General Discussion

how do ya'll keep from falling into bad habits, escecially when trying so hard to learn something techcial as bending then using the mechanics in a song?

I've struggled struggled struggled to the point of some days wanting to throw the thing down and quit because I could find the make the bends happen in the exercises or just practicing the technique then fail miserably when I'd come to a 4 draw bend (for example) in "feelin' for the blues"

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I try to record my practice songs on Garage Band but I have yet for it to sound very good.  Oh yes some it is me for sure but Im wondering if there is anything I can do to improve the sound quality.

I use the built in Mic on my MAC so Im sure that is one problem.  I use a moderate recording level but have not messed with any of the other many confiuration elements.  Compression elements, equalizzer etc.

Any suggestions how to get my recodings to sound better?  

Gary

The annual SPAH convention is now open for registration at www.spah.org. The event runs Aug 13 - 17 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This will be my first year to attend.  How many of you harmonica lovers can I expect to see there? 

Ok guys, I mostly perform to my friends who come over for a beer or two.

I found that I lose skill with every glass, so I am thinking to practice it in advance.

What would you recommend - two shots of Jack Daniels, or perhaps double Vodka every day before practice? :-D

Hey guys there's another app on google play store that does about the same thing as harp ninja but this one's free. It's called harmonica tuner. It also detects when you play multiple notes at once ( or a chord) and it can also be set to detect overblows ( not that I know how to get overblows ;P ).

Just thought I'd share.

Hello Everybody;

I have a quick question about practicing the study songs.

I tend to practice and practice and practice a study song until I get it right. The problem is that at the end I get so sick and tired of that song that I am not enjoying it anymore.

Would you recommend practicing two or three songs at the same time or do you thing it would be counterproductive.

Thanks a lot;

Steve

I spent the morning watching Davids Interview with John Nemeth. Im so impressed with this guy that I had to let someone know. On top of being a phenomenal vocalist and harmonica player. Hes like the most down to earth person you would ever meet. I hope some day to see his band in a live show. Thanks for Daves interview, I learned about John. A real class act.

John plays some really cool 60s funk style genre and plays great chromatic harp.

https://www.bluesharmonica.com/john_nemeth

I have been trying to branch out to other types of music.  I have some family members that play instruments and would like to play with them but they don't play the blues too much; mostly folk, folk rock, and jam band stuff.  I know a big part of it is just playing to jam tracks/recordings and putting in the work but I figured it wouldn't help to see what has worked with other people.  Does anyone know of any good resources for branching out?  Books, videos, or just good experiences that worked for them?  Thanks.  

Youth Scholarships for harmonica players aged 21 and younger:

 https://www.spah.org/content.asp?contentid=100

 Attending the annual SPAH harmonica convention lands you in the middle of a rich world of harmonica playing, jamming, performing, learning from the best, and sampling the many wares offered by makers large and small. If you’re 21 or younger, consider applying for a youth scholarship to attend the 2019 SPAH convention!

Hi David and group.

Have always loved the harmonica. I am 69. Is it ever too late to become a pretty good player?

Thanks,

Paul