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General Discussion

Discussion with members pertaining to blues harmonica. Question to head instructor David Barrett should go to "Ask Instructor David Barrett" below

Sonny Terry - Sonny's Squall

Posted Sat, 05/02/2015 - 13:56 by crazymilk
crazymilk's picture

Hey guys,

Did sonny terry tounge block or pucker generally speaking? and more specifically, I feel like Sonny's Squall is puckered, could you tounge block your way through that tune? 

 

Thanks

Asthma & Harmonica

Posted Mon, 04/27/2015 - 11:42 by SFJorge
SFJorge's picture

I suffer from asthma, although I would not consider it severe.  In a practical sense, this has meant that I have to change/adapt the way I play depending on how I feel.  As a more long term solution, I have learned to play more softly.  

Does anyone else here suffer from asthma?  Has it ever been an issue with your playing?

  • 4 comments

Pucker vs Tongue Block

Posted Thu, 04/23/2015 - 03:58 by Bones53
Bones53's picture

Just wondering how many of you out there still use/prefer puckering...do you use it when you submit your Levels of Achievement material? Can you go through all levels just using tongue blocking for octaves, slaps etc and use puckering for everything else?

  • 7 comments

How can I tell if I bought a "fake" harmonica?

Posted Tue, 04/21/2015 - 14:48 by crazymilk
crazymilk's picture

Hey guys,

I got a low tuned C harmonica and I opened it up and saw that the reed plates don't look new. I ordered it from ebay straight from Japan.. is there anyway to know for sure I was not tricked? Is it common to receive reeds in this condition? 

 

http://s14.postimg.org/43e471cun/20150422_001243.jpg

 

http://s14.postimg.org/g7tdo0pqn/20150422_001300.jpg

  continue reading...

  • 2 comments

Northern France trip

Posted Sun, 04/19/2015 - 13:16 by hank stefaniak
hank stefaniak's picture

We have a two week trip (May 7 - 20) to Normandy and Brittany (with a two day stop in Brugge, Belgium). Any information or tips on any Blues shows or jams in the area would be greatly appreciated. We will have wheels. Thanks

Marine Band 1896 Questions

Posted Fri, 04/17/2015 - 19:38 by toddshively
toddshively's picture

I just received my new Marine Band 1896 Key of G Harmonica today.  Prior to this I was playing on the Hohner Special 20 Key of A.  I have noticed that the Marine Band is slightly smaler with several other differences.  Nothing that I dislike but I have noticed that performing the 3 draw on my special 20 is much easier that on the Marine Band. Is this common or does this have to do anything with it being in the Key of G on the Marine Band?  Also, on the Marine Band every once in a while when I am performing a 1234 hole blow and draw I can hear a little click. continue reading...

  • 19 comments

Transposing a melody

Posted Mon, 04/13/2015 - 14:25 by crazymilk
crazymilk's picture

Hey guys. I took out of listening the tabs for a cover a guy made for "song of ice and fire" (game of thrones) on youtube; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13IgZguZQbw The harmonica is Bb and he is playing 4th position in the key of G, correct me if i'm wrong please. anyway he has an overblow on the 5th hole which I can not yet do, so I thought perhaps I can transpose it to a different key.

my questions are;

1. what is the best way to approach it? should I give any thought to the fact that this is in 4th position? continue reading...

New Suzuki Manji Low tuned Harmonicas - anybody got em?

Posted Mon, 04/13/2015 - 01:09 by crazymilk
crazymilk's picture

Hey guys,

I was wondering perhaps anybody here has the new suzuki low tuned manjis? I'm asking because I basically wanna know if I can put the special coverplate that it has on other harmonicas. the metally-rattling sound occours also on a G harp, it would be awesome if you could just switch cover plates between em to avoid that sound.

 

Oh, and if we are on the subject, then what do you think, Thunderbird or Manji Low tuned?Thanks in advance,

 

kobi

  • 6 comments

Converting MP3 files to burn to CD

Posted Wed, 04/08/2015 - 14:04 by Hugh M3
Hugh M3's picture

I'm trying to put some of David's MP3 tracks on a CD so I can have them in my car but having trouble burning through iTunes on my Mac. Has anyone had success doing so?

 

  • 1 comment

Positions and Harmonica Blues

Posted Wed, 04/08/2015 - 08:52 by stevewilliams
stevewilliams's picture

Hello all

I'm taken with a piece by Blues Birdhead called 'Harmonica Blues'.

https://youtu.be/gjepgzacmKY

It seems to be in the key of 'F'. Could it be played in first position on a diatonic? I'd like to slow it down digitally and try it out but it would be nice to know I have the right harp in my hands.

On a more general point, what are the first steps in figuring out what position a piece is best played in on what key of harp. Try it out I guess but people might have some other tips.

Thanks folks

Steve

  • 9 comments
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