How To Bend a Note on Harmonica for Beginners

► For the complete free harmonica lesson, and to find the free slow, medium, and fast jam tracks to play along with this lesson, go to: www.harmonica....
The goal of this video is to help a beginner harmonica player who has never achieved harmonica bending before, to get their first note to bend on harmonica.
What is Harmonica Bending / Why learn to bend 0:30
2 Interrelated Techniques of Harmonica Bending 1:18
How Harmonica Bends are Activated 2:09
How Harmonica Bends are Tuned 3:54
Bending Prerequisites 4:30
Let’s Get Your 1st Bend! 5:40
The Airplane Diving 6:10
The Tilt Bend 7:43
Vowels EE-YAW 9:39
Vowels KAH-YOO 10:40
Help from the Bend-it-Better Tool 11:43
Long Train Runnin’ by the Doobie Brothers Lesson 13:30
How to Start a Note from the Bent Position 14:26
Long Train Running by the Doobie Brothers Play-along 16:10
Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple Lesson 16:57
Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple Play-along 18:26
Take Me Home Country Road Lesson 19:04
Take Me Home Play-along 20:03
It can also be helpful for someone who wants to understand the ins and outs of harmonica bending in more depth.
To find the free slow, medium, and fast jam tracks to play along with this lesson (Long Train Runnin’, Smoke on the Water, and Take Me Home Country Road) click here: www.harmonica....
When we start playing, I’m playing a C harmonica for this lesson. Any 10-hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C will work for you to follow along with this lesson. The C harmonica is the key I recommend using when trying to get your first bend, and I recommend the -4, or perhaps the -1.
IMPORTANT! There are Prerequisites for Harmonica Bending!
Before you start working on bending, make sure you’ve mastered the Deep Relaxed Mouth Position and that you can play clear single notes using lip blocking. These techniques will ensure that you have the proper seal required to be able to bend well. Learn More: www.harmonica....
Thank you so much for watching my video on how to bend a note on harmonica for beginners. I hope you enjoyed this free lesson on how to get your first bend. If you have succeeded in bending a note on harmonica, congratulations! And I hope you’ve enjoyed learning some fun riffs!
If you have any questions about harmonica bending, or anything about the harmonica, please leave me a comment below.
Aloha!
Luke

[@bentot2060]

I have been playing harmonica on and off since I was 11 years old. I could not play the blues just straight harp because I could not bend. I am now 65 and after watching this video, I finally could do it. I can now start playing the blues. Thank you so very much.

[@Harmonicacom]

WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!! CONGRATS!!! Just in time for the New Year! Have fun...

[@lionelzamora4536]

🎉🎉🎉 hey Luke, you’re the bomb man. Thank you for all your lessons. I’m just a beginner I’m an ex-drummer. I also play a little Hammond, Oregon with a Leslie speaker but I love harmonica the best thanks buddy keep up the great work we appreciate you more than we can say take care and God bless❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉😊

[@andy5178]

Why can't people spell "palate"? I know that in AE "pallet" and "palette" sound the same as "palate", but come on!

[@Harmonicacom]

Uh oh. Did I misspell it?

[@AllThingsGundam]

All these years not able to bend and then watching this video I can bend now although not very good yet, Thank you so much LUKE!!!

[@Harmonicacom]

Wooo hooo! CONGRATS! You got this!

[@AllThingsGundam]

@@Harmonicacom Thank you for the reply, The only problem I have bow is dry mouth because of medication any tips for dry mouth?

[@tomassusko1390]

@@Harmonicacom i can do it on first but not on four

[@richardguillory4631]

You’ve explained bending the best... I’ve been trying for years and came across your video... Thank you

[@jamessmith9962]

Wow, man I'm proud of you; I'm catching hell something fierce, but I will not be defeated..

[@bryanincommiefornia5629]

I just started playing the harmonica, and I've tried several online tutorials. This is, by far, the best I've found. As for bending, I've found the less I focus on it and just "do it" the easier it is. Thanks for creating such a chill "environment" to learn in, I look forward to watching more videos and getting better, even if I can't play along with you since my harp is in E.

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks Bryan! Glad it's helping. And, YES, that's it man: Don't try HARDER, try EASIER. The less you care, the better you do. LOL. But it's true. Also...Dude, I definitely recommend that you buy a C harmonica! Maybe a Fender Blues Deluxe if you're on a budget. Here's my brand recommendation article: www.harmonica.com/which-harmonica-to-buy/

[@MsNakina]

me too

[@charlesbarboza8591]

😂🤣😂🤣 I have the same issue, my Harp is in E too, but because I’m enjoying playing So Much, I’m going to purchase a C Harmonica as soon as possible. Although I’ve only been learning for the past few weeks, I’m enjoying this instrument so much, I’m all in. Keep practicing and I wish you only the best. Be well.

