Our band plays a couple of tunes like Otis Rush's "Double Trouble" and "All Your Loving, I Miss Loving" in Gm minor. I have generally played these in 2nd position using a C and been careful with the three draw bend. While I often go to 3rd position on a minor blues, in the case of these two songs, I'd be using an F and it sounds kind of high. I have messed around with 5th position (Eb harp)and that sounds okay, but, to me, the C harp sounds better (especially on Double Trouble) as long as I hit the bends. The C harp sounds darker/meaner which certainly fits Double Trouble. What do you guys/gals think.
To add another wrinkle, I just experimented with 4th position on Double Trouble (Bb harp). That sounds pretty good - kind of a dark tone.
Last Edited by Rgsccr on Jun 06, 2016 8:35 PM
I often wrestle with the same issue. I think the familiarity with our search for the "right" harp to play the key of the tune is part of the issue. That feeling of "that's it"! Like I recently found out how well 5th works for Little Wing just reinforced the search for the right position/harp for the tune. Black Magic Woman, Reggae and yes, Double Trouble... I'll keep searching but the solution may be as much about committing to the tune in a position.
Last Edited by Littoral on Jun 07, 2016 4:41 AM
I always play minor in third position, however as you mentioned, Gm is a problem. I'd either get a low F harp (I have a Seydel low F that I love), or a LO natural Gm.
As far as "All your love is miss loving" you can check out a recent thread that touched upon this tune: http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/board/board_topic/5560960/5492213.htm
If you're wanting to play in 3rd position get a Low F. 4Draw in low F is the same note as 2 draw on a C. Using a normal F you'll be an octave higher.
Last Edited by Baker on Jun 07, 2016 5:35 AM
It´s all a matter of taste but personally I´m not that afraid for playing in 3D pos even on the higher harps. Here is Pierre Lacocque on an Eb, plying in F min:
And here is my own humble self (at a much lower level, spontaneous jamming on a pop song at a garden party, drink has begun to set in) playing D min on a C:
Thanks guys - all helpful comments. I do have a low F around here somewhere, and if I find it, I'll try that (or get another one). I wouldn't say that I am afraid of higher register harps - we play San-Ho-Zay in C and same with Messin with the Kid - and the regular F sounds okay to me. But with Double Trouble in particular, the F didn't sound right to me. For now, I will probably stick to second position for these songs as they seem to sound okay the way I play them, but will keep working on other approaches. I do play a lot third position on minor songs - the F just didn't sound right here. Thanks.
CarlA, for me it's not about fear but about information from listeners. High harps can be piercing if played too robustly. I do prefer low harps especially when amps are involved. The low notes and subtones are very cool. ---------- Reverbnation
jbone, I have the same concern as you about high harps, but recently, I have been using a high G, because I sent my G off to Joe Spiers for reworking, and my backup G needed tuning. I am playing acoustically with other acoustic instruments, and no amplification. I have been surprised by the positive comments I have gotten about the unique sound of the high G.
If you like the sound or way the notes lay on the C harp in 2nd, then your best bet is to get a Natural Minor harp in the key of C. You'd play it exactly the same way you play it now (2nd pos), but not worry about bends on the 3 draw.
I agree that the other good alternative is to play in third on Low F. If you've got that Low F already, that might be the path of least resistance. ----------
