KevinS
3 posts
Aug 24, 2010
12:35 PM
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I find it more natural to hold the harmonica between the index finger and thumb of my right hand (this would also be the mic hand)and using my left hand for tone control, flutter,wah wah etc. This grip is the mirror opposite of traditional. I do not hold the instrument upside down as is sometimes done by others using the right hand pinch. Is there a disadvantage to this? I'm right handed, left eye dominant, shoot a rifle off my left shoulder maybe that's the reason...... Comments?
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eharp
762 posts
Aug 24, 2010
12:46 PM
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i always thought it the mic was to be in your left hand because most play the lower 6 holes. this puts the mic in front of them.
but, as in most things, if you are happy with it in the right hand, why change?
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barbequebob
1179 posts
Aug 24, 2010
12:55 PM
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The only real time this would be a disadvantage is if you were playing a chromatic and needed to use the slide. Howling Wolf held the harmonica the same way you do.
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Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
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nacoran
2617 posts
Aug 24, 2010
1:08 PM
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The mixed dominance thing is interesting. I know the reason I don't use the thumbs up grip is mostly it doesn't fit my hands or face. I've tried to think of other grip possibilities, but left handed lobster pincher seems the most comfortable to me. When I'm walking I take my harp with me and I'll use either hand if I'm not cupping.
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Nate
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barbequebob
1180 posts
Aug 24, 2010
1:13 PM
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I should also two other players that gripped the harmonica the same way as Kevin S are Carey Bell and Lee Oskar. As much as you want a good cupping technique, at the same time comfort is also very important as well.
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Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
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Joe_L
569 posts
Aug 24, 2010
3:59 PM
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I don't think Carey Bell used the button on the chromatic very often, if ever. I remember him having a black chromatic that had a big old gob of tape on the button. I don't remember whether it was a 2016 CBH or a Super 64X.
If this picture is indicative of his gripping technique, he probably never used it.
I had shot a zillion photos of him over the years and never realized he used his right hand to hold the harp, until I had framed some photos of him and Billy Branch. I thought I had flipped the photo of Carey in Photoshop. It was only after I had looked at dozen photos of him that I realized he was holding it with his right hand.
His phrasing and attack was pretty unique. He seemed to be partially bending every note. He was one of the greatest players that I had ever seen.
It really probably doesn't matter too much how you are holding it. The most important thing is that you are playing. If you think it's a problem, switch hands, but make the commitment to keep playing.
Last Edited by on Aug 24, 2010 4:02 PM
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Greg Heumann
732 posts
Aug 24, 2010
9:25 PM
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There IS a disadvantage to this in that it is going to be extremely difficult to block the low holes on the front of the harp, meaning more sound pressure can escape there. If/when you want the deepest/fattest possible wah or tone, getting the entire front of the harp blocked off is essential. You don't have to do that all the time, or even like it at all, but if you DO like that sound and are shooting for it, I don't see how to accomplish it with a right hand grip unless you DO invert the harp, OR you have ginormous hands.
With a left-handed grip, and (again, presuming you're mostly playing the lower notes) it is easy to leave the left side of the harp in your mouth and only have to seal the right side with cheek and thumb.
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/Greg
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