Tip of the Day

In my newest lesson "Tongue Block Study 2.5 - Exercises" I use the new Tongue Block Trainer (TBT) by Joe Filisko. As you see in the video lessons where I demonstrate its use, it's a fantastic learning tool. You can get your own at http://www.filiskostore.com/page/480389598

#1 - Setup your amp off the floor
#2 - Get away from your amp
#3 - Turn your mic to 10 if you have a volume control
#4 - Turn your amp up to feedback, then dial it down just below feedback
#5 - Play at ~40% of your capable volume as your "normal" volume

This an extension of #4, discussed in detail yesterday... but very important to list.

#1 - Setup your amp off the floor
#2 - Get away from your amp
#3 - Turn your mic to 10 if you have a volume control
#4 - Turn your amp up to feedback, then dial it down just below feedback

Simply put, set the amp as loud as it can go and then play at ~40% of your capable volume as your "normal" volume. You can go lower for soft passages and louder for more intense passages, all leading towards to hugely-important, though commonly-lacking element on the bandstand... DYNAMICS. Listen to Kim Wilson and I discuss this in his interview. continue reading...

#1 - Setup your amp off the floor
#2 - Get away from your amp
#3 - Turn your mic to 10 if you have a volume control continue reading...

#1 - Setup your amp off the floor
#2 - Get away from your amp

Now that you have your amp off the floor, get away from your amp. Imagine you're holding a hose with a nozzle on the end that give you the option to have a powerful stream or spray. If you set it to spray, but are only 1 foot away from the nozzle, you'll only wet a small area. If you step 6 feet away, you'll cover the entire object you're spraying with water. continue reading...

Students walk in with amps that have tremolo and they ask, "what's that do?" and I commonly say, "we don't use it" and move on to the tone controls. It IS used sometimes. Listen to Little Walter's 1960 release "Going Down Slow" where uses amp tremolo (the copy I have is from the "Blues With A Feelin'" release).

To loosely define amp tremolo... it's an effect that takes what you play and quickly fluctuates it in volume... similar to how we do it in the throat, where our vocal chords open and close in a rhythmic fashion to create what we call a throat tremolo. continue reading...

#1 - Setup your amp off the floor

There are two purposes for having your amp with you in performance...
1) To achieve the tone you want
2) To hear yourself on the bandstand (musician's amps are known as the "backline") continue reading...

Check out this great footage of George "Harmonica" Smith in session at what looks like a recording session for film. Thanks Dan for this link!

"Hollywood Blues" - 1969 Hollywood Recording Session - Wrecking Crew?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2aiPSZ-AM8

He's playing in the Key of F (B-flat Harmonica in 2nd Position)

"Again, the 3 draw is it" states Kim Wilson in his interview. Control, and use of the 3 draw is one of the most common indicators of a highly-skilled harmonica player. Think of the use of the 3 draw in the list below...

The "3 Draw Rule" in 2nd Position
I7 = 3 (or slightly bend, at the quartertone, for bluesy effect... or 3' if you're in minor)
IV7 = 3'
V7 = 3"

2nd Position continue reading...

Take advantage of opportunities to learn from established master educators. That's the tip... now the plug! Registration is now open for the 2014, 20th Anniversary Harmonica Masterclass Workshop in San Jose, CA! Register today to lock in first choice of classes with Steve Baker, Dennis Gruenling, Gary Smith, Winslow Yerxa, Joe Filisko, The HarpSmith, Greg Heumann, Rick Estrin, Andy Just and Me (David Barrett). Presented by HOHNER Harmonicas and BluesHarmonica.com. As a BluesHarmonica.com student you'll receive $50 off of your registration.