How do you bend the notes on a Harmonica?

Question

I have played for many years, have been told I play very well. I can play just about anykind of music I hear but I can not bend the notes no matter how I try. I have tried everything, books , tapes and CDs but no success. Anybody have any tips or good sites? Please help its so frustrating,

Answer 1

Oh boy, bending a note....that's real tough. Till you get the technique right. Once you are able to do it though, it comes really nice and easy. Remember...

One, you need to be able to play single notes clearly and distinctly...

Two, you need to control your tongue, so that you can bend your tongue, as you draw your breath...Bend the tongue back OR bend it forward, to get the correct bend...

Three, you need excellent breath control.

It's easier to bend a drawn note than bending a blown note...simply because one has more control over one's breath when drawing than when blowing.

And most important....practice and more practice is the ONLY way to learn.

Answer 2

The first key to bending on the harmonica is: clear single notes. If you can't get one hole and only one hole to sound, you'll never get good bends.

The second key to bending is actually knowing what the bent note sounds like. Many people try to bend but don't get it until they hear someone do it right.

Go to youtube and search for Ronnieshellist. He has a great bending video where you can hear what every bend sounds like.

If you can whistle "weeee--ooooo, weeeee-ooo, weee-oooo" then you can bend. You'll feel your tongue going up and back a little in your mouth. Now try it whistling on the inhale. Really pay attention to your tongue as you make the whistle note get lower in pitch...

So, now that you've practiced getting one note, heard what the bends sound like, and worked your bending technique by whistling. . . pick up the harmonica and start on hole 4. Breathe in like your breathing, not like you're sucking. And move your tongue up and back the same way you changed pitch with your whistle.

It might not happen right away. They use a clutch analogy. You have to slide your clutch foot until the clutch engages. You have to experiment with your tongue until the note drops down to the bent note.

To the answer below: amazing harmonica players don't blow out harmonicas because of bending. You're answer is Bravo Sierra.
Good luck and practice, practice, practice

Answer 3

Yes, Jake is right. The bending of the note is achieved by altering the volume of air in the mouth. This is readily achieved by dropping the bottom jaw in order to alter the air flow. E and O are good for this, The bend can be achieved on draw notes and blow notes, Start on 3 or 4 draw. Good luck.

Answer 4

You do this by using the force of your breath, inhaling or exhaling. When pushed hard enough the reeds will bend enough to change the pitch slightly. I think it probably works better on the inhale. This will also wear out your harmonica quicker.

Answer 5

It really is a tightrope act...you have to..Bend your harp from your mouth...Right or Left.. You can only practice till you hear it which I'm sure you will..Listen to the masters..But you will only find out when you hit it.Good Luck,Man.