TahoeMike00
23 posts
Jul 07, 2010
8:59 AM
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I just realized today after reading the 'Adam Scale' that I am a solid Advanced Beginner.
With one exception - I can't play Oh Suzanna. (Never tried to learn) Although I am able to play 'Mannish Boy' with various twists and intonations. That's the only lick I know that I can repeat reliably.
Getting good controlled bends on -some- holes. 90-95% success rate on clean single hole draws, even hole 2.
I just now bought Adam's Beginners Special. I certainly understand the 12 bar blues pattern now - thanks to that video and sheet, and I know that I should really focus on the timing and running through the Stompin' exercise daily, as well as the Shuffle Blues Rhythm.
I play to a couple of jam tracks, and sometimes I get an improvise that sounds "good" to me. "Good" meaning that it doesn't sound like I stepped on a cats tail.
Also understanding the concept of 2nd position and the I, IV, V progression. (From John Gindick's book and CD.)
Have 2 hole warbles going good, beginning to experiment with throat and gut vibratos. I think my embouchure is developing and getting rid of fish lips. Chugging works and I can keep breathing relaxed.
I feel at this point, I am not sure what how to progress or what I should be aiming towards.
Any suggestions?
Edit: I forgot to mention, I have been playing for almost 3 months but don't get to practice/play daily.
("Oh...Shut up amp!!")
Last Edited by on Jul 07, 2010 9:02 AM
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Tuckster
640 posts
Jul 07, 2010
9:11 AM
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I'll say it before someone else does--find a good teacher. It will save you much frustration and you'll develop good habits right from the start.
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Jim Rumbaugh
259 posts
Jul 07, 2010
9:32 AM
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At 3 months you are WAY ahead of were I was. Some sugestions.
1) Do learn to play Oh Suzanna and a few traditional tunes. It will help in the long run. You will learn where the notes on the harp are. You can never have a large enough repitoire'. These tunes are crowd pleasers.
2) It's time to learn the difference between a major and minor chord. Learn the 3rd position for minor tunes. Try "House of the Rising Sun" starting on a 4 draw.
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intermediate level (+) player per the Adam Gussow Scale, Started playing 2001
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TahoeMike00
25 posts
Jul 07, 2010
7:11 PM
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@ Tuckster - I forgot to mention that as well. I have an instructor lined up. It wasn't easy finding one around here but found what I think is a good instructor. I've had 2 lessons so far. He's stressing the basics first, which is good.
@ Jim - Yeh, I kinda thought so. I am working on Amazing Grace right now.
3rd position... I think I'll bring that up in the next lesson.
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Kyzer Sosa
697 posts
Jul 07, 2010
7:24 PM
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im an advanced beginner (i think) and what keeps me going, well, is rather tedious. but it pays dividends for me.
I simply reserve myself to one tune at a time. I dont skip around and bounce back and forth. I play a song over and over, till I get it down. for me, it IS very much like riding a bike... once you learn it, you never forget... i go from blues to jazz to funk and back to blues as i go, so as to alleviate the monotony...
it doesnt work for everyone, but a song i burned down to completion 6 months ago, i can still play at 98% the first time through having not played it in months...
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Kyzer's Travels
Kyzer's Artwork
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Greg Heumann
632 posts
Jul 07, 2010
10:48 PM
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Start listening to a lot more of the music you like. Work it out on the harp. Some of us, myself included, believe listening to other harp players is a good thing. Part of being "good" is have a lot of licks in your "muscle memory" so you can call upon them creatively. Early on I learned some others' solos note for note and it helped me develop a repertoire of licks.
Others will tell you that everything I just told you is wrong - you should just be you. You decide.
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/Greg
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