[@brianneely508]

Love the instruction, seriously, but for the love of language, a “pallet” is a wooden framework for shipping things, while a “palate” is a person’s sense of taste, or the roof of their mouth.

[@carpinterodeguitarras]

You're a magician. After tons of tutorials and not getting it, with yours I got my first bend in an hour. I don't even know how it just feels natural now. Thank you vert much from my small lutherie workshop in Madrid, Spain!

[@Harmonicacom]

WOW! This totally made my day. CONGRATS ON GETTING YOUR FIRST BEND! I'm so happy. Wish I could come visit you in Spain! Aloha from Hawaii, Luke

[@inko_lor]

I just bought my harmonica yesterday out of curiosity and apparently there's much more to it than I would have imagined. You have explained the technique extremely well and I can now consistently bend the first draw. The other ones still won't even budge, but you gave me a head start. Thank you!

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Sully! Here are some important fundamentals I encourage you to practice first: www.harmonica.com/how-to-play-the-harmonica/ Rock on, Luke

[@tmo7734]

You are one heck of an instructor. You’re knowledgeable, articulate, and are very good at illustrating what I consider esoteric and sometimes complex topics pertaining to the harmonica. There are not many people like you. Thank you.

[@Harmonicacom]

Wow, thank you for your kind words! 🙏🏼

[@montey26]

Omg. You are an amazing teacher Luke. This was a phenomenal lesson. I was able to bend those notes by the end of this. All of your techniques combined make it so do-able. It just clicked after weeks of messing around with it by myself. I’m hooked.

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad it was helpful, Al!

[@MichaelTPowers-k2n]

I just want to thank you for your videos I would say and having picked up in the harmonica this last month and a half your videos are the most comprehensive and you're just covering I just learned how to bend I was bending but I wasn't doing it as effectively as what I just learned from you in this video

[@Harmonicacom]

Wonderful! Glad to hear it Michael. Rock on! 😎

[@DuckyDarkTF2]

3 hours of practicing and now i can do basic bend! Thank you so much!!!

[@Harmonicacom]

Fantastic! HUGE CONGRATS!!!!

[@ADynamicTrio]

Hi. I’m 74 and just started playing the harmonica. I absolutely love it and you are my buddy. Greatest teacher ever you had so much to the video. I think you’re super thank you for your great lesson.. keep it up. I’m loving it thank you.

[@Harmonicacom]

Wow, thanks! Rock on! 😎

[@Fatih307_]

i started harmonica about 2 months back i think and when i first got it i tried this bending video but it didnt worked and know im trying again it still does not work for me but i dont give up. i started blues after the first time i watched some of your videos . and i dont bend but im in school band or something and im going to play something with guitar backing me. it does not matter if i cant bend but i firstly learned harmonica by your videos and i want to thank you so much! EDIT: I think its been 10 - 5 minutes and now i suddenly started bending. i can do -1` well but at -4` i cant seem to do it well. but it will pass with some hard working. and i cant do the -2 hole can you help? its like when i try to suck it no sound comes and then it starts an awful sctartching sound which is a pain in ears.

[@nobullziggster4070]

Over and over and over and over is not for the lazy person and it isn't for the person who gives up easily, But it's got big paydays in "anything" we do. You put us 10 steps ahead with what you teach. I'll be back....

[@Harmonicacom]

Well said! And thank you for your kind words. ROCK ON.

[@TrentKaniuga]

Amazing. I had no idea so much mouth shape is used for harmonica. My lips are numb.

[@Harmonicacom]

LOL. NOT a beginner technique Trent! 🤙🏼

[@dominicsnl]

You are a gifted educator. Thank you. I loved all my classes with you thus far. Keep up the great work X

[@Harmonicacom]

Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it Emma!

[@lovenriots]

First time I try harmónica, this is my third video on youtube about how to bend, took me literally 10 mins and I can do it now!! THANK YOU, YOU'RE A LEGEND!!! 🙏🏽

[@Harmonicacom]

Wow, that's amazing. Congratulations! Nice work! Glad the video helped. ROCK ON. 🤘🏼

[@1milomir]

U are amazing man!!!!! I learned to bend, its so much fun now!!!! :DD Ur such a great harmonica teacher, keep up the work!!

