Hey, I've been a member here for awhile, but I don't log on often. I play harmonica as my "second instrument", behind guitar, but I take it just as seriously. I've been playing harp for roughly 2-3 years
Here is the only video I have of me playing harp. I admit some of it might sound like I'm strangling a cat ;) I probably shouldn't have tried to take so many solos since I get really repetitive after awhile(the other guitarist was dragging the jam on way too long, but w/e)
I'm here to listen for your Constructive Criticism
Not bad for 2 or 3 years . But I think your guitar playing is a lot better . I would also say you need a harp amp and a better mic or just try to play off the PA mic on a stand instead of holding it , keep on listening to all those great players and practice pratice ,practice , You will get there !!
I don't think the type of mic/amp/cupped/uncupped is your primary concern. Any competant player should be able to play through a PA mic hooked up to a PA and make a reasonable sound. If you think a particular amp/mic is going to make the difference between being able to play & not, then you aren't being realistic. I love to play through an amp & hi-z mic, but if push comes to shove & I'm asked to sit in, I'll play through a PA in a heartbeat.
"I admit some of it might sound like I'm strangling a cat ;)" OK, but your guitar playing doesn't, so, if you can hear that your harp playing is "pitchy" & that you seem to have trouble hitting & keeping a constant note...why is it that you don't seem to have the same issue with the guitar. Also with the guitar, you seem to play like you "have a job to do", it's more focussed & workmanlike - but with the harp it sounds a bit "aimless", with less thought to melody & structure & theme.
Firstly I think you need to physically relax more when playing, let your chest & cavities in your mouth & throat open out & "breath" through the harp rather that blow & suck from the head. This may help soften up your playing, fatten & smooth it out, as it sounds a little tight/stressed/stiff at the minute.
Work on a specific instrumental, with a recogniseable theme, it doesn't have to be mega-complicated, you could just develop a walking 12 bar? Say, Something like "Little Walter's Boogie" by Walter Horton...or just something with a strong theme, to help you focus (like you do on guitar)?
Really practise those 2 & 3 hole draw bends, getting them distinct & hitting the right note off the bat, so that when you need to hit a 3draw half step bend...that's what you hit, not a natural 3 draw & drag it down, not a full tone bend & let it up...sure, you can let the bend rise & fall in a controlled manner, but you have to come in on the right note to start with, otherwise it can sound a little like a "stretched audio tape/flat battery in a Walkman cassette player" ...if you remember them ;-)
Apologies if this sounds harsh, it's not meant to be - you did ask for constructive criticism (which was pretty brave of you & I admire that) and that is what I'm aiming to give.
I think with a little attention to just "tightening up" in a few areas that you could make a lot of progress in the coming weeks & months, so stick with it.
Last Edited by on Jun 13, 2011 3:39 AM
Your shake is good and your basic understanding is there but bending, tone and better execution over all is needed to make it sound professional. ---------- Emile "Diggs" D'Amico a Legend In His Own Mind How you doin'
I would honestly listen to how you fit in the mix with this song. Playing back and forth with an experienced guitar player in his element dialed in with his equipment is a no-no at this level. You've got lots of fine stuff going on, but it sounds like you showed up to the construction yard with tinker toys (did I date myself? (Leggos maybe?)
I would also second learning some licks of the masters. They had the language and when to say it down. There is nothing wrong using those in the appropriate places ans you will be able to woodshed them until you have a strong presentation of them - in which case it will not matter what mic you are playing through.
@ toddg I actually have a mic, but usually this jam has a harmonica player with amp and mic, but he wasn't there, so I just used to PA.
@ 5F6H Thanks for the advice. I really need to practice breathing and embouchure. This video may not have been the best to showcase my playing, I usually bend a bit better, but I agree I need to work on bends. Do you have any exercises?
@ Diggblues thanks!
@ Kingobad, I don't have much experience playing with a band or jamming, so I guess that comes with more practice.
Hi Beatles etc , I was just trying to mention I would not be trying to cup a PA mic It sometimes doesn't sound as good as being off the mic a bit and working your hands kind of like Sonny Boy or the Wolf did .I like doing that If I don't have a good bullet mic and good tube amp . But hey it worked for JR Wells and James Cotton etc but they would have souded great with out a amp or mic ,Just my 2 cents
