Learn Jazz Harmonica: How to get a bigger and fuller sound

How to work on a bigger and fuller sound

This week, I want to remind you of one simple yet crucial technique: placing the harmonica deeper into your mouth. It may sound odd at first, but trust me—this is a game-changer for achieving a bigger, richer tone.

How a deeper harmonica position improves your tone

One of the key things I always teach is to play on the “inside of the lips”, not on the lips themselves. This means that when you bring the harmonica to your mouth, you should take a “big, comfortable bite” of it. The deeper placement allows for better tone production, resonance, and control.

If you simply rest the harmonica on the outside of your lips, your tone will be a bit thinner. You will also dry out your lips faster. But if you open up and let more of the harmonica in, your sound will become fuller. It also changes the timbre of the tone, you can compare it like this:

1. Playing with the harmonica resting on the outside of lips – the sound is brighter and more narrow.

2. Playing with more harmonica in the mouth, using the inside of the lips – the tone is bigger and warmer.

Sound is of course always subjective and hard to describe in words, but this is my experience.

This principle applies to both chromatic and diatonic harmonicas because it's about maximizing the resonance chamber within your mouth. The deeper your embouchure is, the more control you’ll have over your tone.

Proper Lip Positioning

When using this technique, your lips should be fully sealed around the harmonica, but you don’t want to overdo it. You’re not swallowing the harmonica or exaggerating the motion—just allowing your lips to comfortably wrap around the instrument and forming a perfect seal. Make sure to lower your jaw a bit, like saying “haaaa” or “hooo”. Don’t create tension in the jaw, just let it drop down for the “haaaa” sound. Look in a mirror while trying. It should look natural - at the same time, the jaw should come down a bit.

A deeper embouchure also helps manage moisture. Playing on the inside of your lips utilizes a naturally more hydrated surface, preventing them from drying out as quickly as when the harmonica is played directly on the outer lips.

Try this out for yourself! The next time you practice, focus on placing the harmonica deeper in your mouth and playing on the inside of your lips. You'll be surprised at the difference it makes.

Be sure to check this video that I have on Youtube - there you can see the lip placement I recommend.