[@Harmonicacom]

Sweet! Congrats! Thanks, glad you found helpful...

[@irenejohnson662]

I just started and I did get my first bend! I’m in a cover band and I’m expected to play the harp solo at the end of the Pretenders song Middle Of The Road! I needed that bend technique. Thank you so much!

[@Harmonicacom]

Congrats Irene! That's a HUGE accomplishment!!!

[@xileets]

I've been a singer and dabbled with instruments my whole life, so bending has been very frustrating, because I know exactly what I WANT to do but couldn't. haha. During covid I tried to teach myself to whistle, with limited, but productive results. Again, I know the pitch, but can't always quite get it there. Some mouth shapes are more conducive to different whistling techniques, and for bending here, I wonder if that's the same. Tilting the harmonica was the tip I needed to start to understand what was happening in my mouth's shape. If you also have had a hard time whistling, I suggest trying that.

[@Harmonicacom]

thanks for sharing?

[@ninjaninjaninja5203]

Awesome video! Great teaching techniques man, I was able to get the bend pretty quickly!

[@Harmonicacom]

Nice work!

[@jpatrick1967]

So maybe I should have told my wife it was called “tuning the bend” all these years.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hehe....

[@jpatrick1967]

@@Harmonicacom sorry….I know you’re trying to keep it G rated.

[@gabrielp2088]

Great video! I think I managed to bend after the first watch, but only on the first hole, and with the technique of HEEEE-YUUUW

[@Harmonicacom]

Great job! CONGRATS!!! That's HUGE!!!

[@hushmore1]

Yeah, I succeded with your explenations ! Thanks so much. 😃

[@Harmonicacom]

Great job!

[@RuckusOutfitters]

This is super nerdy story but. My Mom bought me a harmonica as a kid in the 90’s. I played the heck out of it, went as far as the learning material I had could take me since I lived in super rural Eastern, OR and there wasn’t youtube back then. I kinda got stuck in a rut and quit playing it. A few years later I got into contest duck calling (already said super nerdy) Well all the things I learned playing a harmonica directly translated to playing a duck call. Channeling air, changing pitch, riffs, cadence even bending notes. I went on to win over 15 state and regional titles, even took 2nd runner up at the World Duck Calling Championship. I always tell people it was playing the harmonica that gave me my unique sound. 30 years later I’ve found a new passion for playing the harmonica thanks in part to your channel! Thank you!

[@Harmonicacom]

WOW! So cool! GREAT STORY! Thanks for sharing. Glad the vids are helping and that you're playing again. ROCK ON!!! 😎

[@RuckusOutfitters]

@@Harmonicacom Merry Christmas!

[@tinapuksic]

Amazing, thorough and very supporting teaching right there. My friends got me a C Hohner blues harp for my bday years ago while we were juke joint hopping in Clarksdale, Mississippi. A bunch of Europeans digging the blues... and I've just begun playing it after watching your videos. So, thank you a million.

[@johnleclerc5711]

How do you get the single note so easily? I'm getting at least 2 no matter how small I'm making the mouth .

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey John - yeah I recommend learning first the deep relaxed mouth position: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZLCkoufZtZrpbs Then getting really comfy with single notes for awhile: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGXQdYCAr9ihpbc Once single notes are easy, then consider learning to bend. That's my $.02. Rock on, John!

[@aniken6877]

I was a harmonica prodigy!!!! Woah.

[@simonjonasmusic8410]

Worked instantly. Thanks, this was so helpful, best video i could find on the topic!

[@Harmonicacom]

wow! BIG CONGRATS on getting into bending! It's a whole new world! Woooo hooooo! 😎

[@paddyopatrick2941]

I found an old harmonica amoung my things. I picked it and in a cpl hours I have a basic understanding of the instrument can isolate notes an chords play in the jungle low rider and the I want candy bits. I just have no blues in my body my heart yearns for a folksy sound wrapping my head around the timing and feel is hard af. My brain just goes str8 to the Irish Ly di dy diddly dy

[@paddyopatrick2941]

Fecking hell first try nailed the bend and the concept good teaching lad for sure.

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on my man!

[@BluePyramid444]

These sound effects are making my dog nervous

[@Harmonicacom]

🤣 Yeah, I gotta kick one of my dogs out of the room before I play harmonica.

