Why Am I Called "Big Harp George"?

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  • Опубліковано 28 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 64

  • @bigharpgeorge9129
    @bigharpgeorge9129  4 роки тому +5

    Hi Anil! Thanks for your question. Yes, I would say that the chromatic requires more lung capacity, but only in certain situations. You would probably not notice any real difference if you were playing single notes, and anyone with normal lung capacity should be able to play single notes on chromatic with ease. The only situation in which I really notice the difference is when I’m playing a series of octaves (which you achieve by placing the harmonica pretty deep in your mouth, blocking middle notes with your tongue, and playing two notes on either side of your tongue) on draw notes - meaning breathing in, not out. The problem here is that I find my lungs fill up with air until I reach capacity, and have to expel air either by switching breath direction and playing some blow notes, or just stopping the notes and expelling air before continuing. But as you can imagine, this is not a common situation, and I think it’s safe to assume that you can play most things you want on chromatic and, assuming a normal healthy lung capacity, will be able to play anything you want. Hope that helps!

  • @Harmonica-Rudi
    @Harmonica-Rudi 3 роки тому

    Hello, I like to play the tremolo harmonica with asia tuning.

    • @bigharpgeorge9129
      @bigharpgeorge9129  3 роки тому

      Nice! I have to say I haven't touched a tremolo harp in decades. But tell me more how you use it? What genre of music? Whatever else you like about it?

  • @farnaz4real
    @farnaz4real 4 роки тому +5

    Hi, I didn't know you are Iranian and now I'm so happy. I want to start playing Harmonica and I've got a Blues Harp in key B as a gift from my friend and I really don't know if it's a good one to start with. I searched a little and I think I like chromatic harmonicas better that diatonic 10 hole (as I have to buy 12 of them to have all the notes!) . I'd really like to know your opinion on this. thanks in advance for answering :-)

    • @bigharpgeorge9129
      @bigharpgeorge9129  4 роки тому +4

      Hello Farnaz, thanks for your comment. I am sorry to disappoint you - I am actually Palestinian American, not Iranian. However, my wife, Jaleh, is Iranian! You can check out my song to her “Hey Jaleh!” from my first album “Chromaticism.” Now to your question: that is certainly a kind gift from your friend. If I were advising you myself, I would have recommended a diatonic in C not B, at least if you were interested in playing blues. That is a far more commonly used key than B. Of course standard diatonic harps all have the same note relationships, so you could teach yourself a song or a lick on a B diatonic, then pick up a C or A or any other diatonic and play exactly the same thing. But playing along to recorded music is one way that musicians commonly learn to play, and with a B harp, you won’t find many songs to play with. The chromatic is a superior instrument if you plan to play music other than blues. You’re right, it has all the chromatic notes and therefore, just like a piano, you can play in any key with just one harmonica. It is much harder to learn that, however. And, of course, chromatics are much more expensive than diatonic harps. But my main recommendation is that you listen to music played on each type of harmonica, and decide which type suits the kind of music you want to play. Each type, diatonic and chromatic, has a distinct musical voice, so decide which you prefer, and focus on that. Once you’ve achieved some mastery over one type, you can add the other. That will require some adjustments and new learning, but that’s all part of the fun! Good luck and let me know if you have further questions! You might also want to review my other posts to learn more about harmonicas and their uses.

  • @BrotherBadger123
    @BrotherBadger123 Рік тому

    I have a Diatonic Harmonica and have been trying to Learn by Using Tab Instructions Here on UA-cam . I Immediately Noticed that My Harmonica Sounds VERY Different than What the Instructor is Playing even though the Notes according to the Tabs are the Same. Note sure What is going on, all though Mine is in the Key of C and the Videos don't Tell What Key the Tabs are Played in. 🤔😕

    • @bigharpgeorge9129
      @bigharpgeorge9129  Рік тому +1

      Bradly most harmonica instruction is done in the key of C because it’s a common key for music and C harps are easy to come by. Just be aware that when you’re playing a C harp the music you’re playing to might not be (G is the most likely alternative; this is what’s called playing “cross harp” or “second position.”). Two possibilities strike me here: 1) whoever you’ve been trying to learn from is playing a harp other than C (most teachers will specify, however); 2) you may have a harp that is not tuned to a standard “Richter” tuning; for example, you might have a harp tuned to a minor scale. If so, your C harp hole numbers will not play the same notes even if you follow the tablature perfectly. Does that make sense? If not, ask further questions.

