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(EN)
ItsImagical has created Conservatory, a musical learning method by colours, to make their musical initiation
easier.
The harmonica is a melodic instrument that can be used to play melodies or musical phrases. That is why we are
going to start by learning to play simple, clear notes with good tone. There are several ways to play the
harmonica but we are going to focus on the technique called "puckering" or "lip blocking".
1. PARTS OF THE HARMONICA
This harmonica has 10 holes. Basically, each one can produce one of two notes depending on whether air is
blown or drawn through them. Look at the drawing to see where the notes go.
Since the notes will be learned by colour, both the image above and this one show the relationship between the
notes and the colours that will be used:
DO
C
RE
D
MI
E
FA
F
SOL
G
LA
A
SI
B
2. HOW TO PLAY
2.1. Placement or "mouthing".
In order to obtain the best tone, hold the harmonica as far inside the mouth as possible. Between the lips, never
on them. The following is also important: always keep the lip stiff - so as not to lose the block - and wet against
the harmonica so as to avoid friction when moving between one section and another.
Your tongue should be kept in a relaxed position at the bottom of the mouth, with the tip of the tongue behind the
teeth but not touching them. The idea is to enable free passage for the flow of air and achieve maximum size for
the resonance chamber inside the mouth cavity.
When you need to move over the harmonica to play melodies, the best idea is to try to move only the harmonica
while keeping your head still and your mouth over the harmonica at all times, maintaining the block so as not to
lose the clean sound. You can practise in front of a mirror.
2.2. Breathing.
You should stay relaxed while playing, especially your shoulders, neck, eyes and cheeks. Good posture is also
important: sitting down or standing, keep your back as straight as possible and your head facing forward.
With the harmonica, as with all other wind instruments (and singing), the diaphragm is used for abdominal
breathing - a muscle that, when developed, enables better support than simply using the lungs. You should try to
avoid just using your lungs too much (you can tell when you are because your shoulders remain still when
breathing with the diaphragm).
2.3. How to play notes.
We have three scales on this harmonica but, for now, we will use the C scale located at the middle of the
harmonica - between holes 4 and 7. This will enable you to play the suggested songs.
3. PREPARING THE HARMONICA
First of all, place the coloured stickers in the positions shown. Image a) shows the upper side of the harmonica
and image b) shows the lower side. Bear in mind that each hole can produce one of two notes; the first by
blowing air and the second by drawing (sucking) air through the hole. This is why stickers must be placed on both
sides.
4. SONGS
Now you can start to play the suggested songs.
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