How to Play a Single Note Pucker

The single-note pucker is one of the most basic techniques in harmonica. It is easy to learn, but it takes a lot of work to get good at it. Once you manage to get a single note out by itself, it is simply a matter of practice.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Pucker your lips so they form a round hole.

2. Hold the harmonica in the V between your thumb and index finger. Your thumb should be against the bottom of the harmonica, and your index and second fingers should be on the top.

3. Tilt the harmonica slightly so that the side facing the mouth is at a slight downward angle.

4. Put the harmonica in your mouth, moving it far enough back so that it touches the corners of your mouth. Keep your lips pursed.

5. Move the harmonica until a hole is right in the middle of your pucker.

6. Blow, breathing from the stomach.

7. Increase your pucker or tilt the harmonica at a steeper angle if you can't get a single tone.

8. Try a draw note once you manage to blow and hear only one note at a time Breathe inward, drawing the breath down into your belly.

9. Practice moving up and down the harmonica, playing one note at a time. Blowing continuously, move the harmonica steadily to the side. Try to hold your mouth so that you hear only one note at a time.

Tips & Warnings

• Alternate playing chords and using the single-note pucker. Not only will this lead to more variety in your playing, it will also stop you from fatiguing your mouth too quickly and having a short practice.
• The single-note pucker is not the only way to play one note at a time on harmonica. Many players prefer tongue blocking, where the player blocks off several holes with the tongue and plays one note out of the corner of his mouth.