    • @BrotherBadger123
      @BrotherBadger123 Рік тому +1

      @@bigharpgeorge9129 Thanks I will try and find a BETTER Harp or Better Instructor. I sort of know the Basics so in the Mean Time I can still Practice and see what I can do , I'm having Fun either way, I don't expect to go Pro over Night. 😎 ( I'm aware that C is most Common so I had assumed the Instructor was Using One also, I had not considered that the Tab might be in G )

  • @josephgonzalez9522
    @josephgonzalez9522 2 роки тому

    So what’s the differences???

    • @bigharpgeorge9129
      @bigharpgeorge9129  2 роки тому +1

      Joseph, the only thing that holds true across all models of chromatic and all models of diatonic harmonicas is that chromatic harmonicas have a full 12-note scale, while diatonics do not (what scales they DO have vary - there are different tunings, although most are major). Is that clear? If not, ask more questions!

  • @elricdrick6821
    @elricdrick6821 4 роки тому +9

    1:20 UWU

  • @keithhart6196
    @keithhart6196 3 роки тому +2

    Got a question im a trad irish musician. Im thinking of using a chromatic harmica and see where i can go with it. What is your opinion on using the chromatic harmica for trad irish music?

    • @bigharpgeorge9129
      @bigharpgeorge9129  3 роки тому +3

      Hey Keith! I’m no expert in Irish music - among harmonica players who play it check out Brendan Powers - but the chromatic is a versatile instrument adaptable to just about any genre of music out there. It’s called a “chromatic” because it has the 12 note chromatic scale, and with bending capabilities you can also achieve microtones, so I see absolutely no reason why you couldn’t play Irish tunes and sound great. Brendan is an amazing harp player and inventor, although my impression is that when he plays Irish music, it’s mostly on diatonic, including some that are specially tuned. But I would definitely check him out. Good luck!

  • @aeiouvowels7305
    @aeiouvowels7305 3 роки тому

    What harmonica to play Mexican norteño music?

    • @bigharpgeorge1362
      @bigharpgeorge1362 3 роки тому +1

      My friend, great question! Now, please understand I do not know norteño music from the inside, but considering the prominence in that genre of the accordion, I would say that the chromatic harmonica would blend most seamlessly just from the standpoint of musical voice. If you are just starting out, I would suggest a 12-hole chromatic in C, and slowly learn to play everything on that harp. It is true that some keys lay out more easily on the C chromatic than others (C, F, G, Bb, and D especially, but also Eb, E, Bm, Am, at least in my experience), but it's a superior approach, I think, to harp switching.

    • @aeiouvowels7305
      @aeiouvowels7305 3 роки тому

      @@bigharpgeorge1362 thank you

  • @thaido5700
    @thaido5700 3 роки тому

    Diatonic and chromatic which one easier for beginner? Thanhs

    • @bigharpgeorge1362
      @bigharpgeorge1362 3 роки тому +1

      Depends on what genre of music you plan to play, but generally speaking it's easier to pick up a diatonic and sound musical than to do the same on chromatic. Let me know if you have further questions!

  • @mux23
    @mux23 Рік тому

    3:15 of holding the harps and talking about them, and never once does the guy actually blow into them to show you the difference in sounds. this could have been an email.

    • @bigharpgeorge9129
      @bigharpgeorge9129  Рік тому +1

      Drew, this post will be re-titled because you're right, it creates an expectation that it does not fulfill. But you've given me an idea for another post, so thanks!

