How to Use the Diaphragm to Create a Tremolo Harmonica Sound

The harmonica is a handheld instrument that requires air to be blown into or drawn out of to produce music. Harmonicas are played most often in American folk, blues and country music but its sound is making its way into many other music genres. The tremolo effect is a pulsating sound made when playing the harmonica.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Hold the harmonica up to your mouth in the play position. Choose one note to practice with until you learn the technique.
2. Place your hand on your diaphragm. Hold it there while you practice. If you use your diaphragm and not your throat, your hand moves with your body.
3. Push your diaphragm out and in with quick pops of breaths. This creates a pulsating tremolo sound for notes when you breathe out.
4. Practice Step 3 until your diaphragm continuously pushes out short breaths. Change the speed of the breaths to control the diaphragm. Start slow and gradually get faster.
5. Draw short breaths through the harmonica. This requires more control than the previous steps. Take pulsating breaths into the diaphragm. Tighten your diaphragm and force the air in. This strengthens the diaphragm and makes the tremolo sound easier to accomplish.

Tips & Warnings

• It is possible to use your hands to create a tremolo sound. To do this, cup your hands in front of the harmonica and move them in and out.
• Do not use your throat to create these short breaths. Using your diaphragm makes a fuller sound.