Harmonica Lesson 2
Bending notes (15 minutes)
The ability to bend notes is what really defines a harmonica player. Bending notes is essential for any style of music since it expresses feelings and emotions through a song. This is especially true of anything relating to the blues. A prime example of bending notes to maximum effect is the recording of Little Walter with Muddy Waters on the classic cut Standing around crying. Little Walter pours every ounce of his soul into this song. Listen to the way he bends the notes to give the song its wailing quality. This is one of the finest examples of raw blues harmonica anywhere.
One way to bend a note on the harmonica is to choose notes 2, 3, or 4 and draw the notes to get a good and clean tone. When you have the clean tone, continue to draw the note, but now make an angry face. Tighten your facial muscles as hard as you can. This will cause the air in your nasal passage to constrict the air through your windpipe, thereby bending the note. Once you manage to control the bend at will, you won't have to make any faces at all. Instead, you will be able to conjure up a bend at any time.
Call and response (15 minutes)
Call and response is exactly what it sounds like. You speak a phrase and play the same phrase on your harmonica. It is possible to play an entire song using this technique. This is very useful on songs that everyone knows or on Gospel songs or Spirituals. A good song to try this out on is "Rock me". Sing this phrase: "Rock me, Baby, rock me all night long". Now play the same phrase on your harmonica. Your starting note can be a 2 Draw or 3 Blow. This technique is excellent practice for training your ear to play what you hear.
