florida-trader
349 posts
Aug 26, 2013
1:04 PM
|
I learned a valuable lesson at SPAH last week. I have generally shied away from the higher tuned harps like E and F, not to mention F#. I always found them to be a bit shrill for my ears. Anything above the key of D, I tend to favor the lower tuned harps - low F, low E, etc. When I’m playing by myself walking my dogs is one thing. I love the deep, rich tones and the low chords of a low tuned harp. However, playing in an all-out frenzy of a jam like the ones we see at SPAH the low tuned harps simply do not cut through the noise. You need the higher tuned harps to be heard. Consider it a lesson learned and I’ll be ready next year.
----------
Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
|
walterharp
1158 posts
Aug 26, 2013
1:13 PM
|
or 1st position on the top end!
|
Frank
2658 posts
Aug 26, 2013
1:29 PM
|
Sonny II gives those high harps some sweet treatments :)
|
The Iceman
1122 posts
Aug 26, 2013
1:32 PM
|
Is being heard at a SPAH loud jam really one of your goals? Aimin' kinda low, methinks.
How about getting a High G and a Low G harmonica and practicing all your techniques on both to feel the differences and gain a deeper understanding of what needs to be done at these extremes.
Make a High G sound warm and beautiful. Make the Low G a bit edgier in order to cut through.
If you can master most of your techniques on these 2 harmonicas as a challenge, you will find yourself a much better player on the harmonicas you use regularly.
Back when I would sit in that SPAH jam circle, I found myself playing a lot in 3rd position on "D" when the jam tune was an E blues.
----------
The Iceman
|
florida-trader
350 posts
Aug 26, 2013
1:50 PM
|
Iceman. I wouldn't consider it my life's ambition. I just felt a little unprepared. A SPAH jam may not be the most common of situations but I think there are other occasions where you need a little bit of high frequency to cut through the sound produced by other musicians.
I do get your points though. Don't let the harp key pigeon hole you into a certain sound.
----------
Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
|
fred_gomez
168 posts
Aug 26, 2013
4:20 PM
|
yeah when theres too many guys (keys and sax 3 guitarists and congas) on stage i bring out two harps and usually play in third for D E and F tunes.
|