[@evacwerdna]

This is truly spectacular, what a lesson in bending. I came to this after watching your Amazing Grace lesson. I desperately wanted to bring in the bends but couldn't. Now I can 😃😃. I'm very happy 👍👍 Thank you so much

[@Harmonicacom]

Wonderful! Big CONGRATS to you. That's a HUGE accomplishment. Stoked. Rock on! 😎

[@Max-js1mx]

got a Hohner special 20 in C yesterday night, been loving it so far, so much more of an intricate instrument than I thought, Ive gotten a bend going a bit I'm sure just needs some practice! Ty for the great easy to digest info!

[@gregfish2485]

Been watching so many videos on harmonica. You are the best. You teach it simple and keep it simple. And make it easy to understand. Thanks for taking the time to do this!

[@Harmonicacom]

You're very welcome, Greg! Thanks for watching, and thanks for your kind words. ROCK ON! 🤘🏼

[@papaspike]

Although I need more practice on bending , I stil learnt how to bend and play the harmonica within a week and a half of buying it ! It also helps that I have prior musical education , I just found out how to play Mendelssohn's wedding martch on the harmonica and it's the funniest thing ever thanks to your spot on tutorial videos (on how to play single notes ,bending , positions etc) ! I am just eager to learn more and play the blues on the harmonica now ! Thanks a lot for your videos!

[@giovannibarbieri6241]

Ive started to play armonica since a couple of months and have improoved a lot druing this time , true also that Im a musician btw I play drum and percussion since ages and of course this helped me a lot however driven by love and deep couriosity Ive been checking lots of stuff online andnot only, I was bending already just one day it comes out like that but with your videos everything its even more clear to me now, thanks a lot buddy really a good tutorial clip !!!!

[@ZvikaDror]

Great video, you explain really well and surely help enthusiasts, young and veteran players to understand what it takes to get from clean to bent! Beginners are clueless and other beginners think they will conquer bends within a week. I played some harmonicas since age 11 without bending, just for fun, and only in the last 4-5 years I started getting into playing seriously. I need to stress patience and practice and playing and connecting to the harmonica, improving your single notes to be clear and calm before attempting to bend, as starting to bend in early stage will ruin your playing and make you play stressful and with bad tone! Once you control long clean tones and play without any stress, you can start bending. 6 months ahead, your bends should be stabilized, it is fact of life - you might be able to bend earlier, but to really GET IT, you need to think 6 months ahead and just play and set goals. Same for overbends - another 6 months until you master them, but it will be easier as overblow is similar to blow bends and overdraws is similar to draw bends. Play the note you wish to bend TO, on tone generator, virtual piano, keyboard, melodica, phone app, and try to get to the tone. Go from a clean tone to bent note, and in time you could get directly to the bent note.

[@Harmonicacom]

Well said Zvika! I've used this a lot: www.harmonica.com/bending-tool/

[@ZvikaDror]

@@Harmonicacom That is a very nice online tool, I recommended it to my local group on FB. Thanks!

[@darrenhirst9900]

Playing the blues harmonica forget about it. Points a gun you're going to bend or you're to be rusting with the fishes😂 Thanks for the advice really appreciate it.

[@stevezeg1]

Luke maaaaaan! I have seen hundreds of harmonica related videos (not to mention books, CDs) but this explaination is the best (that presentation with sheet of paper etc). Lucky ones who see this first. Congratulations!

[@Harmonicacom]

Wow, thanks! I really appreciate it.

[@joshangout9609]

I watched this first after seeing his review on the website!!!! I am one of those lucky ones!

[@BobbyPolfus]

That tilt Sounds like the beginning of a Charles Bronson cowboy movie.

[@b-rj1171]

Can you learn to bend on the key of C or is it easier on the key of G?

[@Harmonicacom]

I recommend starting on the key of C

[@metroidandroid]

I'm surprised with myself I'm getting this on my first day ever trying the harmonica, cool

[@joshcar4694]

Unless im doing something wrong. Just messing around with the harmonica i knew how to bend before i knew the scale and technique. I will try to learn a few songs now!

[@hypotheticalliberty3007]

Never played the harmonica. Got my first bend 20 minutes in. Thanks!

[@Harmonicacom]

CONGRATS!!

[@zirizlen2475]

Excellent tutorial, thank you. Got my first bend by the end of the video!

[@Harmonicacom]

Fantastic! BIG CONGRATS!!!!! 🙌🏼

[@darkorien_pt476]

Yoo, I could start doing it on the first try!! :DD Now just practicing I guess :)

[@siriosstar4789]

this is one time where sucking at something is a good thing . 😂 I use to play in a rock band the sixties and had no trouble bending notes . i guess i was just lucky . anyway you really do have to put some effort into it .

