General Discussion

Greg knows how much I appreciate his expertise and skill and I know that many in the harmonica world feel the same!! Tough situation but I know you will be a great addition to the experts to whom we have access. David- you've done it again!! Thanks

Welcome Greg - I'm loving my "woodies", especially the black label element!!! I'm looking forward to learning more from you!

Watching videos on youtube, I often see players such as Junior Wells, SB2, among others, put their finger briefly in the their ear while playing. Maybe it's just tugging the earlobe. I don't know. I was wondering if you knew anything about this.

-Taylor

I'm REALLY frustrated with learning how to bend the 2 draw on an A harp. Trying to get that E down to a D. I can get it down to an Eb but no further. This is with about 3 solid months of daily practice trying to bend it. I'm okay with bending the higher notes, but this 2draw on the A harp has me completely stumped. continue reading...

Here's a good artical on the subject with links to a few others. When I am learning a new instrument I spend 3-5 hours a day in the woodshed. I can't understand why people drink the koolade from instructors that promise proficiency in 6 months with just 5 minutes of practice a day.

http://www.bulletproofmusician.com/how-many-hours-a-day-should-you-pract...

Can any of you fantastic blues harmonica players tell me what key of harmonica Billy Branch is using for the second solo in Broke and Hungry (album: Harp Attack)? The music is in the key of D. The first solo is with a high G harp, but I cant figure out the second solo. I've tried the C harp in third position and that seems to work to a point, the 3 draw bend to start the solo is super fun, but it seems to break down after that. I've also tried the regular G harp in second, but neither of them sounds right. Can anyone tell me what harp I need for this? continue reading...

I saw Joe FIlisko play with a glass for effect. And I wanted to come up with something like his glass but I didn't like the size. So on Ebay I found a small brass cup that was 2-3/4" diameter. I got to thinking the other day that I'd like to improve my mic cupping technique and came up with the idea that my little brass cup would be perfect for that. So instead of carrying around one of my vintage mics I carry the cup in the car to practice with. If you'd like your own cup Ebay has lots of metal cups... I'd just make sure the diameter is 2-1/2" to 2-3/4".

Here is a good example of accompaniment playing by Joe Filisko :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVkrx8ii-vA

First of all I would like to introduce myself. My name is Patrick and I have been interested in the Harmonica for years but never was anywhere that I could take it up and get lessons. This site has made that available and possible. So far I am really enjoying it.

I bought a Big River Harp in the key of C and of course was excited that I could play little songs such as Oh Susanna. But I did notice that I was not sounding rich and flowing. Now I know why. My technique was all wrong. continue reading...

Does anyone know when the 2012 Shuffle King contest starts?

Hi Dave! it's me Erich, one of your first students. haven't stopped playing since your lessons, but still haven't mastered it yet. I did some lessons from Howard Levy, and that has helped me tremendously, and now am back for some from you. If you dont remember me, I was living in the RV park in Morgan Hill. back about 1990. just wanted to say HI!