Nibiria
15 posts
Jun 25, 2014
5:48 AM
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Hey all, finally decided on which harps to get, but I'm getting 5 and can't figure out which key I want, Bb or E. Any suggestions on which would be better? I mostly play just a harp or a harp and my guitar, if that helps any.
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Kingley
3618 posts
Jun 25, 2014
5:57 AM
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It depends what keys you play guitar in, or whether or not you plan on just playing harp at a jam.
Personally if I had to have just five harps, I'd get A, Bb, C, D, Eb. That's because I sing songs in G, A, F and Bb and a lot of other singers sing in E. It'd also cover me for most situations when supporting a guitarist.
Only you can really make the decision on what keys you need.
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Nibiria
16 posts
Jun 25, 2014
6:00 AM
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Thanks Kingley, I'm just pretty new at playing harp (especially with others) so it's hard to gauge my own needs at this point.
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Kingley
3619 posts
Jun 25, 2014
6:07 AM
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Well I would recommend getting harps that will play in second position for the guitar keys you play in and for any keys you may sing in. Let's say for example that you play guitar in A,E,G,D and C. Then I'd get harps in D, A, C, G and F.
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The Iceman
1772 posts
Jun 25, 2014
6:31 AM
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Have used my Bb harmonica a lot. My E harmonica hardly at all.
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The Iceman
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Greg Heumann
2755 posts
Jun 25, 2014
8:07 AM
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I second that - You'll use Bb far more than E.
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
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timeistight
1597 posts
Jun 25, 2014
9:35 AM
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Nibiria, in another thread you expressed an interest in playing racked harp in a Bob Dylan/Neil Young style. A lot of that type of playing is done in first position, so you need harps in the keys of the songs you're playing.
In other words, you'll need that E harp if you want play that style over your guitar in E.
Otherwise, I agree that Bb is a more useful harp. Bb is also a very nice harp to learn on -- not to high or low.
Ultimately, you'll want at least one harp in each key.
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Nibiria
17 posts
Jun 25, 2014
1:29 PM
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Thanks guys! Going with the Bb since most people say it will be more useful. Will probably pick up more as time goes on, but for now I should be covered.
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Jim Rumbaugh
1002 posts
Jun 25, 2014
6:56 PM
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In the early youtube lessons by Adam Gussow, he used a Bd harp. Look at the logo on the top of this page.
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theharmonicaclub.com (of Huntington, WV)
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Goldbrick
507 posts
Jun 25, 2014
7:11 PM
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I guess Bob already had a Bb
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jbone
1667 posts
Jun 26, 2014
4:07 AM
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I finally flatted out a 5 draw reed in my Bb Manji. It took a few YEARS. But I use that one for a lot in 3rd position and some 2nd position, and playing acoustic on the street I have to be careful not to try and get more volume out than the harp will give.
My choice for 5 harps only would be A, Bb, C, D, and G.
That covers a lot of territory with some 1st- in A, C,and G at least, 2nd in all 5, and 3rd in E, C, D, E, and A.
I personally have not used an E harp for anything for years. I do like an Eb. I have an F# someplace which is never needed. A low D and low F have proven their worth many times. I may look at a low Eb if I can find one I like.
Jolene and I do a lot of different styles and keys and this keeps things fresh and vital. As a result my case holds a lot of harps, several keys I have 2 each so I have a backup if one flats out. I have 2 A, C, G, 3 D (one low), 2 F (one low), Bb, Eb, Ab and Db. Those last two almost never see action. I also have a Hohner 364 in C and may see if I can justify one in G.
Ala Sonnyboy II.
I also get good use out of 3 chromatics in my case, a G, a middle C, and a baritone C.
I started with one C harp in the 70's. This thing got a life of its own somewhere along the way, these days I just carry the harps around and put them to my lips, and something takes over at that point.
5 harps is a good place to start!
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http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7La7yYYeE
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PropMan
14 posts
Jun 26, 2014
10:33 AM
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We play one tune in B minor so I do use the E harp but have gone years in past without pulling it out. I play the Bb all the time
Last Edited by PropMan on Jun 26, 2014 10:33 AM
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1847
1902 posts
Jun 26, 2014
10:47 AM
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my favorite harp is Bb
having said that i use the E harp all the time
i am listening to michael burks
play the thrill is gone at this moment key of B
lester butler used it on several tracks live at the king king.
twice last week
some one played
pride and joy in E
straight harp works quite well on that tune.
i blew out 5 draw on my main E harp
so i had to dig for a replacement
seems i have more than a few that i wore out,
so i must use them quite a bit.
most guitar players would rather play in B than F
so it is a good idea to have one.
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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1847
1903 posts
Jun 26, 2014
10:49 AM
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isnt midnight rambler a E harp?
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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A440
167 posts
Jun 26, 2014
11:23 AM
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Both Bb and E are useful to have. I use them equally when playing live with the band. Playing alone at home, the Bb sees a lot more action. Its also used in many of the classic blues songs that you may want to learn. You're probably smart to get the Bb first. Its a favorite key of many players!
Last Edited by A440 on Jun 26, 2014 12:07 PM
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The Black Pit
14 posts
Jun 26, 2014
9:21 PM
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I still don't have an E harp. I've bought 'em as I needed 'em, and ended up with A, Bb, C, D, F and G, all of which see use. My buddy has the same keys, plus the E, but he's said he's never used it. But I only play with jam tracks, CD's and occasionally with a guitarist friend.
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Gnarly
1040 posts
Jun 27, 2014
12:12 AM
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In terms of range, Bb is far superior--E is high!
If you are playing straight harp, E would be good to acquire--for years, I didn't have one, and had to play "Just Like a Woman" in F!
But if you play blues, Bb makes more sense--F is a pretty common key, for all styles of music. One flat versus 4 sharps? No brainer!
Edit--Oh yeah, this is what Arthur said in so many words.
Hey, you coming to SPAH?
Last Edited by Gnarly on Jun 27, 2014 12:13 AM
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1847
1908 posts
Jun 27, 2014
12:35 AM
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lady gaga... poker face key of B.... case closed
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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