My Harmonica Christmas Challenge

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Hi Jay

I’m wondering what style of music you generally play?

I sure don’t want to get into buying one harp after another trying to find the right one. I’ll have to take my time and listen to more YouTube videos and recommendations, although the lower quality sound makes it hard to tell the exact tone of the instrument, and particularly when the player doesn’t attempt to produce the best audio recording using a decent mic.

Does the way someone plays affect the tone of the instrument?

One thing I do like about this Forerunner is the nice case. Being soft and rounded makes it easier to fit in my coat pocket so I can play anywhere.

As for getting one in a different key, I’m thinking I might get confused as to where the notes are. I’m struggling enough with a C harp. If I have a D, I would have to use the slide more for easier keys like C, F, G, etc., correct?

Last night I was working my way through an etude I used to practice on trumpet/cornet. It has arpeggios and modulates though all the keys. I managed to try C, F, Bb, Eb, A, D, and G. If I can get comfortable in those keys and learn some minor, 7th, etc. chords in those keys, I would be able to play most of what I run across.

I really need to focus on breathing too. I am finding it so difficult to do a phrase that has many draw notes in a row. There must be some secrets to all this that I need to discover. I’m used to blowing, but, the drawing is a new challenge. I can’t think of another instrument where you need to inhale to play some of the notes.

On January 8th I’ll go back a play with the group I sat in with. I have their tune lists with chords and lyrics. I’m getting them organized on my iPad. It should be fun to, not only play melody, but find harmony and try to make up some accompaniment.

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Hoping to get back to mine soon. I think @Jay1 plays a variety of different styles due to the fact he’s a session player. Personally I find playing blues, and blues with Jazzier inflections is quite easy and fun on a chromatic. In fact I was watching Jason Ricci yesterday teach and he was laughing at how simple it actually just picking a place on the harp and playing. I don’t know what style of music you are playing, but Jason’s advice was just don’t over- think it all, I understand what he means because after a while of playing my own Chromatics I find a lot of the stuff becomes instinctive. I can only speak for myself here, as I’m not sure how others approach it

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@Bob.G I’m wondering what style of music you generally play? I’m a full-time lawyer and only a part-time chromatic session player so I play whatever is required. Fortunately most bands have their own diatonic players so only usually called in for chromatic, I’m not that good on diatonic harps, probably be drummed out for saying this but I don’t like playing diatonic harps that much. :hot_face:
Does the way someone plays affect the tone of the instrument? In my opinion yes as do so many other variables such as the mic; sound system, ever the mood of the player, as an example I always hold my old AKG D1200E mic even when it’s not plugged in because without it the tone changes. I’ve used that mic for 20+ years. One thing I do like about this Forerunner is the nice case. Being soft and rounded makes it easier to fit in my coat pocket so I can play anywhere. When I’m traveling I take a 10 hole East:Top 10/40 valveless for a similar reason but for studio work carry Ab ; Bb ; 2x C ; D ; E & F# it doesn’t take long to get used to where keys are and using the slide quickly falls into place.
Last night I was working my way through an etude I used to practice on trumpet/cornet. You’re already getting the hang of chromatic, it’s only two solo tuned diatonics joined by a button. I really need to focus on breathing too. Try breathing out at the side of your mouth away from the mic if you’re using one.
I have their tune lists with chords Have a look at https://www.reddit.com/r/harmonica/comments/8d7sm7/what_chords_can_be_played_on_chromatic_harmonica/
But and this is a big BUT I’d suggest you concentrate on getting the feel of the instrument and play clean single notes before you start to get involved with chords, let the guitarists do their fancy stuff, keep in the background until you’ve mastered your instrument and don’t try to over think it. let the music flow naturally. I won’t be on the forum so much after the New Year, I’ve a new appointment and need to concentrate on the day job. Best of luck. Jay1