This lesson is a continuation of the techniques learned in the last step. If you are entering my website for the first time and have not yet been exposed to the unique way I teach single notes I recommend you link back by clicking here.
If you're still having trouble with the lip-blocked single note, here are a few suggestions that might help.
For this entire lesson, practice on any single note that you wish.
Suggestion 1:
Increase the angle of the harp as seen above.
Increased angling of the harmonica sometimes makes it easier to figure out how to play single notes. Once you get the knack of how to do it I recommend that you reduce the angle as seen in the picture at right.
Suggestion #2:
Bring the corners of the mouth closer together as if you were trying to chew on the inner corners of your lips. This will position the lower lip to block the undesired holes while letting one single note play sweet and clear through the center.
Suggestion #3:
Step 1: Unfold the lower lip and increase the angle of the harp until the lower lip actually completely obstructs the airflow. Blow to make sure that no air is leaking (You shouldn't be able to breath at all through you mouth because the lower lip is clogging all the holes. Also, no air should be leaking through the sides of your mouth). The harmonica should be contacting the inside of your lower lip as demonstrated in the picture at right.
Step 2: Slowly bring the harp back to a 45-degree angle attempting to allow only one single note to peeps through (while keeping the other holes obstructed).
Step 3: If this didn't work, go back to the Step 2 and bring the corners of the mouth closer together as you practice above in Suggestion #2.
Suggestion #4:
Deep
Less Deep (try this)
Try positioning the harp a little shallower on your lower lip as seen in the above picture. MAKE SURE the tender inside of your lower lip continues to contact the harmonica.
Continue practicing until you are able to play one clear, sweet single note. Then see if you can randomly move around from one single note to the next (both blowing and drawing). You can also play though the notes in order as in the below exercise.
Single Notes Practice: “What Goes Up Must Come Down”
Practice going from a Blow note to its corresponding Draw note:
Going Up
And Back Down Again
Don't worry right now if you're having difficulty producing a clear single note on 2-draw and 3-draw. We will work on that in the upcoming lesson.
Before going on to the next lesson, I recommend you take your time until develop confidence playing one single note at a time (using the “Lip-Blocked Single Note”). If you don't want to feel that you are stagnating I recommend you go back and review some of the earlier lessons (i.e. Especially “JP's Four Favorite Train-time Rhythms” in Level 2 - Step 2 Beginning Intermediate)
Also, if you would like support in becoming confident at playing single notes in musical situations I highly encourage you to check out my audio download of:
If your still finding Single Notes challenging your not alone. I consider single notes to be the first major hurdle for you to get over. If you're getting frustrated and you want to have fun and keep your confidence high I urge you to check out:
My goal for this lesson was to increase the probability of your enjoying harmonica for life. The tricks I show you will enable you to sound great while jamming with other musician as well as offering you a fantastic stepping-stone to the world of single notes.
THE NEXT LESSON:Will explore a technique that you can use to enhance the tone and timing of your playing.
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Just for checking out my discounted DVD's you will receive a FREE DVDand 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
Show you the tricks to playing single notes with a sweet soulful tone. 
