This is a great exercise to practice a range of techniques as well as speed and rhythm, timing. Give it a try see how you get on.
Jason Ricci has a lesson too on triangle patterns.
Ciao
Stefano ![]()
@Stefano That’s where this guy got it from he just explains it better than Jason.
I pick a tune that is slow and to play it right I practice it until my rhythm is on or a bit slow. If its moving all over the harp I pick one that requires it. I practice what is giving me the toughest time.
@scott4 The technique of using triangulation or a collection of notes allows you practice all sorts of techniques rhythm, articulation, metronome work, speed and timing.
I prefer a different song when the ones I play are not what I need the most work on. If I am ahead I play Moon River or something close. The next week could be too many dirty notes as moving from -2 to 8 is a problem, I am a believer that when you hit the investable tough spot or slump play tunes that force you to play just what you need help on. Right now my -1 requires a light draw but it still sounds bad. I do warm my harps after a cleaning and this note is easier.. I enlarge the space in my mouth as much as I can and tilt the harp up a bit but it is still sounding bad. I am close to raising the note a bit or sharpening it up but removing a very small amount of the reed tip with a small knife to make it sharper. I’ll try this on an old Oskar as it never gets played. Bending it is no problem, Just a light clean sweet sounding note is what I want. Songs I know point out the smaller things as it seems the closer I get the more small rhythm issues become apparent.
@scott4 Go with what works for you.
Well said. One thing I practice is playing simple riffs with bends only. I am at the point playing bends that sound o k. I do believe picking a song that has the notes, bends, etc. that are a problem is the best way to defeat it. I also pick a tougher tune each time, especially if there are bends and I have to move around the harp to plat single notes or a chord and do it quickly..
Yeah this is all good stuff @Dai!
Dia
Thanks. It is a good practice technique. I had 9// problems and a tech suggested I play the the following - 2 -*2 -*2// -*2// -2/-2/*2/-2/ and them repeat it. It helps me to start with the 2// and then move my tongue up until I hit he -2/. Its a backward approach to learning the steps. I found it helps me transition to the next step.
*I seldom use the -*2// or -3/// but I/M/O if you want to be a complete player try to learn them all. Right now I am trying to get close to playing the Dances With Wolves sound track and it has proven to a beast. I no longer need tabs but getting the timing down and playing the bends right is a long term endeavor. I learn by doing and mistakes and the latter is the norm on this one. Playing bends quickly and consistent is tough. This one is going to take lots of practice and time. I improve a little each week but have a long way to go. This tune requires everything. I listen to it and there are about seven songs the John Barry wrote by taking certain parts and adding or changing notes and the rhythm, I like the movie and the music. If I can get this one down I’ll be on second base. If anyone can listen to the last two notes, .-*2 -*3/ and explain how this is played I would very much appreciate it. I just cannot replicate it.
It is on U Tube and played by Victor Duran in Bb.
Just take your time everything will come together. Practice sections at a time. That way the harder bits don’t seem so daunting.
Yeap I hit it a couple of hours a day. I can play it without tabs, etc. but getting the timing down is the challenge. Rhythm changes in several lines. It seems that parts of a tune come together and there are some that I play over and over until I am close. After this is behind me I listen to the song and there is always room for improvement. I know little about music theory and learn by doing. I enjoy practicing and if I learn one or two notes that needed cleaning up I consider it time well spent.