MindTheGap
2100 posts
Feb 08, 2017
9:44 AM
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I've mentioned Tomlin Leckie's harmonica lessons before, how good they are.
But come on people, check out his new format. He's got the lesson video plus a breakdown of phrases with clips, standard music notation and tabs. Then a playthrough track and a backing track.
This is serious learning material.
http://www.tomlinharmonicalessons.com/play-baby-scratch-back-slim-harpo-bb-harmonica/
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outdoor joe
24 posts
Feb 08, 2017
2:02 PM
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For sure, MTG!
I am definitely going to donate a few bucks to him when I start getting better & playing in the local area! Real easy to grasp lessons & his voice is soothing as well. Easy on the eyes for the ladies/guys too LOL.
+1
joe
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MindTheGap
2105 posts
Feb 09, 2017
12:02 AM
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Ha, I hadn't thought of that aspect but I guess it's important for a presence on the Internet. I'll quote Carrie Fisher: Youth and beauty are not accomplishments.
But a well constructed harp lesson is.
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Glass Harp Full
166 posts
Feb 09, 2017
12:35 AM
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Yes, I really like how he puts up the licks in tab and standard notation. It really helps with getting the rhythm worked out.
I notice he has a lesson on the Rolling Stones' version of "Just Your Fool" but I don't won't to open that can of worms again ;)
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MindTheGap
2106 posts
Feb 09, 2017
1:39 AM
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GHF - Oh go on, let's do it!
I thought about it a bit more, and I think what I really like about Tomlin is the combo of breaking down the music AND the way he records it. It's hi-fi but it's really him playing right there.
What I don't like about some other instructors is that the recorded examples are way too slick - really perfect studio recordings. And David Barrett is the prime example. I can comment as I'm a customer and I really do like his method books. But I know I'll never get to sound as he plays it because it's often that super-smooth amped sound, which requires excellent cupping AND a vintage mic and amp.
For I while I was a bit dispirited as it seemed to be that everyone was saying that his school of sound was THE pinnacle of harp technique. 'Total Tongue Block, Total Cupping', smooth, round, controlled, strong bass ALL the time. That was the target. I realigned my thinking though - however lovely that style is, it's one amongst many. And some are 'better' in particular contexts.
(Better = more exciting, more appropriate to the song, rawer, and importantly ones that can be heard above a band without a vast amplifier!)
I always liked Adam's vids because it's him playing in his car or spare room - much easier to tell what's going on, warts and all. My point is that Tomlin has both aspects - great examples that the learner has some chance of actually emulating, and the detailed info to back it up.
Anyone agree/disagree? It's all subjective.
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Feb 09, 2017 1:54 AM
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outdoor joe
25 posts
Feb 09, 2017
9:25 AM
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^even though I am just starting out and cannot actually emulate anyone yet haha. I do see that it looks achievable.
Joe
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Killa_Hertz
2202 posts
Feb 09, 2017
12:11 PM
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Mtg .. I suppose i see your point. I guess it is nicer to try for things that seem attainable.
But I never really thought much about it. Hasnt bothered me.
I do agree that "total tongue block .. Total cupping" is not the end all be all. I find that no matter how good and thick of a sound you can get ... If there is no dynamics .. It all just blends together.
Thats why i try to blend a variety of techniques into my playing. For example ... I Even use very thin sounding chords quite often to accentuate the thick TB sound.
I have to be honest .. Tomlin kindof bugs me. I dont know why ... But its just something about him .. Lol.
But i will give this lesson a shot. I have noticed that hes been trying to take his lessons to a new level. Very professional looking. Very thorough.
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Sundancer
82 posts
Feb 09, 2017
7:51 PM
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I'm on the side that says Tomlin's lessons are the mutt's proverbials. He really takes his time to explain what's happening, and the printed materials are a huge bonus. I lived in the UK from 2005-2012 and only wish he'd been doing his lessons back then. Plus, he played Just Your Fool better than the Mick does.
Last Edited by Sundancer on Feb 09, 2017 7:58 PM
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Ian
434 posts
Feb 10, 2017
5:21 AM
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He does supply some really good lessons. Plus his website is excellent, he's worked on the usability a lot.
I agree about a preference to the rough and ready approach to lessons. I'd much rather hear the whole lesson, without lots of cuts and post production.
His tabs are very good.
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Rontana
369 posts
Feb 10, 2017
5:25 AM
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Tomlin has some great stuff on his site, and his lesson and backing track for "Georgia" is fantastic. He's probably my second favorite online instructor (after AG). Both are very down-to-earth in their teaching styles, appear to be having fun, and don't bombard/confuse the student with tons of theory.
Just personal taste, but I've always preferred teachers whose primary objective is to show you "how," rather than focusing on all the myriad reasons leading up to "why."
The latter approach just leads me to tune out . . . it sucks all the pleasure and enjoyment from playing.
Last Edited by Rontana on Feb 10, 2017 9:07 AM
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