To really get your rhythm harmonica smokin', breathe from the diaphragm, not the chest. This will help increase your speed, improve you rhythmic timing, keep you from hyperventilating, and ultimately improve your tone.

When you inhale your belly expands, and when you exhale your belly contracts.

To help you remember, make believe you have a balloon in your belly. When you inhale, the balloon fills up so your belly pushes out. When you exhale, the balloon deflates so your belly pulls in.

Here's how you can practice:

• Lie flat on your back. Put one hand on your belly and one hand on your chest.
• Breathe deeply, so that the hand on your belly rises on the inhale and falls on the exhale. The hand on your chest should remain still.

Once you feel comfortable doing this experiment with short quick breaths from the belly (like a dog panting).

On the upcoming rhythm pattern I highly recommend you begin practice you diaphragmatic breathing.

Train-Time Chugging Rhythm: The Dewitt Clinton Version Two

Whisper TA twice while drawing on holes 1 and 2 at the same time, and whisper TOO twice while blowing on holes 1 and 2 at the same time.

Have fun jamming along with your “C” harp by clicking the player below.

Promotional Video

To practice using your diaphragmatic breathing with the harmonica I recommend you try it as you Jam along with this clip from:

“Harmonica Made Fun and Easy So You Don't Get Stuck: Getting Campfire-Ready"
-Levels 1 and 2 of the JP Allen Instructional Series

Try my DVD lessons today!

From now on, practice using diaphragmatic breathing whenever you play the harmonica. This will certainly take time to master but soon you'll be doing it without having to think about it. Diaphragmatic breathing will be the key to your speed, control, tone, timing, and your ability to play for extended periods of time without getting dizzy.

There are many breathing exercises that can support your development of diaphragmatic breathing (i.e. singing exercises). The one that helped me the most is called “The Breath of Fire” which is found most extensively in the Kundalini Yoga tradition.

Click Here to go to Level 2!

OVERSTOCK DISCOUNT BUNDLE!!!

Just for checking out my discounted DVD's you will receive a
FREE DVD and a FREE HARMONICA

("Harmonica Core Essentials: Creating Good Habits")

My DVD lessons will:

Show you the tricks to playing single notes with a sweet soulful tone.

Help you to learn songs faster.

Teach you the secrets to bending, jamming at high speeds, and all the essential techniques necessary for you to enjoy the harmonica for life.

ACCELERATE your progress. Many students tell me that the DVD's are a lot more fun and easy than working off this website. The DVD's will show you over 50 simple ways to play the harmonica musically and sound great.
 

If you have any concerns or need additional clarity feel free to
Contact JP at (808) 639-1086
or jp@jpallen.com