How to Bend Notes on a Harmonica

The harmonica is an easy instrument to learn. After a few lessons, almost anyone can blow out a tune so that the song is recognizable. But learning all the nuances of a harmonica is more difficult. Bending the notes is the key to getting a great sound from your harp, as it is also called, particularly if you play the blues, where these instruments are prevalent.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Practice blowing single notes, one hole at a time, before you try bending notes. Once you can play the harp one note at a time, learning to bend the reeds comes much easier.

2. Adjust the airflow of your blowing. Knowing the sound you are striving for will help you recognize when you get it.

3. Move the harmonica up and down at different angles for each note that you want to bend. The various reeds respond differently when you use your hands and tilt the harp to achieve a bending sound.

4. Push out slightly with your jaw and move your tongue to the top of your mouth while you suck in air instead of blowing. Move your lips lightly in and out while adjusting your tongue, and you can get many different bends out of one hole. You may be surprised at the range of tones you can get from one hole.

5. Hold one hand over the bottom of the holes and move it off and on the ends of the holes. This position adds even more resonating sounds to your playing. You also can jiggle the harp back and forth in your mouth while blowing and bending to add more depth to the sound.