How to Play the Echo Harmonica
The harmonica is a staple of American music and remains a popular instrument for those who play styles such as folk and blues. Learning how to play the echo harmonica is relatively simple if you have experience playing traditional harmonica. Also known as tremolo harmonicas, echo harmonicas can add a mysterious waver to just about any style of music.
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Instructions
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Hold the harmonica in your dominant hand. While everyone has their own preferred way of gripping the instrument, it is common to use your thumb as a base (on the bottom) and your index and middle finger to cradle the harmonica. Adjust until comfortable.
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Blow gently in and out of each hole in the harmonica to familiarize yourself with the sound that it emits. Blowing into a single hole will give you one frequency, while blowing into two holes at a time will cause the harmonica to waver. Practice isolating the sounds you make by moving from single to double-holed blowing in and out.
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Incorporate the use of your hand to bend the pitch of the harmonica. Form a cup with the hand that does not hold the harmonica; opening and closing your hand will change the pitch enough to make it sound as if it is bending. This is a crucially important skill to learn, as almost anyone who plays professionally makes use of pitch bending on a regular basis.
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Practice playing a scale by viewing a note chart specifically tailored to the harmonica you are playing. Since harmonicas can be in different keys, the scale you play on one will differ from that played on another. Move up and down the instrument to complete a scale.
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Experiment with different chords by blowing through multiple holes at once. Changing your embouchure (the formation of your lips) will have an effect not only on the tone of the instrument, but also on which holes you are able to play through at the same time.
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Tips & Warnings
Always practice for at least one hour per day if you wish to see significant improvement.
Playing any wind instrument requires a shift in how you breathe. Take it slow at first to avoid hyperventilation.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit harmonica image by Claudio Calcagno from Fotolia.com
