rpavich
40 posts
Jun 27, 2013
4:42 AM
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I'm a noob player...I've been at it about 3 or close to 4 weeks now, and I've been practicing scales and bending and such...but I was sitting in the car and was messing around at a stop light and a sort of "cheap riff" came out.
It's really akin to the flashy stuff that guitarists do that other guitarists know doesn't take any skill but people who don't play think you've done something great...
So...here it is...I hadn't realized how sloppy it was until I heard it back...
I'm looking for constructive critique about how to improve or ideas on related things to play.
Here is the link:
cheap riffing
Last Edited by rpavich on Jun 27, 2013 4:43 AM
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Baker
303 posts
Jun 27, 2013
5:41 AM
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Hey rpavich – considering you've only been playing about four weeks I think you're in pretty good shape.
Your riff reminded me a lot of the riff on Mean Old Train, by Papa Lightfoot.
There's a series of lessons by a UK guy called Ricky Cool on that particular tune which might be woth a look.
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For me, the things that stood out as areas to work on were your "blue third". The three hole draw flattened slightly – this will make the riff sound much more "blusey" here's adams lesson on that.
The second thing for me is your articulation Try using your tongue to make "Tah", "Taw" "Tee" sounds etc. This video of adams has some good info in it.
Hope this helps
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rpavich
41 posts
Jun 27, 2013
5:59 AM
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Thanks very much for the feedback! Exactly what I was looking for!
Q: Do people always "tee and taa" or is it used sparingly? I don't really know when it's being used by the sound people are making, so I'm wondering if it's something I should do all of the time.
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Baker
304 posts
Jun 27, 2013
6:31 AM
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There are various different ways of "articulating" notes. You can use your tongue "Tee" Tah" "Taw" etc. Also the back of your throat, "Kah" Kaw" Kee" etc.
I can't speak for everyone but I am always articulating notes one way or another. This doesn't mean that I am always using one of the shapes mentioned above, these are for a harder attack. Some times you might want a softer attack, so "Hah", Haw", "Hee" is also helpful.
Spending time trying them all out, see what the difference in sounds you are getting. The different mouth shapes will not only affect attack but also the depth of tone too. But yes, to start off you should always be thinking about how you are articulating.
If you are working on learning a tune you've heard this is something you should also focus on. Once you get used to it you will be able to hear what other players are doing. Eventually it will become automatic and you'll play the notes you want, how you want, when you want.
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Baker
305 posts
Jun 27, 2013
6:35 AM
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PS. I also sometimes use a "Luh" shape. This gives a kind of delayed attack. I find it useful sometimes if I'm going to play a long sustained note.
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rpavich
42 posts
Jun 27, 2013
6:59 AM
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Thanks so very much! I really appreciate that!
I can't wait to get home (I'm at work) and view the videos and give this a try!
You have been very helpful...it's much appreciated.
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The Iceman
961 posts
Jun 27, 2013
7:00 AM
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A suggestion to help enlighten you on your new path.
A wise man once told me "No one knows what you think they do".
This means don't assume that others will give you the best answers when you can discover them for yourself.
With harmonica, everything is fair game....Tee, Tah, Taw, Toe, Tootsie, Hee Haw, huckatapuckata, atchooo, etc.
The best approach is to spend time with yourself creating sounds, listening to yourself and shape the sounds to your own liking.
Don't rely on others, unless you have a specific technical question that stumps you.
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The Iceman
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BronzeWailer
1044 posts
Jun 27, 2013
7:21 AM
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What the others said. You can also say "diddle iddle"
"huddle-a-hah" "huddle-a-ha heeya hah tada heee yah hah" "leg of a duck" and a coughing articulation which I can't get yet. Experiment!
BronzeWailer's YouTube
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FMWoodeye
692 posts
Jun 27, 2013
8:20 AM
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I'll jump on Mr. Iceman's band wagon. I use a triple-tonguing technique that I learned on trumpet, but I don't know how I could verbalize it. I know what's going through MY head, but that might not be helpful. It is somewhat akin to scat singing...sort of. I know what's going through my mind when I swing a golf club, too (or when I used to) but if I verbalized it, it wouldn't make sense. But I think if you have music going through your head, it will find a way to come out.
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Frank
2521 posts
Jun 27, 2013
8:46 AM
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A riff is only as cheap as its execution...
eventually you will want to Master - making so-called "cheap riffs" sound [expensive]...
If someone has difficulty making a cheap riff into a diamond in the ruff - in other words, bringing out the power and beauty of its SIMPLICITY -
How will they ever understand what to do with an "expensive riff"
---------------------------------------------------
Master Po: Close your eyes. What do you hear?
Young Caine: I hear the water, I hear the birds.
Master Po: Do you hear your own heartbeat?
Young Caine: No.
Master Po: Do you hear the grasshopper that is at your feet?
Young Caine: Old man, how is it that you hear these things?
Master Po: Young man, how is it that you do not?
Master Po: What do you hear?
Caine: I hear the grasshopper.
Master Kan: Quickly as you can, snatch the pebble from my hand.
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nacoran
6884 posts
Jun 27, 2013
10:02 AM
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I use a guttural grunt and dooks a lot.
But enough about my morning bathroom routine.
A lot of tas too. I like that luh sound. I hadn't stumbled on that one yet.
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Nate
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