Other web Sites
Harmonica Blues  Harmonica Amps
Harmonica Links Harmonica Pages
• Archives Home
• Years
 · 1992
 · 1993
 · 1994
 · 1995
 · 1996
 · 1997 		 · 1998
 · 1999
 · 2000
 · 2001
 · 2002
 · 2003
 
Web HarpL
Ebay Searches:
Amps:
Microphones:
Effects:
Harmonicas and Gear:
Harmonica Music and Instruction:

 

 

Harp-L Archives

[Previous Message] [Next Message]
[Previous in Thread]
[Start of Thread] [End of Thread]

From: Mike Curtis
Date: Mon, 8 Jan 1996 02:40:50 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: How many diatonic kinds to play?

Mic'l writes:

> Is it better to play essentially one kind of (diatonic) harp, or is it
> better to play many different kinds? What are the trade-offs?

My opinion is, most players learn to play exactly one style (usually second
position), and use 12 standard diatonics so they can do exactly the same
licks and notes in 12 keys. the big problem is, after half a song, most
harmonicists have used every lick they have, and the rest of the night is
repetition (yawn).

I would recommend using some different tunings. Either that, or master as
many different positions as possible and use them.

I use just one harp, the C major diatonic, and play all keys on it. Another
harp player who uses positions but exactly the opposite philosophy is
Chralie Musselwhite. He'll use several different keyed harps in one song.
He's quite masterful at this. And you can always depend on him for a
different harp solo on each tune.

If you're a beginner, it's good to learn different scales. While some might
recommend mastering second position before venturing elsewhere, I do not.
While second position has its advantages, it is not the holy grail. A lot
of absolutely phenomenal harmonica is done in first, third, fourth, and
other positions. One can be a harmonica wizard and not play a single note
in second position. Even blues can be played without second position, even
though much blues is in second position.

As far as harmonicas, I would suggest having a "basic set" of C, Db, and A,
and maybe a couple of others if you really like them, and learning to play
these in different positions (as opposed to having a dozen harps and
learning to play them all in just one position).

For variety, you could do a lot worse than having a couple of Melody Makers
and various minors. The different tunings allow you to play the same
"notes", yet end up with a different melody and mode.

As mentioned above, this is my personal opinion. Others will probably
recommend doing things the traditional way, and there are good arguments for
doing such.

-- mike