Harmonica saliva production tips
Common question I received: "I produce a lot of saliva when playing harmonica—how can I reduce that?"
Dealing with "wet" playing is something almost every player faces. Here is my take on why it happens and how you can manage it.
Why does saliva increase?
When you first start playing, your body reacts to the harmonica as if it were food. Because there is a foreign object in your mouth, your brain thinks you’re about to eat and overproduces saliva to help digest it. Alternatively, the body might be trying to "push out" the object.
The best solution is simply time and persistence. As you play more, your body eventually realizes that the harmonica belongs there to make music, not to be eaten. Whether it takes a week or six months, it will settle down. I’ve been playing for 25 years, and while I remember it feeling "wet" in the beginning, it isn't an issue for me anymore.
Watch what you eat and drink
What you put in your body before a session significantly affects your saliva quality.
Avoid sugar: This is my most important tip. Sugar (from candy, sodas, or even fruit) makes saliva strange and sticky, which clogs up the harmonica reeds, valves and slider systems. I avoid sugar for at least 30 minutes before a concert.
The best drink: Plain water is the best choice. While it might be "boring," it keeps things clean.
Be careful with coffee/tea: These are fine if you drink them black. However, adding sugar or milk can mess with your saliva consistency.
No pre-gig snacks: Avoid cookies, candy, bananas, or apples right before you play. I’ve definitely "jammed and eaten" before—drinking beer or eating chips while playing (I still do)—but you pay for it later with a lot of cleaning!
Mouth hygiene tips
Keeping your mouth clean is vital for the health of your instrument.
Brush your teeth: Brushing your teeth before playing is a good habit, but I recommend using only water. Many toothpastes contain sugar or menthol that can actually make your saliva feel "slower" or stickier. You could use toothpaste; just be sure not to take too much. If you brush with toothpaste - wait 15 minutes before concert so the taste can settle.
Cleaning your instrument: Harmonicas get dirty. I clean mine anywhere from once a week to once a month. If I’m recording an album or playing a customized "front flat-sanded" chromatic, I might clean the slider every hour because those airtight instruments are much more sensitive to friction and dirt. The more airtight your mouthpiece and slider, the more often you have to clean.
Technique: The inside of the lip
Your playing style also plays a huge role. I recommend playing on the inside of the lip rather than the front of the lip.
The front of your lip is a dry area, while the inside is naturally moist. By using a "deep embouchure"—putting more of the harmonica into your mouth—you create a better seal.
Don't "lick" the harmonica: I don't wet my harmonica with water or lick it before I start.
Natural lubrication: I simply put the instrument in my mouth and move it around slightly to get a bit of natural lubrication on the area where I'll be playing. This creates a smooth, nice surface for the instrument to glide on without flooding it with spit.
Final Thoughts
Everyone is different, and we all have different levels of acidity in our saliva. Certain medications and health conditions can also affect saliva production, both producing more or less.
If you avoid sugar, stay hydrated with water, and practice a deep embouchure, you will notice a big difference in how your harmonica performs.
Remember to always keep your head and neck straight to minimize the saliva that can flow into the harmonica. Don’t look down or lean down while playing. Neck straight and look at the horizon.
Have a great day and take care!
Filip
This post was adapted from a recent vlog where I talk about this subject. You can watch the full video below:
