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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Switching between harp models and skills.

2 replies [Last post]
Wed, 02/18/2015 - 11:08
luckyharp
luckyharp's picture
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Teacher 6Level 10
Joined: 12/28/2013

Hi David,

I don't know if this is something common but here is what I've noticed through the learning process.

I usually play crossover but I own also some seydel 1847 classic.

G harp, It happens the following.

When started to learn octaves I was using the seydel and at some point I found myself stuck and it was difficult to play some fast octaves passages.

I swiltched to the crossover and noticed I was able to play those better on that one, so I staied with that one.

Now I'm practising blow bends expecially on holes 9 and 10 and I did some effort on the hole ten. I went back to the seydel and I see I'm able to blow bend better and of course I'm able to play those octaves.

My impression is like every once in a while, changing the model of the harp is like to have a fresh tool that helps me to play better. I suppose that every model has a different feeling and response and while you're learning something you can find that that things is easier on a different model. After you practised enough on the easier instrument, when you go back to the other you already mastered the tecnique and you replicate it whitout efforts.

I would resume this concept in "use the harp on wich you play better and don't focus too much in trying to play something on the hardest one"

 

Greatings

 

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Wed, 02/18/2015 - 12:18
#1
luckyharp
luckyharp's picture
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Teacher 6Level 10
Joined: 12/28/2013
I had to indagate more and I

I had to indagate more and I discovered what could really have helped me with the 10 blow bend: I've been practicing for two hours on a tune with the F harp. The embouchure used is smalleer than on the lower tuned harps and this could have trained my muscle memory.

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Wed, 02/18/2015 - 16:08
#2
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Comment

Intersting. Yes, changing things up can sometimes help. Using the G Harp to practice your deep bends makes your A harp seem easy. And doing blow bends on the C harp makes the common A harp seem easy.

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