Blues scale over 12 bar blues

[Big Mamma Thornton]

#23988

I’ve been trying to play the blues scale over the 12 bar blues as was demonstrated in Step 10, but I’m struggling to get an accurate bend on the Db and Bb as part of the descending scale (bars 10 and 11). I often find that by the time I’ve drawn on hole 5 then drawn on hole 4, I simply don’t have the lung power to do an accurate bend on both of those notes, and certainly struggle to maintain the draws until the next blow on the repeat. I can do the blues scale ok on its own, but it’s only as I start to play each note for the 4x beats that I find this issue. I can randomly do it ok, but not as consistently as I would like. Any tips? I still practice all the previous steps as well, so I’m still doing the breathing exercises like the train etc.

[Freddie]

#23990

Hey Alexander,
It sounds like you are right on track! I struggled with breath capacity as well when I first started and I did the same thing as you have described and one day it all came a lot easier. Somebody else may have a technique or exercise to share that may help, but like I said it sounds like you’re doing it. I think it’s one of those things that can feel like you may not be getting anywhere but if you just keep going you will be where you’re wanting to be before you know it.

Good luck!
Shawn

[Rooftop Cat]

#23991

Hello, Alexander,

I’d like to second what Shawn has to say. In a lot of ways, it really all does come down to the dedication to the instrument and the music, the patience to know your *current* limitations, and the intuition of where to focus in order to optimize your progress. You can only push yourself so far every day.

To be honest, reading these type of responses used to tick me off a bit when I was first starting lol. Like just give me the answer!! Accurate bending comes with practice. In time, it will become natural. Same for breathing patterns. Submit a clip of what you sound like so Mitch or we can better advise you.

Db – I seem to recall that I’d struggled hardcore with the 1-draw when I was starting. Try to match what you’re doing in the 4-draw. The lower the frequency, the further toward back of the tongue is used; higher => further toward front. Do you have other harmonicas in a lower key? Playing in diff keys will expand your tone range and you will form a more comfortable bending zone.

Bb – that one is tricky for anyone. I’d suggest trying licks that involve the notes around it (Bb and B) or (Bb and A). Playing those melodies with variations on the 3 draw should help you pinpoint the precise conformation of the tongue, in your head. That conformation may change, as you hear yourself become better and you search for your tone. It’s difficult to match what you think you’re doing and what you’re actually doing. Record and listen back. You can do multiple techniques simultaneously on the instrument. Give time for a technique to sink in. If you can make it sound musical, you’re progressing, but strive to make it sound as pretty as possible.

Rebuilding your neuromuscular system will take time. Don’t beat yourself up. It will be difficult at times. It may even physically hurt. You’re doing oral martial arts to metallic reeds. Take one day at a time. The cool thing I’ve found with the harmonica, is that if you just keep at it, you WILL get better, BUT it may be a MUCH slower process than you anticipated, but it makes the success of which that much sweeter!! Almost 30 years ago, I picked up the piano. Hitting Db was just about as easy as hitting C lol. For harmonica, it may take many months to get a decent Db out of a C harmonica and even some more months or years to perfect the tone to get certain overtones to sound off. Persevere and find ways to keep your self motivated. It SHOULD be an exciting experience!

The more and more I personally strive to get better, the more I become to realize that a lot of it has to do with motivating each other through the process. We were all at level X at some point. We all want to get to some level, Y, which may grow more distant, as X grows. Why not strive to move together?!

Best,
Ryan

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