[@tulio84z]

I liked your comment on how it is more difficult to blow bend on higher harmonicas. Most teachers recommend starting out with a C harmonica. Would you recommend starting with one on a more low key to learn blow bends? I have a C harmonica and i already know how to bend on every hole except for the 10 hole. :( Thx a lot

[@dovlandzbaum5036]

Could u list the keys from high to low so I know exactly what you're talking about? (When you start from C on the piano, it seems to me that G is higher -- or you going left on the keyboard from C?)

[@landztranz]

Nice! Ques.: Sorry if I missed it, but Is a G harp the easiest one to get blow bends on? And how does a C harp fit into this technique?

[@tulio84z]

Alright man, will keep practicing then. thx for the great videos by the way. cheers

[@powertube5671]

Thankyou! I was able to do it with lots of effort. It's sloppy, but I get the idea. I am seeing that it requires mastering control of the tongue quite a bit as well as the other stretches that you have shown.

[@marlonxx]

Seriously learned faster on blow bend than draw bend... Why is it? Does draw bend alot harder to be learned? -btw you're a great teacher Luke

[@torero444]

Thank you very much!Very well Explained.

[@bubble2643]

Came here to finally get an Eb on a C-harp. Got it 5 minutes in to your video. Thank you, sir!

[@oliverstieglitz]

This is a quite tricky topic.

[@FunkyHarp]

Yes, but you'll get it if you never give up!

[@HarpoonDon]

WOW! Luke, I have listened to 3 or 4 other "how to blow bend" videos from the standard list of harp instructors with no luck. Then I found YOURS and I was bending hole 8 at the 3:25 mark of your video. This is awesome! I will be seeking out other videos you have to see what all you can fill in for me as I strive to better myself playing the harmonica. Don Coppock

[@FunkyHarp]

Woo hoo! right on Don. Glad to hear it brother! Rock on, my friend.

[@joedelarco6673]

thanks dude, was so useful

[@banaccbanacc]

Marvelous!