I don't know if anyone's ever mentioned this to you but John Popper's favorite harp is his E. A lot of his songs use it like But Anyway and such. It's a pretty good harp for that funky high end second position stuff because it's a high enough key to make it easy to slide around but not too high that it sounds irritating. Great video, third position is my favorite, five stars
Been waiting for you to do the 3rd position. I actually learned to play blues in the 3rd position before I figured out cross harp. 1st song I ever learned was Wayfarin' Stranger. Serve Somebody works really good too in the 3rd.
Awesome stuff as usual Adam. I'm a big fan and was a student down in Clarksdale a couple years back, but there is one thing I disagree with. DO NOT throw out those old harps. I use reeds, combs and covers from old harps all the time. What you need to do is switch to whiskey. Spill some of that on your harps and they get happy!
I like Third Position and I use it a lot. The one thing that has always puzzled me is how some players make it sound good against major backings. For me, it's dorian/minor tonality and that's it. Little Walter did two sessions in 1959 where he played a lot in Third, but in major key songs (e.g.You're Gonna Be Sorry). George Smith was also brilliant at using Third to cover a range of moods - Telephone Blues would be the standout example. In the end, your ears have to be good enough to know when Third Position is appropriate and also when to leave out that defining Five Draw reed.
I think I'm going to get myself a marine band harmonica? I have a special 20, they say the wood comb has a warm sound too it. Or is it a personal horn from the heart??
This probably isn't of much interest to anyone who doesn't have a Bb chromatic harp. That's my only one, I inherited it. Anyone, imagine my surprise. Dexter Gordon plays a blues in C, called "The Panther" . It's on UA-cam with a transcription." Dexter Gordon The Panther great easy blues solo for beginners" it fits perfectly on a Bb chromatic harmonica
Back in the seventies, right before I went on stage, I would drop my marine band in a mixed drink. Why? Someone said I would get better response and sound. I believed it for a while, but all you really wind up with is sore lips from a swollen comb:( Love this third position stuff! NTJ
Adam You could have saved that B harp by taking it apart and cleaning it with 91% alchohol...However I respect your decision to stomp it. You rule see you at SPAH.
Yes, your ears are good. A woman leaned over and asked me that as he began to throw down. If you pick up a copy of MISTER SATAN'S APPRENTICE, btw, you'll find that I've written about the Satan & Nat throw-down. As Huck Finn said of Mark Twain, I mostly told the truth--and I included that line.
Dumb question: Has anybody ever compiled/published a list of songs categorised according to 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 12th position? Somebody should. I'd find that enormously helpful as a reference guide and a practise tool.
gotta agree with jasonricci. harps can be taken apart and cleaned.jason suggested alchohol.Drop in denture cleaner or dishwasher etc ... damaged or flat reeds can be replaced...lots of stuff on internet on repairs and tuning..Harps that are hurtin can be repaired or used for parts...RE-CYCLE ... don't throw them away...empower yourself by understnading your instrument richandthepoorboys dot com
I don't know if anyone's ever mentioned this to you but John Popper's favorite harp is his E. A lot of his songs use it like But Anyway and such. It's a pretty good harp for that funky high end second position stuff because it's a high enough key to make it easy to slide around but not too high that it sounds irritating. Great video, third position is my favorite, five stars
Been waiting for you to do the 3rd position. I actually learned to play blues in the 3rd position before I figured out cross harp. 1st song I ever learned was Wayfarin' Stranger. Serve Somebody works really good too in the 3rd.
Awesome stuff as usual Adam. I'm a big fan and was a student down in Clarksdale a couple years back, but there is one thing I disagree with. DO NOT throw out those old harps. I use reeds, combs and covers from old harps all the time. What you need to do is switch to whiskey. Spill some of that on your harps and they get happy!
That was EXCELLENT, thanks, I've been holding back on third position, and I'm gunna work on that.
GET TO IT, ADAM!!!
I like Third Position and I use it a lot. The one thing that has always puzzled me is how some players make it sound good against major backings. For me, it's dorian/minor tonality and that's it. Little Walter did two sessions in 1959 where he played a lot in Third, but in major key songs (e.g.You're Gonna Be Sorry). George Smith was also brilliant at using Third to cover a range of moods - Telephone Blues would be the standout example. In the end, your ears have to be good enough to know when Third Position is appropriate and also when to leave out that defining Five Draw reed.
I covered this pretty thoroughly in one of my early lessons. Can somebody remind me which lesson?
I think I'm going to get myself a marine band harmonica? I have a special 20, they say the wood comb has a warm sound too it. Or is it a personal horn from the heart??
That 3rd pos is hot stuff. Love that new book too.
This probably isn't of much interest to anyone who doesn't have a Bb chromatic harp. That's my only one, I inherited it. Anyone, imagine my surprise. Dexter Gordon plays a blues in C, called "The Panther" . It's on UA-cam with a transcription." Dexter Gordon The Panther great easy blues solo for beginners" it fits perfectly on a Bb chromatic harmonica
Great explanation! I'm confused tho...first you said the 5 draw was a major 3rd, then it was a minor 3rd?
if you playin in 3rd position you dont need to bend to get that minor 3rd so 5 draw is becomes minor 3rd
Gosh, that was such a clear explanation. Thank you! :)
Back in the seventies, right before I went on stage, I would drop my marine band in a mixed drink. Why? Someone said I would get better response and sound. I believed it for a while, but all you really wind up with is sore lips from a swollen comb:( Love this third position stuff! NTJ
Adam You could have saved that B harp by taking it apart and cleaning it with 91% alchohol...However I respect your decision to stomp it. You rule see you at SPAH.
I enjoy it very much... thanks
Cheers Adam
I believe it is "Blues Harmonica Secrets Revealed (Gussow.017)"
NEVER THROUGH HARPS AWAY UNLESS YOU GOT MORE MONEY THAN SENCE!!!!!
SPARE PARTS ARE WORTH THERE WIEGHT IN GOLD....
BAD ADDVICE MANNNNNNN
Yes, your ears are good. A woman leaned over and asked me that as he began to throw down. If you pick up a copy of MISTER SATAN'S APPRENTICE, btw, you'll find that I've written about the Satan & Nat throw-down. As Huck Finn said of Mark Twain, I mostly told the truth--and I included that line.
Dumb question: Has anybody ever compiled/published a list of songs categorised according to 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 12th position? Somebody should. I'd find that enormously helpful as a reference guide and a practise tool.
love from rome
thanks, good video.
gotta agree with jasonricci. harps can be taken apart and cleaned.jason suggested alchohol.Drop in denture cleaner or dishwasher etc ... damaged or flat reeds can be replaced...lots of stuff on internet on repairs and tuning..Harps that are hurtin can be repaired or used for parts...RE-CYCLE ... don't throw them away...empower yourself by understnading your instrument richandthepoorboys dot com
ferget all that.. giggles#
It wasn't the harmonica's fault you spilled a drink on it. You shouldn't have thrown it into the Mississippi.....Dusk.
mfs really be acting as if objects have rights /s