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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Alternative grip, and alternative chord slaps vids
Alternative grip, and alternative chord slaps vids
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isaacullah
2817 posts
Jun 19, 2014
8:29 AM
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Hi guys, here's a couple of "lessons" I made on some "alternative" techniques that you may want to add to your repertoire. As far as I know, no one else had made videos about these two subjects, so I hope you find them useful!
The first video is about a different way of holding the harp that gives you massive "Wah's", and a louder, more horn-like projection.
The "secret" to this technique is in the right hand, which you use like a "megaphone" tot focus and project all the sound forward. This not only gives a punchier, horn-like tone with increased volume, but it also allows for incredible variation in tone simply by muting and unmuting with the left hand. Because it is possible to completely seal off BOTH the front and back of the harmonica with this grip, you can achieve MASSIVE "Wha's", and can add a whole new range of dynamics to your acoustic playing (or even your "amped" playing, if you use one of those little "ring" mics). This technique was taught to me by Dan Kaplan, and I highly encourage you to look up his music.
This second video is about different kinds of "Chord Slaps", what they sound like, how to achieve them, and when you might want to use them:
Each of the three different "chord slap" techniques I show in this video have their own unique sound. I discuss the embouchures that most easily facilitate each type of slap, and discuss WHY they sound different. I give examples of each, and also discuss which types of music they may be appropriate to. Note that I'm focusing on SINGLE focus notes with chord slaps. It's also possible to play TWO focus notes, either as a simple double stop (two holes side by side) or as split octave/double stop (two holes, widely spaced, and sounded by using the tongue to block the intervening holes). The former can be done both Tongue Blocking and Lip Blocking, but the latter can only be done Tongue Blocking.
Finally, here's an example of some of my acoustic playing where I'm using some of these techniques to achieve what I hope is a modern and interesting sound! Hope you enjoy!
The first part of this was played on a Bb "Easy Third" harmonica in what would probably equate to 11th position on a normal harp, and the second part was played on a Bb "Natural Minor" tuned harp in 2nd position. I'm holding the harp with that alternative grip, and am mainly doing Lip Blocked "lip slaps" on the focus notes.
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Last Edited by isaacullah on Jun 19, 2014 8:30 AM
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isaacullah
2826 posts
Jun 20, 2014
1:55 PM
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Here's a song that Dan Kaplan just uploaded to his YouTube channel that is a superurb example of the focused sound and huge "wha" that this grip can produce. He showed me what he's doing on this tune when I was down in Austin last April. This tune is really pushed along by the "wha", and it such a huge effect that I thought he was playing different notes, when all he was doing was "wah-ing".
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Oisin
1087 posts
Jun 21, 2014
9:00 AM
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---Excellent vids Isaac. I can't believe I never seen this grip before...its so easy to use and the sound is superb. I never been able to get as good a seal using the other grips. This is probably the most important new techniques you'll learn. Well done Isaac-------
Oisin
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tmf714
2586 posts
Jun 21, 2014
10:28 AM
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Fairly sure Phil has been using it for years-
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paperharmonica
17 posts
Jun 21, 2014
10:33 AM
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Hi Isaac. Thank you! I was going to try and record a video explaining the hand hold, but I this is great. Much more thorough than I would have done and less work for me! One thing I would add, and you allude to it by mentioning horn tones, is that this grip also creates beautiful tones when the hands are opened just the right amount - sort of mid way-wah position. There is almost a ghost like floating sound - used sparingly it is really meaningful. Thank you again- Dan
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CarlA
533 posts
Jun 21, 2014
11:23 AM
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Great videos! Thanks!
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isaacullah
2827 posts
Jun 22, 2014
7:45 AM
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Hey guys!
@Oisin: I'm really glad this was helpful to you. I totally agree that this grip has been the most important thing I've learned in the last couple of years. I really feel that it has helped me "turn a corner" when I was plateauing a bit in my abilities.
@tmf714: Interesting to discover that a bout Phil Wiggins. I must admit that I'm not all that familiar with his playing. I will certainly listen up in his stuff now!
@Dan: I'm so glad you that you think my video does your technique some justice! It's been so influential on my playing that I just HAD to share it! Great additional point about using the left hand to ficus the sound more...
@CarlA: Thanks! You are quite welcome!
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