Brubeck's "Take Five" played on a harmonica

[kloijhi]

hallo! nice playing!

iam diatonic player but want to start learn chromatics, so first thing is scales, but question is: do i must learn C harp (all keys on it availiable) or G harp (different note layout but lower notes awailiable)

or i msunderstand something?

[clansworth]

@kloijhi

I would advise you to concentrate on a chromatic harmonica pitched in 'C' . 'Chromatic' means that all notes necessary for playing in any key are available. Personally, I do not see a need for chromatic harmonicas in other keys. The 16-hole chromatic has the lower notes. In order to play in different keys, it is necessary to become familiar with the various blow-draw, button in-out patterns of each scale.

Best wishes,

Jim Watkins

[katsukiakira]

Hi JIm. :)

Sound is so pure~. ;) (I like it.) ;)

[Palmheroes]

you are my man, Jim.

everyone should be like you.

[MrStablelad]

Outstanding work

Great jazz

[crawfishdave57]

Amazing rendition of an amazing song. Wow.

[Ryuzakibrb]

you're just amazing!! I didn't think that someone can play this piece on a harmonica but you sir are amazing bravo!! I can't stop hearing this beautiful tone... BRAVO!!!

[Ryuzakibrb]

you're just amazing!! I didn't think that someone can play this piece on a harmonica but you sir are amazing bravo!! I can't stop hearing this beautiful tone... BRAVO!!!

[moonshadow1970]

You have Great tone . wonderful playing.

[kevincanwait]

so brilliantly executed! .....more please!

[lvillarroelv]

great!!!!

greetings from Chile

[blamitall]

HI Jim,

I love all your posts I've seen. Great sound, great musicianship. I have a Hohner CBH Professional 2016. Your posts are probably the best lessons I've found, just trying to play along with you. Thanks so much!

[clansworth]

Hello blamitall,

Thanks for the kind words. The best advice I can give anyone about playing the chromatic harmonica:

Learn the scales in every key. It doesn't come easy, but once you've mastered the scales you've mastered the instrument.

Best wishes,

Jim Watkins

[landztranz]

Great job, Jim. Beautiful tone, smooth playing. I just have one question - and please don't be offended: Did you learn the song from notes or by ear? I'm asking because, as far as my ear can tell, part of the time you're playing a variation of the melody (aside from the improv, of course), and I don't know if it's intentional or not. Again, please don't be offended: I'm trying to learn how to play (at the ripe old age of 57) and want as much knowledge as possible. Thanks.

[JacksonPerdue]

a very sweet sound...wish i could do that!

[clansworth]

Thanks, Jackson

I've been playing since I was a kid, about 60 years.

It didn't come to me overnight.

Jim Watkins

[Kujala]

Hi, Jim! What is key of harmonica you are playing in this video? And is it Hohner Super Chromonica?

[Kujala]

Hey, Jim! What is key of your harmonica? And is it Hohner Super Chromonica? Very nice playing.

[bluishfuzz]

Hey jim, I play chromatic harmonica too, and as you are, i'm a serious musician. I was wondering how you get your beautiful tone? i'm playing on a hohner "super chromonica" and I was wondering if you have a wooden comb, or anything different on your harp then standard harps. You have a tone that truly sings.

Thanks for reading Jim,

- Graham

[clansworth]

Hello Graham,

I think my tone quality is enhanced by my vibrato, but

believe it or not, I can't really explain how it's done. It is not something I was taught or figured out.

Rather it as something I "discovered". It definitely involves the diaphragm, at least in my case.

best wishes,

Jim Watkins

[Michi2209]

Great

[sherrylynn70]

God bless the sweet gift He gave you..and, thank you so much for blessing me with your gift.. JUST BEAUTIFUL..I ♥LoVe♥ the gentleness of the harmonica and you play it so sweetly..

[dave1965o]

hello this is brilliant lovely tempo well done my friend

[bodharmonica]

great , I love this song.

[jadugarbhandari]

wonderfull sweet.........gr8

[Tsutsomu]

Hi Jim,

Great playing, thank you very much.

Steph.

[mottag8830]

great groove!!

[chromaticdave]

Smooth and wonderful playing. I love your tone, vibrato and timing. Something for us all

to work carefully on.

Greetings, Dave

[chrismayka]

Hello Jim,

Thank you very much for your wonderful playing

of this jazz classic piece.

It's a very beautiful jazz song and your playing is superbe!!!!

Thanks very much for sharing with us on YouTube, we enjoyed your playing very much.

We wish you all the best at making your music in the future.

Friendly greetings Chris and Mayka - The Netherlands - Europe - YouTube chrismayka.