  • @anilwadhwa4594
    @anilwadhwa4594 4 роки тому +1

    Does a chromatic harmonica require more lung power than diatonic? Anil

  • @pepperjackcheese8768
    @pepperjackcheese8768 4 роки тому +2

    What kind of harmonica would you recommend for a beginner? (I know it’s strange, but I like to play pop, like Stay With Me by Sam Smith)

    • @bigharpgeorge9129
      @bigharpgeorge9129  4 роки тому +4

      As a general matter, if you’re interested in playing pop, I would recommend a ten-hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C. Good quality models are made by Hohner, Seydel, Suzuki, and others. Keep in mind that as a beginner you will not be able to play in all keys with a C harmonica (the most skilled players can play in any key with any harmonica, but this takes years to develop). I did not check the key of the Sam Smith song, for example, so I can’t guarantee that you’ll be able to play along with that song with a C harp. You can either buy additional harps to play in different keys, or you can transpose songs from the recording key to whatever harp you have. Keep in mind that in pop harmonica mostly you’ll be playing “cross harp” or “second position,” meaning that harp you use will be a fourth up (speaking of musical intervals here) from the key of the song. So with your C harp, you’ll most often be playing in G (G is one, A is a second, B is a third, C is a fourth). You can also play in C (first position), and later learn to play in D or Dm (third position). There’s plenty of good instruction on line these days, so definitely take advantage of it. Good luck!

    • @pepperjackcheese8768
      @pepperjackcheese8768 4 роки тому +2

      @@bigharpgeorge9129 Thanks!

  • @jonahpaz.
    @jonahpaz. 3 роки тому

    Hi. Where can I find valves for my chromatic harmonica in the USA? I can't find any online store that sells them. Hohner's website ran out of stock for a long time by now.

    • @bigharpgeorge9129
      @bigharpgeorge9129  3 роки тому +1

      Jonah, I don't have a great recommendation for you. The only idea that comes to mind is to try a reputable chromatic harp tech like Steve Malerbi in California. It may be that you'll find one who keeps valves on hand. Hope you find success and sorry I can't be of more help!

    • @jonahpaz.
      @jonahpaz. 3 роки тому

      @@bigharpgeorge9129 Thank you very much big harp!

  • @rossamson6502
    @rossamson6502 4 роки тому +2

    I want to learn. Raise your hand Pinoy out there!!

    • @bigharpgeorge1362
      @bigharpgeorge1362 4 роки тому

      Ros, let me know more specifically what you want to learn, and perhaps I can suggest some learning resources. Take care! BHG

  • @ollim3379
    @ollim3379 6 років тому

    Which harmonica is better for sounds on low frequencies When I want to add more bass sound in a melody?

    • @bigharpgeorge9129
      @bigharpgeorge9129  6 років тому +2

      Olli, among chromatic harps your best choice is a 16 hole tuned to C. Those additional four holes add notes below the standard 12 hole. I like and play the 16 hole C on many of my songs - for example both instrumentals on my last album, Size Matters and Mojo Waltz, use that harp (although on Mojo Waltz I switch to a 12 hole F for my solo). I like to play down in the low register, for its trombone-like tone, and sometimes playing octaves. Just be aware that the lower reeds respond more slowly and thus are a challenge to play in uptempo pieces. Probably why many blues chromatic players stay away from the low register in favor of safer middle of the harp!

    • @ollim3379
      @ollim3379 6 років тому

      Thank You!

    • @bigharpgeorge9129
      @bigharpgeorge9129  6 років тому

      Yes, and just to add further, now that I have a little more time: among diatonics, there are two options (at least). You can go with a 14 hole Marine Band in C, which has four holes below the standard diatonic tuned in that key. This is what Sonny Boy Williamson II uses on his famous song "Bye Bye Birdie;" Rick Estrin also uses this on several of his songs are are take offs from the Sonny Boy original. Or, more recently (but now for a good 15 years or so) you can buy low-tuned harps in several keys (low D and low F being among the most common). New Jersey-based harp player Dennis Gruenling popularized the use of low-tuned harps, choosing them on a lot of his numbers, especially in the early years of his recording career. In his hands they sound great! You should check him out if you have not already.

    • @bigharpgeorge9129
      @bigharpgeorge9129  6 років тому

      And finally, on my upcoming album, entitled "Uptown Cool," I have an instrumental called "In the First Place" which I play in first position with the big 16 hole C harp, and start off the first couple of verses of the song in the low register of the harp. Should be out by mid- to late May 2018.

    • @ollim3379
      @ollim3379 6 років тому

      Thank You for such a complete answer!

