Articulations on Half Steppin
Wed, 11/08/2023 - 06:34
Hi David,
You explain the use of articulations for fast licks in chorus 4. Does it apply for slower licks, with eight notes, as in chorus 1 for instance? Or in that case is it maybe preferable to use the diaphragm? Feels a bit more difficult to do so but sounds a bit better I think, articulations make it kinda harsh.
Wed, 11/08/2023 - 11:55
#2
Ok, thanks, makes sense. What
Ok, thanks, makes sense. What is the techique you use if I may ask, on these first two bars of the first chorus, to get that staccato but not too much effect? For me now seems like it's either legato or staccatissimo...
Wed, 11/08/2023 - 13:18
#3
Okay, great. No
Okay, great.
No articulation... just individual breaths for each note.
Hello miggyb00gie. Articulations are used in fast passages to give better separation between notes (especially when you're playing the same note multiple times in a row). For tempos that aren't so fast, it's up to you how you prefer to sound your notes. Generally, since we use a lot of slaps, flutters, pulls, etc, we don't tend to use a lot of articulating as blues harmonica players, but they are used (they're not rare). Typically we use "K" for draw notes and a slight cough for the blow notes (same muscle action as we use for tremolo). An articulation can be soft and barely noticeable, or very strong... again, all depending on how you want to voice your notes.