[@Pedrok92]

Hey Luke! I’m not lying when I say this is the best bending tutorial on KZbin! Despeite already knowing how to bend 4 and 6 I find your tips amazing! Thank you for that! I would like to ask you if you could go a little more in-depth about the 3 bends which I think it’s the most troublesome! Again, amazing content!

[@Harmonicacom]

Wow, thanks! Yes, bending the draw 3 literally takes a lifetime to master. Unlike any of the other holes, there are 3 notes you can bend down to. The most common are the half-step bend -3', which is the minor 3rd in 2nd position, and the whole-step bend which is the major 2nd in 2nd position. You might like to check out the Bend it Better tool, as this can be really helpful to see what's going on when bending this note: www.harmonica.com/bending-tool/ Hope that helps a little! aloha, Luke

[@ivovelo]

Hey man, this is pure gold. Thanks so much, I managed bending at 7 mins into the video (after pausing and practicing, of course). I have never really played much harmonica, but I played a bit of didge. Sure feels like that helps. Ok, one more thing on my to-learn-bucket-list: proper, actually controlled bending (still somewhat erratic. I find it a lot easier on the -1 than -4. Maybe also a didge-player-thing?)

[@Harmonicacom]

Sick. Congrats. Bending takes time. It's just trying. And trying again. No shortcuts. Rock on! 😎

[@ophthalmol2009]

thanx soooo much....could do my first bending with tilting...... sooooooo happyyyy.. thanx thanx thanx..soo positive teaching.. great.. thanx again..

[@Harmonicacom]

Sweeeeet. BIG CONGRATS. 🙌🏼

[@ignaciogonzalez4699]

I always enjoy your videos, Luke. They are outstanding, effective, and enjoyable. You are a total wizard! Keep sharing...

[@Harmonicacom]

I appreciate that so much! Thank you. 👊🏼

[@deadmanswife3625]

Is it true that bending messes up your harmonica?

[@Harmonicacom]

Nope! (But blowing and drawing TOO HARD does.)

[@deadmanswife3625]

@@Harmonicacom okay ty

[@brahmadevyoga9923]

Hello Luke! I commented already in your website but needed to thank you again here for your analytic, simplified explanations. You were the best so far to break up everything around bending a begginer needs to go forward, in pieces. Wish you and your loveones all the best and keep up the good work!

[@Harmonicacom]

Awesome, thank you so much for you kind words! ROCK ON! 🎶

[@nihatkazimov8508]

Hello, i have a big tooth in the mid of the roof of my mouth, will it affect to the bending of notes?

[@elderhiker7787]

Here is a goofy question for you. I can only play the bend notes using pursed lips, but I’m a tongue blocker. If I play with pursed lips, I make all sorts of mistakes. So, I’ve been trying to play in my normal tongue blocking mode, but then switch to pursed lips when I have to play a bent note. It is super clumsy and doesn’t produce good results. Now, I can bend notes in the tongue blocking mode, but they are not well tuned and frequently take fraction of a second to activate the bend which destroys the rhythm of the song. Any suggestions?

[@Harmonicacom]

Oof, I feel your pain. I only started learning TB-ing about 5 years ago and I can bend well. But not as quickly and accurately as I can while lip blocking. Do you love tongue blocking and that style? If so, then it's just focus on practicing that, and be patient with it. Sorry not to have a more exciting answer for you!

[@letoatreides5165]

I have a brass instrument background, and on the draws i had to learn not to bend😂

[@Mateo-no9gs]

Great tutorial, im still learning and in watching all ur vids. Also i just realized that you reply to every comment, AND I USE THE BENDITTOOL ON UR WEBSITE

[@Harmonicacom]

Niiiice. Glad you liked the vid. Yeah the Bend It Better tool is AWESOME!

[@creator10978]

Hey, awesome video, i somehow managed to bend the E by putting my ‘under’ lip a tiny bit on the hole, that way it bends too. Is this wrong??? Or should I just practice the right way to bend?

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey - glad you liked the vid. I'm not sure exactly what you're saying, but I recommend keeping a nice deep relaxed mouth position at all times, otherwise the tone will become weak and airy. But maybe you're just talking about the tilt method? If that's the case, you're bending - it's a victory! Keep it up. Rock on, Luke

[@אאאאאאא-ז7ר]

Thank you very much! The best harmonica teacher i found in KZbin.

