I am a new member to the forum, but have been using it anonimously for a few years now. Adams YouTube video's got me to a flying start on playing blues harp. Recently I put up a video of myself playing a slow blues with backing track.
I'm looking for some feedback, so that i can improve my playing. Thanks!
If I were you, I'd pay attention to my 3 hole bends - intonation and resonance.
I would also work on phrasing and dynamics. Some of your runs were a little off time (not in a good way) and the whole piece was a bit dynamically flat.
That being said, good tone overall. This is certainly something to be proud of!
Good to see you chime in here, Charles. Even if you ~think~ you have little to offer, oft times just asking a good question can yield answers -- not only for yourself but many other members (or lurkers). That's one of the beauties of a collaborative forum like this.
OK, first impression: very good tone and sweet playing!
You asked for advice but I have only a little. First, your posture. Relaxing while playing is a good thing, but you have taken it a bit too far, IMO. Most expert players would advise that you sit up straight and try to keep your airways (windpipe) as straight as possible. Often they might go so far to say that you should try to keep your windpipe perpendicular to the ground and even stand while playing. There was a great harmonica player, inventor (Google "Renaissance Chromatic harmonica") and friend of the harmonica world who passed away a few years back, name of Douglas Tate. He was a classical chromatic player who wrote several books, one of them was this one:
Secondly, your overall sound would be significantly enhanced by a good, tastefully applied vibrato. Took me years to even understand the mechanics of producing a good vibrato and it's still a works in progress for me. For me a well applied healthy vibrato is a hallmark of a good harmonica player, though it can easily be overdone. Listen to a really good singer and take notes about how they use theirs. Typically, they'll wait until they're holding a note. I know of two good resources for learning this. The first and by far most comprehensive is David Barrett's teaching site.
Pretty nice work there Charles. You are already much further along than I was in my first years of trying to play. I was not a good student. You appear to be one. Wife and I sit when we play since she can't use a guitar strap. It works well but I do sit straight! The air column is vital.
Other than that I think you're doing well. You have some polish to apply and I like a Lone Wolf harp delay pedal personally, but once you get your basic mechanics together you can look at gear more closely. ---------- http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
@KingBad Thanks for your input. 3 hole bends... yeah, I hear you. When you are talking about dynamics and the piece beeing a bit dynamically flat, do you mean I could use some variation in volume to create some more tenssion/release?
Again thanks for your feedback I really appreciate it.
@mlefree Thank you for your kind words. I Never payed to much attention on my posture in respect to my sound/resonance, but it shure makes a lot of sence. I guess I will practice on a chair from now on, it's impossilble (for me) to not layback on that couch. :)
I am working on vibrato. As for where I am now: I can start a note and apply vibrato instantly, but I cannot seem to get a smooth transition between starting the note and then putting the vibrato at the end (just like a singer). Lots of woodshedding to do!
@jbone Thanks! I have tried some amplified playing in the past, but the resulting sound was a real disapointment for me. (Garbage in = Amplified garbage out) So I play accoustic most of the time so I can work on tone. When I am satisfied with my accoustic-tone (and I nearly am), I will start practicing amplified and start the gear-adventure.
CharlesR - I'd echo the advice given by everyone so far. You're doing well, so keep on going. You'll find most of the people on this forum are generally very pleasant and ready to give helpful advice whenever needed. There are of course a few that like to stir the pot and try to get someone to bite with negative comments or by acting in a derogatory fashion. Just ignore them as they have their own issues they need to deal with. Don't let them deter you from your path. Focus on the advice from people who can give you the benefit of their experience and keep on pushing yourself to improve.
That is exactly what I mean. It is a long piece of music that can seem even longer if you don't take us somewhere. Now, you are playing With a backing track, which doesn't give you much room to move. But you can vary intensity, mess with time a bit (you were right on or a little fast) by playing a little behind or speed up for effect- think vocally - not instrumentally when you are doing an instrumental ( that's how I approach it anyway).
I stopped listening about half way when it seemed like you were repeating yourself but you have good tone. At :19 the 2 draw bend is flatter than I like. The 3-4 warble doesn't work as well IMO as a 4-5 warble on this tune. Because 4-5 gives tension. Slow blues is all about tension and release. Keep playing, you're doing good. ---------- www.spiersharmonicas.com
Thanks Joe for your opinion. I value your input as a renowned harmonica customizer. When I listen to the original by Little Walter (Blue Midnight) I hear a 3-4 warble. But I could be wrong. I will try it with a 4-5 warble, record and compair.
I liked what you did,but i agree with the comments made above. But what i really like is your attitude to them.There a few people who post things "all comments welcome" when really they are looking for praise. You'll go far with your genuine desire to learn. Enjoy the journey.
As above, some areas to work on (so no need to repeat), but you have the beginnings of a nice tone. I started busking as a teenager in the busiest part of town not able to play much more than you; fronting up here is a brave move, and you have everything you need in terms of resources to keep getting better and better.
---------- My YouTube Channel - Any Likes or Comments appreciated. :)
