Skip to main content
Blues Harmonica logo

User Account

Username:*
Password:*
Forgot Your Password?

Visitor Menu

  • Sign Up
  • Sample Lesson #1
  • Sample Lesson #2
  • Student Recordings
  • Forums
Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Taking the fills on a bandstand

3 replies [Last post]
Thu, 04/03/2014 - 20:43
marcgraci
marcgraci's picture
Offline
Teacher 9Level 10
Joined: 07/15/2013

Hi, David:

In Accompaniment Study 4, you mention that a harp player needs to come in strong on the first 2 bar fill, or else someone else in the band will take the fills.

Is it assumed that, if there is a harp player, he or she is taking the fills? If I come in strong on the first fill, do I need to worry that someone else might be trying to take the fills also?

Always thinking of courtesy onstage and always interested in the hidden language among the band while onstage.

Top
Thu, 04/03/2014 - 22:06
#1
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

Great question. If you're asked up as the guest, or you're the only jammer coming up to play with the house band, then you get the fills, that's assumed. If there is another guest/jammer up... harp, guitar, keyboard, etc., then it may be a good idea to agree on it... or just step forward and take it!... being meek at a jam session sometimes doesn't pay off.

Top
Thu, 04/03/2014 - 23:46
#2
marcgraci
marcgraci's picture
Offline
Teacher 9Level 10
Joined: 07/15/2013
Thanks for the encouragement.

Thanks for the encouragement. Actually, being meek has been my problem. I have heard so many bad stories about harmonica players overplaying. So I get up on stage and don't play often enough or loudly enough. I guess, though, that doing no harm should be my first priority, as a beginner jammer.

Top
Fri, 04/04/2014 - 08:19
#3
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Comment

I agree, well-stated. Being a humble servant of the band and ultimately the music is the smart way to go in your early years.

Top

Sign me up!

The low monthly subscription of $16.95 gives you full access! We accept major credit cards and PayPal.

Subscribe

Free Sample Lessons

After watching the BluesHarmonica.com overview video, try one of the lessons below to experience a lesson at BluesHarmonica.com.

  • Tongue Blocking Study 2 – This study is for the newer player or the player new to tongue blocking
  • Bending Study 5 – This is for the advanced player looking to improve their bending skills

Contributors

  • Aki Kumar
  • Joe Tartaglia
  • Gary Smith
  • Mark Hummel
  • Joe Filisko

Site Links

  • About David Barrett
  • Accredited Instructors
  • Links
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
Hohner
© 2009 - 2022 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com