[@Harmonicacom]

You're very welcome. And thanks for your kind words!

[@sizzleslider4334]

You are a great teacher, my skills have improved dramatically since finding your channel today.

[@Harmonicacom]

That's great! 🙌🏼 Glad to help.

[@Jawsomest]

"You might not be able to bend for a few days" Huh. I got it within 20ms, and can smoothly do the 4th hole consistently whenever now :D Still not very good sounding on the 6th hole, gettin' there.

[@Harmonicacom]

CONGRATS!!!!! 😎

[@williambrusca1296]

I’m still having trouble grrrr any suggestions. My worst problem is I do everything hard and fast.. well I’m from Brooklyn Ny lol. when I play I have the hardest time relaxing my mouth.. so any suggestions

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes, you've already figured it out, William! Relaxation and approaching it with a curious, playful attitude is the key. I know it's hard not to get frustrated, but frustration and being in a hurry are your worst enemies.

[@purpledanger4038]

Amazing! I watched two or three videos, they all sounded similar and i couldnt get it. I'm like "I'll try this one and then just quit for a bit." But i got it! Only an hour later and i can do it on command and start in bent position. You're a master among men Luke, mahalo 🙌🏻

[@Harmonicacom]

WOW! That's amazing. Big congrats my friend! Hope you're having a blast exploring the new world of sound. 👊🏼😎🎶

[@ruanbritz6844]

I don't know if anyone will see this comment, but I found a comment on a forum that just let EVERYTING just click, especially with the tongue position: Take a straw or imagine a straw in your mouth > imagine sucking air through it, but be thorough with your imagination as your brain needs to take this position > now imagine sucking as if it's icecream/milkshake in it. This change in your tongue is exactly how you'll be altering the air stream. I wasn't able to conceptualize it before FIRST doing the sucking air through the "straw" and THEN moving to the sucking position for a milkshake. After this, I had a perfect bend in about an hour.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Ryan - that's so cool!! It would be great if you could post this over here: forum.harmonica.com/t/whats-your-experience-learning-draw-bends/6869?u=luke Aloha, Luke

[@johnhughes3963]

I also think restricting your throat muscles too help with bending. Took me a while to learn how to bend.

[@Harmonicacom]

Making the throat bigger at the back?

[@incognitivedistortion8800]

My whole thing is that I can bend it instantly the moment he showed me. The problem I'm having is that I can't bend it down as low as any instructor teaching me. I think I'm going down about a half step but I'm trying to go lower and the sound just cuts off.

[@Harmonicacom]

Which hole are you working on? Also, this tool can help: www.harmonica.com/bending-tool/

[@incognitivedistortion8800]

@@Harmonicacom I'm not sure because I didn't know every hole is different. I'm struggling with blow bends. I can draw bend about half step down. I can't bend a whole step down. You asked what hole I'm working on? Are there different rules applied to each holes on harmonica?

[@incognitivedistortion8800]

@@Harmonicacom Thank you sir.. I understand principals in this link..

[@bazzel1059]

Kinda works now, thanks lots. I gotta say though, -1 was waaay easier to bend for me than -4. Need to keep practicing for everything else a lot more probably.

[@Harmonicacom]

Great job! BIG CONGRATS ON GETTING A BEND!! Yeah, just keep playing with it. Ain't nothing to it, but to do it!

[@daveslow84]

Wow! I started playing yesterday and 8:55 into the video I got the bend :) thanks

[@Harmonicacom]

Crazy. Make sure you check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZLCkoufZtZrpbs

[@iliasmirnov5728]

Ваши уроки великолепны! Спасибо большое)

[@williambrusca1296]

Hi, I’m having major problems learning to bend even listening.. I’m playing since around Christmas.. people say I play great for the time I’m playing.. that’s without bending.. I know my mouth is tight.. I try bending it goes higher than lower notes.. people say it’s impossible lol we’ll I found a way lol.. I’m wondering how much it cost for lessons to bend. If I bend I’d play awesome but grrrr.. lol

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey William - have you tried the Bend It Better tool so you can confirm what's happening? www.harmonica.com/bending-tool/ Take a look at that while you try -1' and -4' and let me know what you see.... 👍🏼 Don't give up. I know it's frustrating, but it'll come...

[@technologeando]

It is important to take a brake after don't get it right LoL. In my case, I stopped for like 3 weeks after trying a lot without any success, and just now I come back and with this video I get it just really quick. Thank you very much, I'm happy with my noisy bending hahaha

[@Harmonicacom]

Great point! Always good to take breaks!

