Ask Harmonica Expert Winslow Yerxa

I'd like to get into playing train / chugging / fox chase (not totally clear on the differences) stuff on the harmonica - still blown away by Filisko's playing in the final part of the interview - amazing, big round tone. He calls it country blues and I'm guessing that's not quite the same as train/chugging stuff.

I'm getting my head around the 12 bar blues structure, but don't understand the structure of train tunes. Do they stay on one chord or progress in some other way? Also, I don't understand how to work a melody into them, if indeed you're supposed to work melodies into them.

My next door neighbour plays original songs - I think the genre would be sort of folk and new world(??) - sort of west coast style - Canadiana, if you remember your roots ;-) I've played at their house (they have a 4 piece band that does gigs) at house parties but because of my 'newness' on the harp, I work at making 2nd position sort of work with my blues harps. I'm now starting to use 1st position a little (and I mean little) more. continue reading...

Every now and then, I see some thread on a site complaining about Hohner quality - particularly how it's declined over the years. A "G" Special 20 harp I have that is very leaky around the 2 & 3 blow reeds got me wonderin' about this as well. I'm thinking on upgrading my harp selection this year - possibly with the Crossover.

What is your opinion on Hohner quality these days? Are there particular Hohner harps that are better quality than others?

Hey Winslow, I'm interested with Quebec "folklore". Since its my roots i would like to play some classic reels.

Do you have tips for me.

What is the most used keys of harmonica. Is it mostly played is first position.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/m2/f7/14421.mp3

Winslow, I'm using Special 20's while going through my entry-level lessons. While working on the low end of the harp, I'm finding the screw is digging into my lower lip. Why they don't make the screws flush on these I don't know (unless the user is operating the equipment improperly as might be the case).

Am I playing wrong - or should I replace the screws?

If I replace the screws, what should I replace them with?

Recently David Barrett invited me to check out his new site bluesharmonica.com. Dave has always done exciting things for the harmonica, and this turned out to be his newest success in creating a new avenue to transmit rich, high quality content that promotes understanding of the harmonica. When he asked me to be a part of it, I said "Yes" without hesitation! Now that I'm here, my job is to be sort of the Big Giant Head of harmonica knowledge. continue reading...