  • @mostaqueahmed867
    @mostaqueahmed867 6 років тому +1

    what should i buy 24 holes or 10 holes

    • @bigharpgeorge9129
      @bigharpgeorge9129  6 років тому +3

      Mostaque, thanks for your inquiry. Most (but not all) diatonic harmonicas are 10-hole, and that's what I would advise you get if you're looking for a diatonic. I do not endorse any particular brand, and all the major manufacturers (Hohner, Seydel, Suzuki, to name a few) make good diatonic harps. Most chromatics, on the other hand, are 12-hole, although some - almost always tuned to the key of C - are 16-hole. If I were buying just one chromatic, it would, in fact, be a 16-hole in C, because the added four holes take you down an octave, and I often like to play in that low register. C is a reasonably versatile key in blues as well. Finally, if you are aspiring to play blues on the chromatic, 95% of what you hear other blues players doing is played on a C chromatic - although typically in the keys of D or Dm, as they are playing in what's called third position. This means that as you are learning and trying to pick up licks from established players, you will be able to mimic their sound most consistently with a C chromatic. Make sense? If not, ask more questions.

  • @shrinir30
    @shrinir30 4 роки тому

    Sir which harmonica for beginners kindly tell me brand also sir

    • @bigharpgeorge9129
      @bigharpgeorge9129  4 роки тому

      First can you tell me what style/genre of music you wish to play? That will help me guide you better. Thanks!

  • @fondoman3884
    @fondoman3884 Рік тому

    .. so the difference is in the size? .. and you took so long just to say that

    • @bigharpgeorge9129
      @bigharpgeorge9129  Рік тому

      Fair enough. I should re-title this post because it’s really just explaining my name “Big Harp George,” and doesn’t go into detail into the differences between diatonic and chromatic harps. But to answer your question directly: no, the difference isn’t just in size. The main difference is that the chromatic has a full 12 note chromatic scale (which is why it’s called a chromatic harmonica), whereas a diatonic does not. Most chromatics create the full 12 note scale through what’s called a slider, which, when you press on it, closes off one set of reeds and opens up a second set tuned a half note higher, giving you sharps and flats. The slider gives you the capacity for certain kinds of ornamentation that the diatonic doesn’t have - trills of various lengths, for example, if you press the slider in and quickly release it, or do that repeatedly. Of course, highly skilled players can achieve a chromatic scale on a diatonic harp through bending the pitch of notes up and down, but the tonal quality of bent notes is always different. Both chromatics and diatonics can be tuned to different keys and scales, but the standard tunings for each are also slightly different. So if you’re a diatonic player and you pick up a chromatic in C (the most common key for chromatics) you won’t find all the notes you’re familiar with from your C diatonic in the same places. Finally, the instruments have different voices, partly because of how the chromatic scale is produced (bending v. slider) and partly because of size. Of course there is some variation within each type as well - not all diatonics sound like each other, and not all chromatics sound like each other - but the voice difference between diatonic and chromatic is distinctive enough that I can usually identify which is being played within a few notes. Good? If you have more questions, don’t hesitate.

  • @mostaqueahmed867
    @mostaqueahmed867 6 років тому

    what is best chromatic or diatonic???

    • @bigharpgeorge9129
      @bigharpgeorge9129  6 років тому +4

      Mostaque, I use a variety of different makes and models, some of them influenced simply by cost. These are not cheap instruments, especially if you want to build a collection of them tuned in different keys. My favorite 16-hole chromatic is the Hohner Super 64 Chromonica - very smooth instrument with lovely moderately bright tone. For 12-holes I like the Hohner CX-12 for playability and somewhat darker, mellower tone (at least when cupped and played amplified). However, they are somewhat fragile and vulnerable to breakage. I also like the Suzuki Chromatix - durable, smooth, good tone. Not such great volume and heavy and chunky in the hand though. Of diatonics, I like the Hohner Crossover, in my experience one of the best harps out of the box (that is, without customization) ever made. The Hohner Special 20 with a plastic comb also is nice, with a darker, less brassy tone, so good for some uses. I've got nothing against other brands - Seydel makes good harps (although I'm not a fan of their chromatic harps, as the slider spring is too weak and doesn't always retract speedily enough). In fact, my main counsel to you is not to get too hung up on harp brands or models. If you really focus on your own playing and technique, and not expect the harp to solve problems for you, then just about anything can work. As you get more experience, you'll find good uses for all of them!

