Panic!!!
Hi David,
Got any tips when it comes to switching between Chromatic and Diatonic in both directions with mic?
I'm working on "The Big One" ie the 5th and final Chromatic lesson. I've managed to get the switch acoustically but when holding the mic too, all hell sets in. Looking for a good way of dealing with this so that I don't end up throwing the harps across the room accidentally. =:0
Thanks,
Graham
Thanks for chiming in Rob, always appreciated.
When I do quick swaps like that, I set the diatonic on a tall chair (barstool) facing me... as if I were going to bend over and pick up the harmonica with my mouth and play it. When the switch comes, I bend over and bring my face as close to the chair as I can and I quickly set down the chromatic (also face up, ready for the next switch) and then quickly pick up the diatonic and start playing it before I even right myself. This way the harps don't go flying, and the swap is really fast.
The most practical thing to do is what Rob mentions... play your V-IV-I lick and drop anything in the turnaround area so you have enough time to comfortably make the switch.
Graham:
Don't know how much you play in public, but one great thing about a tune like "The Big One," once you figure out the best way to switch harps, is that folks frequently are really tickled, if not amazed, by the harp switch. Perhaps becuase between a chromatic and a diatonic, it's easily seen. When I do a switch like that at a jam, folks later comment on it.
Switching diatonics can be cool too. E.g., I've performed with two harps, switching harps and positions midway through a solo. But because of the similarity in size (and in my case, switching keys of the same model harp), it's generally only other harp players who notice. And will comment about my playing, say 24 bars, in two positions. Non-musician audience members don't seem to notice at all.
... and beat the rush!
Graham: "The Big One" is a gas, and it looks as if you're enjoying it as much as I have. I know David will check in soon with great ideas, but after I'd been tossing harps at mic stand shelves, picking up the G diatonic upside down, and dropping the chromatic in all sorts of embarrassing places, David gave me good advice: Get out right after the first of second beat of the 11th bar in each of the two choruses where you switch out. You may still mess things up, but at least you'll mess it up in a calm and deliberate manner!