It works REALLY well when the 7 draw is tuned down a half step, because this is the root note. But I'm not sure you could duplicate these same licks and runs that Howard is doing if you are using an alternate tuned harp.
I've had a hard time learning 11th because of the peculiar places that the root exists. 3 half step bend, 6 overblow and 10 whole step bend. It sounds beautiful though.
This is actually helping me get the hang of it. I've been trying to play along since I heard it. Thanks for sharing!
The late Chris Michalek posted a couple of teaching videos on YouTube about 11th position. In one of them he points out that in some settings, it doesn't matter that the root note is hard to hit, because you can make a lot of music without hitting that note.
> It works REALLY well when the 7 draw is tuned down a half step ...
Really easy way to do this is with a little bit of poster putty (blu tak) ... nicely reversible while long lasting if you choose ...
Last Edited by on Apr 02, 2011 10:18 PM
@BlueDoc I've seen those videos, and I do remember Chris saying something to the effect of: only wimps use the root. Don't remember exactly what he said, but that was the connotation he used.
That said, when I learn a new position, I like knowing I have that safe little box to come back to when I need to. I guess I gotta stop being a wimp and get over it, huh? haha. Thanks for posting them though.
I've been working on 11th since seeing this video and I'm getting a little more comfortable with the roots being where they are, and not necessarily using them.
