Some holes bend more than others. If you aren’t able to bend some notes as much as others, don’t worry. This is natural. The numbers on your harmonica should be on its mouthpiece, above each hole.
Your jaw should lower when you transition from the “Eee” to the “Ooo” sound. Another vocalizing technique that might help you uses the sounds “Tee” and “Two. " Create these by striking the roof of your mouth close to your teeth when transitioning between the hard “Eee” and “Ooo” vowels. [1] X Research source You can also use this inner mouth T-strike to give punch to your harmonica playing.
You should experiment bending the notes of these blow bend holes to find which feels most comfortable to you. You’ll likely find that blow bending is a little more difficult than draw bending, although the two are similar in many ways. For this reason, it’s recommended you first learn draw bending.
Be sure you are only practicing this note on the blow. You will not be able to bend holes eight through ten on the draw.
You may find it easier to punctuate your transition between vowel sounds with a T. Similar to draw bending, strike the roof of your mouth near the back of your front teeth when transitioning to between “Two” and “Tee” sounds. [3] X Research source
Take your hand and form an open C-shape with your fingers and thumb. Your harmonica should be positioned deeply into the C-shape, tucked into the area where your thumb joins your hand.
For the best control and quality of tone, you should try to keep your jaw as relaxed as possible while playing. Your jaw should be slightly lowered when playing your harmonica. This will create more space in your mouth and give your playing a richer tone. While getting used to forming a proper mouth seal with your harmonica, it can be difficult holding the instrument in position while keeping your jaw relaxed. Take your time, and practice until this becomes second nature.
Lip blocking is best for bending notes in blues and melody. Use your lips to block all other holes of your harmonica by narrowing the opening of your mouth to about the width of a pencil. Tongue blocking closes off other notes that are open to your mouth by covering them with your tongue, leaving a single free hole to either side of your mouth. You won’t need to narrow your mouth as much doing this as you would with lip blocking.
You won’t need to blast your harmonica with strong streams of air. You can get a full, rich sound from your harmonica with moderate amounts of sustained breathing. As you become more skillful at playing the harmonica, you may find that you can breathe somewhat through the instrument to reduce the amount of full breaths you take. This can help you sustain long melodic phrases without a break in the sound.