[@kadijaish]

I was able to get the bend with the harmonica pointing down. This is harder than it looks. Thank you man. When I play my Big River Hohner I sound like 10 year old boy 😂 But hey, It's my first day

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on bro. Stick with it!

[@GINGERGARY1]

Mybe because I am old (78) but after a whole bunch of draws, I get dizzy. Watched this 4 times and i think I know how to bend, after 4 more practice sessions I'll know if I am any good at bending

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Gary - looks like you beat me to it, lol. Yeah, that's normal to get dizzy. Also be prepared for it to take A LOT longer than a dozen practice sessions to become proficient at bending. This is a journey that requires patience, my friend. Don't give up! You got this.😎

[@chickensnipz]

Thanks for the tips, man. I just realized the sound from the “kk” zone on from me, is that I sounds like Darth Vader’s breath machine. Need more water to stay hydrated during practice

[@Harmonicacom]

YES that's it exactly! And yes, drink LOTS of water!!! You got this! 👊🏼

[@lavonnecarrick2238]

Great video thank you very much! Of course I’m having some trouble. I can bend, but my bending notes don’t sound as deep as yours do. Is this still part of the process? Or could the difference be because my harmonica is not in tune? I’m looking forward to your response❤

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes, that's normal part of the process. Not the harmonica. Just keep trying!

[@everybodyinternetstranger]

I bought a harmonica course recently but the explanation wasn't meh. I watch some video of yt but this right here is the best one of all

[@Harmonicacom]

Niiiiice. glad it helped. You got this! 👊🏼

[@christiantorchia5094]

Sigh, I've been trying for quite a long time but still can't achieve a complete bend... I manage to lower the note just by half of the tone you can reach, and with great difficulty :...(

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey that's ok! If you're getting any bend at all that's a victory! Don't quit!

[@matthewerdman]

So yeah, I've been playing for about a week and I'm having problems with the bends. I tried following your tutorial here. I can increase pressure when I tilt the harmonica like you suggested and I have noticed a pitch bend slightly. When I do this I get high pitched noises sometimes or no noise at all so... just the right angle maybe? Also it seams to not go down that far. I can "bend" with out tilting but I suck air in really hard rather then a simple inhale. It does, however, drop the pitch of the note similar to what I hear on your video. Any advice? Thanks in advance.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Matthew - I don't think it's wise to start working on bending yet, just because so many people who do that develop bad habits. If you're really secure on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZLCkoufZtZrpbs And really secure on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGXQdYCAr9ihpbc Then you're ready to start working on bending. LMK your thoughts...

[@bilbowaggins3036]

Question: do people use tonguing for articulation while playing bent notes? Like ta , ka, etc etc. Like, if im playing 4 draw, then 4 bend, should i articulate both with a ta ?

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes I use both ta and ka to articulate repeated notes in the bent position. 👍🏼 Great question.

[@byterbit6236]

Speaking of bending; I've some older harps that can't anymore. Can anything be done to help? I see that wetting them solves this for a short time, but I worry that I'm damaging them with water in the long run -

[@Harmonicacom]

You can do a search on this subject. There are things that can be done, but not my area of expertise. There's lots of info on this on the forum: forum.harmonica.com

[@AdamNelson-cv6zl]

When I learned bending, someone compared bending to sucking a thick shake thru a straw. Within minutes I was bending

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah that's a great analogy! Thanks for sharing!

[@prabirdas6301]

Thank you Sir🙏It is after 3 years of my journey!! after watching your lessons ! Now I can🤝 Love you Sir💐 Can I play in solo tune harmonica for blues!

[@Harmonicacom]

Wooo hoooo! CONGRATS!!!

[@elhard3944]

I managed to do it in 5 mins. To be fair I was already doing it halfway without realizing. I am a guitar player and I was going wah wah xD. I stopped to comment to say thank you and to ask how to tune my harmonica back? 😅

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on! To "unbend" a note, drop the jaw, relaxed, and lower the back of the tongue like when you yawn.

[@joshuacoffey2707]

Second day playing harmonica. This just helped me learn it so well. Your vids are great!

[@Harmonicacom]

right on Joshua. Rock on! 😎

[@Jimmy2Bits]

3:50 you should know that everyone watching likely just yawned here. (hopefully)

[@Harmonicacom]

🤣

[@GINGERGARY1]

I don/t know how many times I have gone through this lesson but its working/ I almost kept up with you on the country road. YIPEEEE! I lose the timing when I have to go from blow to draw.

