AppalachiaBlues
171 posts
May 28, 2018
9:05 AM
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My normal harp playing is probably 80% cross-harp (2nd position), 10% first position, and 10% 3rd position. However.... when playing with a rack, while strumming guitar, I have a tendency to play in 1st position much more often (maybe 60% to 70% of the time). I'm curious if other players are doing the same. Do you play more often in first position with a rack? If so, have you thought about why?
Last Edited by AppalachiaBlues on May 28, 2018 9:08 AM
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Grey Owl
882 posts
May 28, 2018
9:36 AM
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Hi Appalachia Blues. I usually play rack in 2nd position which is my default position anyway and occasionally 1st.
I generally play melody lines on the lower part of the harp in 2nd and add fills.
In 1st I tend to start higher up and occasionally drop down to to pick out a bend that might be needed lower down.
The trouble with playing bends at least for me is that I have to concentrate getting them in pitch and that can mess me up on the guitar side. Practice as always is essential to overcome the unnatural feeling of playing rack harp as there is enough aggro in playing harp and guitar together!
I've often wanted to play Neil Young's Heart of Gold in 1st but have never got round to it.
Thanks for your kind words on my video BTW. Still got the fan on:)
YouTube
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JInx
1368 posts
May 28, 2018
5:42 PM
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Use all the positions, indulge yourself.
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shakeylee
741 posts
May 29, 2018
12:14 AM
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i usually stick to the big three.
maybe 75% in second position and the rest in first and third.
unless i start a song and forget to change harps,then,i might do a little something in an odd position :)
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www.shakeylee.com
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Gnarly
2492 posts
May 29, 2018
6:45 AM
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I use rack harp in a variety of key, tunings and positions.
I even use the Vern Smith Hands Free Chromatic--and not just in C.
I have never experienced what you are describing.
I do have Heart of Gold down in 1st, however.
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AppalachiaBlues
173 posts
May 30, 2018
4:17 AM
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Thanks everyone.
Grey Owl is right, maybe I need to put in some more hours with the rack, to starting feeling really comfortable (and in control).
I think there are three things happening to me:
1. I happen to play a lot of songs in key of D, and I like how the D harp cuts through the guitar, better than the G harp. So I end up in first position on those songs.
2. Without holding the harp, I feel like it's hard to get a good embouchure/position to consistently get accurate and controlled bends in 2nd position.
3. I'm used to singing with the guitar, which is an exhale-focused activity. So when the harp solo comes, a first position harp feels consistent with singing, and somehow more natural.
Heart of Gold is a good one. It's one of the first songs a played with the rack (in first position).
Last Edited by AppalachiaBlues on May 30, 2018 4:50 AM
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KingoBad
1724 posts
May 30, 2018
6:36 AM
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You need a better rack.
If the rack you are using doesn't put your harp in a good position for second position, then get a rack like the Hohner flex rack or one of the other more adjustable racks. Some on this forum have modified racks quite brilliantly.
I find the awful position of the standard harp rack to be quite hard to use, and only allow for bad 1st pos. playing if it doesn't fit you well.
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Danny
Last Edited by KingoBad on May 30, 2018 6:37 AM
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AppalachiaBlues
174 posts
May 30, 2018
7:04 AM
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Thanks Danny, I will look into that... I'm currently using a K&M rack.
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Gnarly
2494 posts
May 30, 2018
9:19 AM
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I did a mod on the K&M rack, makes it much better.
Like so
Last Edited by Gnarly on May 30, 2018 9:20 AM
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Mitch Grainger
2 posts
Jun 01, 2018
5:01 PM
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Hi Guys,
Post number one for me on here. Big thanks to fellow Aussie Tony Eyers for letting me know about this forum.
This topic of rack playing is really close to my heart as I LOVE to play guitar and harmonica at the same time. I've been doing it for over 20 years now.
The big breakthrough for me came when I found the Jim Dunlop 'Harp Handle'. It has an extra adjustment that meant I could get my harp exactly where I needed it. As Gary (Gnarly) points out with him K&M mod, this makes all the difference. Nice job btw Gary.
Because, as Kingo said, this is essential for playing well. If the rack is not in just the right position, you won't be comfortable, and then, well, the music will suffer.
The problem with the Jim Dunlop rack is that after a few months of use, the plastic sheath on the wire wears away and the wing nuts no longer hold it firmly in place.
This is another key factor, you need to be able to push onto a rack without the harp moving further and further away from your face. Hohner has tackled this with the Flex rack and so has Farmer Foot Drums with their rack but these racks seem to be too big to me, and you look like your in the dentists chair on stage, especially with a mic attached!
I've since developed my own rack that is modeled off the Jim Dunlop rack but uses locking teeth on the pivot points, like the Hohner Flex does.
On styles, there's something really cool about first position, simple folky stuff with a guitar, and if your enjoying that 1st position stuff, then go for it.
If It feels good, it will most likely sound good!
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Mitch Grainger
MitchGrainger.com | Dyna-Mic.com
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Gnarly
2502 posts
Jun 01, 2018
7:52 PM
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As a singer, I want to be able to push the harp away, so as to put my lips on the mike.
Different strokes, for sure.
Thanks for the props, Mitch!
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Harmonicatunes
256 posts
Jun 01, 2018
9:23 PM
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Just like to mention that fellow Aussie Mitch Grainger, who posted above, is an awesomely good rack player.
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Tony Eyers
Australia
www.HarmonicaAcademy.com
everyone plays...
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