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

How to play notes far from each other

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gtfossum:
Well the notes may be close together on the sheet, but when playing for example the theme from Schindler's list one have to move the harmonica quite a lot and fast back and forth between notes. I wonder if it makes sense to try and move the tongue instead playing from alternate angles of the mouth? It this the "correct" way of doing it or is it better to just learn to move the harmonica quickly?

Grizzly:
What you're describing is corner switching. Once mastered, it can reduce motion between large leaps. However, some players never learn it, so accuracy comes from muscle memory. Smoothness comes from slightly anticipating the next note. It helps to pivot the harmonica on the lips, helping to reduce the travel.

Tom

gtfossum:
Thanks a lot! So I understand this is a technique I should learn, if I can! Can't get away from practicing! Always something new and difficult to learn!!

When I've tried corner switching I end up at the "wrong" corner of my mouth. How do I make the transition from corner switching and back to playing at my preferred corner? Or should I just learn to play equally well at both corners?

Gnarly He Man:
Yeah, both corners.
I have yet to learn to do this well enough to use it at the gig--I am a pucker player for the most part, but "horses for courses".

Grizzly:

--- Quote from: gtfossum on June 04, 2012, 05:24:14 AM ---Thanks a lot! So I understand this is a technique I should learn, if I can! Can't get away from practicing! Always something new and difficult to learn!!

When I've tried corner switching I end up at the "wrong" corner of my mouth. How do I make the transition from corner switching and back to playing at my preferred corner? Or should I just learn to play equally well at both corners?

--- End quote ---
That's really tricky! I haven't got it down yet. I tongue block right (meaning it's where the opening is). It takes practice. Two of the keys to using corner switching successfully is to learn to play equally well out of either corner. The other is to study the music and plan ahead. You can make use of it as little ore as much as you want.

Tom

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