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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Playing high-end harp with an amp

2 replies [Last post]
Thu, 05/07/2020 - 06:49
garyhayes
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Level 8
Joined: 02/01/2015

David

I am working on "The Stretch" for Level 9 and my question concerns the best way of cupping the harmonica and mic when moving from the low to the high end. I am used to playing at the low end with the high end of the harmonica being outside the cup. What is the best way to change the relative hand/mic/harmonica position to get the high end sound into the mic?

 

Thanks

Gary

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Thu, 05/07/2020 - 07:46
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello Gary. As you move to

Hello Gary.

As you move to the right on the harmonica, have the thumb of your right hand (which is normally blocking the upper holes) follow your face. The rule-of-thumb for the right thumb is that it's always touching your right cheek.

Have the fingers of your right hand also follow your cheek as you move right, so that you're still shaping/cupping the sound as you move higher on the harmonica.

Here's an example that you can see well. Go to 3:06 and you'll see me move to the high end, with my hands doing what I stated https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=616fOnrnhlA

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Thu, 05/07/2020 - 08:26
#2
garyhayes
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Level 8
Joined: 02/01/2015
Thanks David The clip was

Thanks David The clip was very useful to help with the explanation.

 

regards

Gary

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