One more, I promise to wait a while before posting another,, I dont want to drive yall crazy. I feel the feedback you have given me has helped, in my mind anyway ,, even if it hasnt become evident in my playing yet.
I tried to be thematic as suggested , and not noodle ANY suggestions are welcome,or criticism, I will only learn by knowing what I doing wrong
Various Musical ramblings http://www.youtube.com/user/sjeter61?feature=mhum
I think the first suggestion - that stands out in your playing - is you need to put some time into your warbles. They lack any precision or intensity, they just kind of sit there as a half formed idea. You should be able to build major tension with them.
Next, you need to work on your blue third. The song gets very sing-song working through the un-flatted third. Perhaps working your blues scale up and down from the 2 draw up to the 6 blow and getting those "blue" notes correctly will give you a better sound. You may have chosen to play this with a more "major" feel - so if that was your intent - so be it. It's your approach, not mine and thats good enough for me.
Also at 0:40 you do some dipping bends. I have a pet peeve against that sound, so take this as you like. I would suggest starting each of those bends as a separate note starting bent and releasing - kind of a twaa twaa twaa instead of an oo-ee-oo-ee-oo-ee (does that make sense?).
I would make one last warning - that even a common theme can sound like noodling - even if it follows a pattern. When it lacks movement and dynamics and intensity, it can get old real fast.
All that being said (hopefully as helpful suggestions), you did a fine job.
Last Edited by on Nov 10, 2010 9:39 AM
It's like one of those horror movies where the person is looking into the camera talking away and the serial killer is sneaking up on them but the people on the other end can see but can't warn him! Look out! Mothra! (40 seconds in.)...
I like the playing though. I might have been a little more dramatic on the toothbrush slide (the one at 40 is good but the next two I don't think you slid far enough fast enough, although that's a matter of taste.
From just a recording point of view you might want to stand closer to the microphone; the backing track was a little high in the mix.
Cool. I will really work on the warble, thats been mentioned before ,, so it must be majorly wrong. Im not sure which note is the blue third, but I have a hard time bending 2&3 , by newbiness really shows thru there. ah, and i see the "dipping bends , just seem lazy, great this is stuff I can work with , Im having loads of fun,, but I want to learn along the way. thanks guys Steve ---------- Various Musical ramblings http://www.youtube.com/user/sjeter61?feature=mhum
To find your blue 3rd, there's a great cut to play along. It's Butterfield, late and minimalist, on Thrill is gone.
That's (almost) only 3 notes : 4d (or 4d bend) - 4b - 3d bend (aka blue third). That's easy to play, with a lot of space to play along, and addictive. You're sure to have your blue 3rd stamped in your memory after that.
All you need is a D harp. You'll also be able to figure out the other licks he is playing, it's simplicity at its best.
Cool Clam,, You gotta make a vid , so Im not the only new guy with his neck out LOL we will grow,If we keep playing Steve ---------- Various Musical ramblings http://www.youtube.com/user/sjeter61?feature=mhum
I think you're doing pretty well, and you repeat this little lick which makes a good "head." The warble thing should be worked on, also your blue third...BUT this tune sounds better without it, I think...anyways, good job!
I think you're doing pretty well, and you repeat this little lick which makes a good "head." The warble thing should be worked on, also your blue third...BUT this tune sounds better without it, I think...anyways, good job!
@saregapadanisa: The Thrill is Gone is in a minor key. Butterfield is playing a MINOR third and playing it very accurately. He is not playing a blue third, which would not sound good when playing blues in a minor key.
@steve j.: I liked it. IMHO, you need to play with a little more resonance or depth of tone (this will help your warbles, too). Keep your jaw dropped and relaxed and your throat (airway) OPEN. DO NOT produce any airflow from your mouth--it should all come from the diaphragm. An easy way to work on this is to think about pulling or pushing all air flow from that part of your throat that joins your torso. This will get you keeping your throat open and producing airflow from your diaphragm.
Now, this is important: Use as large an air aperture (opening in your lips) as possible consistent with still getting a single note. This will be MUCH larger than you probably think and certainly much larger than sipping through a straw. Then use UNFOCUSED airflow--like Lee Sankey said in a vid he posted a while ago, you should blow like you are fogging glass, not as if you are blowing out a candle. Draw in using the same sort of fat unfocused air stream. This will thicken and deepen tone.
Deep embouchure is also important, but i can't see if you are using deep embouchure or not.
Last Edited by on Nov 11, 2010 7:29 AM
steve, sounds good to me. I have nothing to add to the above suggestions, they all sound good. My jamming hasn't progressed much at all in the time I've played & I'm planning to add jamming practice to my weekends.
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~Ryan
"I play the harmonica. The only way I can play is if I get my car going really fast, and stick it out the window." - Stephen Wright
Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
Man, I had heard this forum would eat me up, but you guys are great, You have given me good tips , and not dogged out my weaknesses. Althought it would be warranted. This to me is the type of enviroment where folks should progress. My warbles suck, yall put it much nicer though LOL I appreciate the help & honesty. I say fellow newbs shouldnt be afraid to post up,, I bet you get some good tips, Im not brave for posting , just stupid & desperate to learn;) Rock On Dirty South
Steve ---------- Various Musical ramblings http://www.youtube.com/user/sjeter61?feature=mhum
