One of the best ways to improve your harmonica skills is to practice ear training. Practicing ear training will allow you to recognize intervals and make connections between notes, as well as learn songs and compositions. Here are some tips to improve your ear training:
Breath control
Learning proper breathing for harmonica playing is crucial for mastering various skills related to the instrument. The subconscious mind is the one that controls most of our activities, including our breathing. We can train our minds through repetition. New patterns will run in the background, and it only takes a 1% change in breathing to see big changes. By practicing with a metronome, you can learn proper breathing for harmonica playing.
Bending notes
One of the most important skills to learn when playing the harmonica is bending notes. This is a skill that many players struggle with because they skip steps and use the wrong technique. In order to bend notes effectively, you should begin by opening your mouth and drawing air into it. Then, with your tongue, pull the air back out. Repeat this process until the note is pitch correct. It may take some practice, but it will pay off in the long run.
Using chord tones to create tension
There are a few important techniques to use when playing the harmonica. Creating tension on the harmonica requires good listening skills and understanding of the different harmonica techniques. The first step to creating tension on the harmonica is to understand the different types of chords. Then, break them down into their basic components. Compare what you want to sound like to the way you actually sound. Then, practice until you are creating the sound you want.
Practicing octaves splits
When you’re learning how to play octaves splits on harmonic, it’s important to understand the differences between them. The lower note is either too high or too low. To determine which note is correct, try blowing two notes together and then letting them decay. Then, make small adjustments to each reed. The higher the reed, the less work it takes to change the pitch.
Listening to other players
One of the best ways to improve your harmonica playing is to listen to other players on the instrument. Listening to others while playing gives you an opportunity to hear how the harmonica sounds as a whole. It’s also helpful for ear training, which will help you distinguish between notes, understand intervals, and develop a better understanding of the different hole combinations. You can also practice ear training by playing with others while learning songs and developing your own original tunes.