: Harmonica - high draw note won't sound I have a strange situation in which i can't seem to play the draw (an 8 draw on a D harp) AT ALL on lip pursing, although i can do all the other notes, even the high ones. But it's

Vote Up Vote Down   0 Reactions

Login to give Reaction!

1) If it's a new harp, certain reeds my be stiff at first - you need
to experiment with your embouchure until you find the correct
approach to getting that note to sound properly, then continue doing
so regularly when you practice. After a week or two, it should loosen
up and you'll be able to play more normally.
2) If it's an older harp, quite often dirt and gunk will accumulate
around a reed or hole, making it difficult to play. Harmonicas
require constant maintenance to keep them clean and playing
correctly. If you look under close light, often you can see gunk
obstructing the hole or reed.

The fix in that case is to clean your harp. It's a delicate
process, and if you do it incorrectly you can trash the instrument
entirely. You can read up on it - there are some good sites that discuss
it and some controversies as well, but it's probably better to have someone experienced do it for you.
It often involves opening up the harp and touching or getting in between the
reeds - delicate business.

At any rate, never use solvents to clean, and avoid cotton swaps or any other material that leaves lint. Water, rubbing alcohol and a lint-less
cloth or something like lens cleaners are good. If you use water, hold your harp face down, so the water runs out the front and doesn't accumulate around the reeds, which again could trash your instrument entirely.