Jehosaphat
211 posts
Apr 08, 2012
11:13 PM
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This question probably more applies to 'sit in' or jam situations ,though when i think about it at a band rehearsal for a new song i've felt it too.
My feel tense keys are D B C
D: because i'm going to playing a G harp and i just know it is not going to cut through the mix without me having to adjust somthin'on my amp .the PA, or my relationship with God ^
B:Eek! First i've got find that E harp that has sat unplayed for about a hundred years in the bottom of my gig bag..and somehow, deep down i know that it is going to sound like shite.(I know ,play on and maintain it regularly but being a glass half full kind of guy I am forever optimistic.."no one plays in in B for crissake"
C:This is the real problem one.For a start it is much more likely to be called than either of the other two AND you are playing an F harp.I really dislike that harp.Even gapping them is problematic, 1000th of an inch anyone?
Ok: as an opposite from the above, when F is called, i grow 2" taller,my chest puffs out,I am Invinceable Man
12 bar solo? sorry not enuff ,i want to go 'round at least 3 times.
G! thank you.thank you..my amp is set up right, my mike will scream Chicago..tonight i might get laid..
E: Jeeez its going to be a slow blues..but if i can nail it.. the whole band will get laid..
A: Relax.the song will be a nice easy shuffle or even better an extremely loud rock 'n roll number like "Route 66".My D harp will cut through no problem and for the first time tonight i will actually be able to hear what i am playing.Hopefully i like what i hear..Don't need to get laid ^
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jbone
859 posts
Apr 08, 2012
11:44 PM
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well typically for D i will go to a C in 3rd. diatonic or chromatic whichever fits the situation if i have a clue about the song.
for B i'd much rather be in 3rd on an A.
C you can learn to love a regular register, get a low F, or go to 3rd on a Bb.
the danger of 3rd position is, it's much more a minor than major key tool. ie open tuning if the song's root is a major and not a minor it w7ill not sound as good.
to me with a few exceptions, one ought to have all keys available and doubles of the higher mortality harps. i do NOT carry an F# in my case. there is so little need for one in my circles. most players don't use B either and i just don't care fo an E harp, so no E in my case. just about anything else i could need is in there. since i play in 3rd i don't mess with natural minor harps, they are about the same thing more or less.
i have 2- A's, C's, D's, F's (one low F and one regular), 2 G's. i also carry a few chromatics and several other spare harps and less-used harps like Bb and Eb. the chromatics are mostly in C though one is a baritone C. love that one in the duo setting! and also a G chromatic works really great for songs in Am.
your trepidation will fade as you acquire both harps and knowledge.
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Steamrollin Stan
337 posts
Apr 09, 2012
12:28 AM
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I thought if you play any harmonica and gyrate like Elvis your gonna get laid anyway, dammit!!!!!
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Leatherlips
58 posts
Apr 09, 2012
1:17 AM
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I'll 2nd that about playing in 3rd. If you want to get low down and dirty, maybe 5th is for you. Lately I've been finding my way around 1st position and really loving it. You have many options if you know your way around other positions.
Lots of positions in getting laid as well, I'm told.
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didjcripey
220 posts
Apr 09, 2012
2:20 AM
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D? Sweet, nice bassy chords and smooth bends on the G harp
C? Cool, I have a low and a high F, take your pick, play them both in the same song
E? yep, squeaky and tight cause I rarely use it but at least its better to work with than my bandleaders key of choice C# minor.
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Lucky Lester
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florida-trader
108 posts
Apr 09, 2012
8:05 AM
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Stan - you forgot about wearing a fedora and sunglasses.
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atty1chgo
302 posts
Apr 09, 2012
3:08 PM
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Quite frankly, none of them make me nervous. I just want to know what key the band is in. The only time MAYBE is if I don't have a harp to go with what is being played, especially when a flat key is needed, and I have to improvise using an A flat harp or something.
Give a song in A or G and I am a happy boy. If the song is in A, I feel as if I am Master Of The Universe.
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ElkRiverHarmonicas
824 posts
Apr 09, 2012
5:24 PM
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Never does, but my playing style will vary a great deal based on keys and that's mostly because of the wide range of harmonicas I carry. You'd think since I make customs, that I'd have a full set of something, but I don't - I've got a wide mix of main harps. That's mostly because I never got around to making myself that set of customs I always wanted, but also I like having a mixed bag with each harp being a little different.
There are six different intonation schemes among my main 14 harps. Those intonations do make a difference in how I play notes and chords.
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David
Elk River Harmonicas
Elk River Harmonicas on Facebook
"It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato." - Lewis Grizzard
"Also, drinking homemade beer." - David Payne
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