I was practicing my bends and wondering why my lower bends on the draw 2 and draw 3 sounded so bad. I pulled out a guitar tuner to check my pitch and found out that I'd been bending my half-step bends too far, so when I tried to go down further, it sounded bad because I was trying to take the reed down too far. I found out that I WAS reaching that Ab (on the C harp).
I just THOUGHT I wasn't.

That delighted me because I found out I was trying to make the deeper bends harder than they are! So, I practiced for a while with the guitar tuner. That was tedious, though, because the tuner is somewhat eratic, and watching the needle for guidance can cause some exasparation. After all, by looking at that needle, you can't really tell how close you are to getting it right. Sure, the needle may be off, so you know you're off...but how close to pitch does that SOUND? Learning by the tuner just doesn't feel natural.

Then a light came on in my head! (I know it did 'cuz I saw the light shining out my ears. ) I plugged in that cheap Radio Shack keyboard that's been around since my kids were kids. Voila! Instant, natural feedback (not the audio kind)!

So...I suggest playing keys on a keyboard while drawing, bending, bending more. You'll know instantly where your pitch stands and be able to match the keyboard as you listen.



Post Edited (2008-05-20 06:05:35)

gene,
that's a great idea.

you can also use the Bendometer software--it shows you onscreen what pitch you're hitting. all you need is an internet connection and a computer with some type of built-in speaker.
-marc

I don't know if the Bendometer sounds a pitch while you try to match it. If not, it would be the same as using a tuner. (You said "speaker." Did you mean "mic?"

No, you're right--it does NOT sounds a pitch. It only shows you how close you're coming to a set pitch. And I did mean "mic" and not "speaker."

I like using my son's cheap keyboard, too. Playing scales helps a lot as well, as you can hear where the note is supposed to fit in.
-Marc

mmolino54 wrote:

"Playing scales helps a lot as well, as you can hear where the note is supposed to fit in."


Yep. Lately, I've been playing mini scales on the draw 2 only, and on the draw 3 only. The keyboard helps me to "fine tune" my bends, though.

GAAAH!!! ive been doing the EXACT SAME THING with my guitar tuner. at times it wasnt so bad, but at others i just wanted to through it across the room. ill try that bendometer software and maybe my mom's iPhone keyboard app (omg it's so freakin incredible)

i'm on the guitartuner aswell. havn't got a piano or anything alike. i've got a guitar, but not a neckrag for the harmonica, so i'm stuck on the tuner..

Just some cheap toy keyboard is all you really need for this.