  • @mhsab6171
    @mhsab6171 5 років тому

    Hale aghaye besharat ?

    • @bigharpgeorge9129
      @bigharpgeorge9129  5 років тому

      Salam, aghaye mh. Man kami Farsi mi donam. May we proceed in English?

    • @mhsab6171
      @mhsab6171 5 років тому

      George Bisharat salam e dobare hale shoma
      First of all i have to confess that im amazed that im talking to a person in another part of the world in my mother language 🙏🏻
      I just wanted to ask to see what kind of harmonica should i get for starting in the harmonica world not too complicated not too simple something that tickles ears !

    • @bigharpgeorge1362
      @bigharpgeorge1362 5 років тому

      @@mhsab6171 khayli khoub mersi! I suggest you get a ten hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C. The Hohner Marine Band Crossover is a very good harp, although not cheap (www.amazon.com/Hohner-Marine-Crossover-Boxed-M2009BX-D/dp/B007J4A2NU/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=X5QOLJO4K24R&keywords=marine+band+crossover+harmonica&qid=1569362571&s=musical-instruments&sprefix=marine+band+%2Cmi%2C333&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyOE9INjI1UzU5NDM3JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODQ3MzQyMjRPN0FKOVNXQkhEOCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTc2MDAxMllIMEtITzBEMVhDRiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=). If you are just beginning and don't really want to invest until you have a little more experience, start off with a cheaper brand, such as East Top (www.amazon.com/Easttop-Diatonic-Harmonica-Standard-Harmonicas/dp/B01FZ1YCZ2). Hope that helps!

  • @johnknowing-zr8de
    @johnknowing-zr8de 6 років тому +3

    Dam another self center up loader that talks all about himself like Dems Me Too and in doing so didn't tell me jack crap as the title depicted

    • @bigharpgeorge1362
      @bigharpgeorge1362 6 років тому +2

      Hey John - I can understand your disappointment if you expected a general tutorial about diatonic/chromatic harps, and it's a fair criticism that the title suggests that while the content doesn't deliver on that promise. And while the main difference between me and many other blues harp players is that I feature the chromatic v. the diatonic harp, I'll consider changing the title to better reflect what it's actually about! This post was introducing a series in which I answer common questions about me and my music that I get from fans, friends, professional interviewers, and others. So yes, in that sense, the posts are centered on me and my music. But give the others a view - particularly the one entitled "Why Does Your Harmonica Sound Different? - and see if there's a little more of what you're looking for. And if not, feel free to take me up on my offer of answering questions from viewers, either in the form of a post or in a response like this. You can see from my replies to other viewers that I do take their questions seriously. Again, sorry for any disappointment, and thanks for bringing the issue to my attention!

  • @borissthings
    @borissthings 3 роки тому

    Zero substance

    • @bigharpgeorge9129
      @bigharpgeorge9129  3 роки тому

      Boris, this video was meant to be an introduction to a series of video posts in which I would address a number of different questions that I commonly receive from people. I realize, however, than in titling it as we did, that we promise something that we do not deliver. Therefore, I accept your criticism as fair, and will amend the title so that it accurately reflects the actual content of the video. I will also take a look at the other videos in the series, and if I don’t feel that I’ve addressed the question of the differences between diatonic and chromatic harps, I will record a new video that does so. I hope you’ll take a look at that - and thanks again for your input.

  • @bigharpgeorge1362
    @bigharpgeorge1362 3 роки тому +4

    I received email notice of a question about whether the chromatic is beginner friendly from someone who loves Stevie Wonder's style. Not seeing the comment here but here's a response: hey I love Stevie too! My awe of his musicianship was just reinforced by watching him in the recent documentary "Summer of Soul" in which Stevie puts on a clinic - ON DRUMS!! He's a phenomenal talent, including on both diatonic and chromatic harmonicas. That said, you are probably more accustomed to hearing Stevie on chromatic, as that is what he usually plays. And if that's what you aspire to play like, then there's no question you should pick up a chromatic and start learning it. Is it as beginner friendly as the diatonic? No. But it's not an especially difficult instrument in the scheme of things, and if that's the sound you want, then go for it!