Why more chromatic players?

Thanks @Jay1 yeah I’m picking it up still dropping the odd note here and there. I try to play with the backing track and without to try and memorize where I’m at when I’m not playing with the backing track is when I make mistakes but then I return to it and correct it. It’s a process!

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Because Chromatic is awesome!

With one slightly largish harp, I can easily play all 12 keys in multiple octaves!

You can’t bend, but the Chromatic has a really unique and pleasant sound.

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Almost totally agree except the ‘You can’t bend’ bit, chromatics bend, especially non-valve chromatics, admittedly in a different way to diatonics but bend they certainly will. My take away chromatic is a 10/40 Kmise NV or 10/40 East:Top NV (they are identical) and one or the other travels with me everywhere for exactly the same reason as yours one Chromatic 12 keys. :grin: :grin: @Andy2 Your when I’m not playing with the backing track is when I make mistakes We ALL make mistakes, but are they mistakes or just different interpretations? Jay1

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@Jay1 I had a Zoom call with Rob Paparozzi and told him his rendition of Body & Soul was inspiring me to wanna pick up the chromatic.

He told me he usually starts people off with Manha De Carnival coz there’s only a couple of accidentals.

I’ve been playing it every day, and HAVING A BALL! Thought you might like to know. I’ve finally overcome my chromatic blockages.

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I will definitely give that a listen!

@Luke Glad you’re enjoying chromatic, what harmonica are you using? I do admire those who can play and enjoy both diatonic and chromatic. My harmonica EUREKA! moment came with solo tuned chromatic and I’ve never really wanted to go back to diatonic or experiment with other tuning. As @Dk360 put it ‘With one slightly largish harp, I can easily play all 12 keys in multiple octaves!’ Jay1

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I do enjoy both diatonic because it’s slightly more gritty and really good to attack a song. I love Chromatic for the big bombastic sound, and it really sounds beautiful on slow Minor blues.

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If anyone is interested a google for harmonicalf can produce some interesting chromatic and diatonic sounds. Jay1

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Lots to enjoy there. Thanks @Jay1 :slight_smile:

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@Luke @Andy2 @jeffw @DavidW Etc.Etc. Just a question. With so many taking an interest in chromatic, including Luke :slightly_smiling_face: is it worth having a dedicated chromatic category or sub heading so that those who want to dip their toes into the murky water of chromatic can benefit from those who have already done so and those with no interest in chromatic have the choice of reading or not? Jay1

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I have no strong view on this. But the subject line shows what the post contains and people can “Dismiss” posts they don’t want to read. There’s no obligation to read every post.

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good point Jeff could be the answer. Jay1

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I would like that, especially if it had sound files, Tab being a pain in the rear end for me. Any way that will help me understand the instrument betterI would definitely love.

@Luke sorry I didn’t respond - good primers for Chromatic harp, I’ll admit I am not yet an expert on chromatic harmonica materials. But I can say anything Phil Duncan has put out with a title like “How to Play Chromatic Harmonica” will be good.

You might want to start with a book that has tabs AND traditional music notation. But there are some folks that strongly advocate to NOT have tabs below the music, in order to force you to really learn the notes and to associate a given note with the way it is played.

Coming from a music education background, I agree with that approach pretty strongly. But I’ve also found that many harmonica players have a strong enough aversion to it that they’d say, “I have to read music to play chromatic? Well then I’m not playing chromatic.”

That’s the reason I recommend Phil’s books to get started. But if you don’t have an aversion to reading traditional notation, Max De Aloe’s book is good. If you can get it, Jim Hughes book is also excellent. Both of them advance a little quicker than I think is ideal.

I’m also not sure where I stand on corner switching and when it should be introduced. It is usually thought of as an advanced technique, but Robert has mentioned that he’s been able to teach it to beginners. My experience was that Hughe’s book had corner switches, with no explanation or breaking it down, and for me that really slowed me down.

On the other hand, once I started taking lessons from Robert, he was able to break it down with exercises, and showed me additional uses for it (e.g., not just large skips).

I’m starting to spend most my time on the chromatic. I love it!

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@Hogie.Harmonica - thanks for the reply. I’m happy to read notes for chromatic harmonica, seems like a good skill for the instrument. I’m comfy with tongue switching from studying pre-war stuff on diatonic. I can’t find Jim Hughes book though. Do you know where it might be available?

@Luke @Hogie.Harmonica Luke/Peter can I jump in here; the Jim Hughes book is available at Amazon UK Amazon.co.uk they also have the Phil Duncan book Amazon.co.uk both listed as in stock Jay1

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@Jay1 sorry I never responded to your question of brands. I’m playing the same EastTop 12 hole as harmonicalf in that video @DavidW shared. Mine is key of A. I was also playing a 270 Deluxe in C, but I’ve misplaced it lol! Strangely, the Jim Hughes book doesn’t seem to be in US Amazon. Weird!

@Hogie.Harmonica I realized I actually had bought the Mac De Aloe book years ago. It was hiding in my bookcase. Been having a ball going through that, in addition to playing Manha de Carnival every day. Feels good to read music. Exercises a certain part of the brain that nothing else can! I’m on chapter 2 now, and loving it. Thanks for the recommendation!

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