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Gary! Glad you're going for it my friend. Blessings.

[@Asalashjari]

In order to "not die", don't forget to exhale every now and then 🥲 I'm seeing white dots everywhere.

[@Asalashjari]

I did the bending btw. I bought my harmonica last night and I can bend now after watching this video but I can say it needs different styles for everyone.

[@Harmonicacom]

LOL! Just make sure you'r not sacrificing the deep mouth position in order to achieve the bend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZLCkoufZtZrpbs

[@williambrusca1296]

The most comfortable harmonica I ever used is the hohner golden melody and sounds awesome.. my first bending eventually I believe will be on that harmonica.. I’m playing about a year and a half I have the worst time trying to learn to bend grrrr

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah, the original golden melodies are awesome. Patience William! It will come with time!

[@MsNakina]

I love this....thank you, super hilarious trying to practice bending.....lol

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Sheri. Don't give up!

[@ixnay66]

As a noob, I’m not sure if I should focus on tongue blocking for single notes or mouth pucker. Is it one of those “whatever is most comfortable” or should I focus on one or the other? I can get the notes fast and clean with a pucker but I’m having a harder time with tongue blocking. I ordered a tongue blocking trainer so I can see what’s going on but it hasn’t arrived yet.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Chris - I definitely recommend working on the lip blocking first (or pucker as you call it.) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGXQdYCAr9ihpbc

[@anjelgifford7524]

I love your approach well depicted well spoken easily digested and easily bent my first note after many vids and much despair lol thanks for the awesomeness!

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad it was helpful Anjel!

[@barrytdrake]

You explained this so well that I was able to get my first bend while watching! Thank you!

[@Harmonicacom]

CONGRATS!!!!!

[@riclinder874]

Luke I'm using the bend it better tool and the easiest is 3 then 1 then 2 but I just can't get 4, what am I doing wrong!! It just flickers.

[@Harmonicacom]

Smaller and more forward motions for -4 and -6. Don't give up! You got this! 👊🏼

[@ethann9290]

you a real g 🤝🏽

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks Ethan. You too. 👊🏼

[@naveenmari3384]

Hallo yoo the way your theaching skiles is very good👏👏 but one thing can you start a camp for beginners 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Naveen - thanks! Do you mean an in person camp? If you're talking about online, have you checked out my Beginner to Boss course? Aloha, Luke

[@jadesidhe2634]

Apparently playing didjeridoo for a decade translates over really nicely for this. Still need to tune my bends though

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on, Jade!

[@starterb]

Mann it's so hard at the high notes lol, but the low ones I'm getting slowly and its so much fun, I never imagined that I would be able to make bends in my old prima bends harmonica

[@Harmonicacom]

Everybody struggles with high notes, ESPECIALLY at the beginning.👌🏼 -7, -8 are the most frequent ones that REALLY trip people up, but anything above 6 can prove problematic! Remember to be patient with yourself. This may take some time... These are the tips for a getting good clean high notes. 1.) Let gravity lower your jaw so that it's totally relaxed and in a nice "aw" vowel shape, your teeth should be far apart from each other 2.) Keep the back of your tongue down, like it is when you yawn. Make sure it's not in the "Kk" zone (how your tongue is when you say a "Kk" consonant.) 3.) Nice steady, GENTLE, airflow. Most beginners (and many intermediate and advanced players) use WAY to much pressure. Hope that helps! 😎 Aloha, Luke

[@derrabe6253]

Every Video is perfekt! Best regards from Germany, Steffen 🍀👍🏻

[@Harmonicacom]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mrbee3534]

What harmonica are you using man, I can only bend on 1 draw well, struggling on 4 draw on a Lee Oskar.

[@Harmonicacom]

I'm using a Lee Oskar too. It's probably not the harmonica. Bending takes time to get, and can be frustrating. The -4' is gonna be a smaller and more forward mouth position than the -1'. A few people have told me they think the Special 20 is easier to bend than the Lee Oskar. But again, the technique is challenging and requires patience. You got this! Rock on, Luke

[@donaldmarshall4894]

Omg thank you so much from stoping and try again and again with video I got my first end it’s not pretty but a bend nonetheless lol thanks luke

[@Harmonicacom]

Rejoice, Donald. that's a HUGE accomplishment. CONGRATS!! It'll take a while before it all comes together, so be patient, and have fun!