17-05-2008 Imaginary Hole Technique

[harmonicaman12]

It seems like I am always taking back what i feel needs to be said on my posts. By jumping around in my thinking, I add'd comments that had NOTHING to do with the original subject matter.. THAT SAID--TO JASON RICCI I DID DISRESPECT YOU IN MY POST TO chrismichalek--, WHICH IS WRONG-- PLAIN AND SIMPLE---PLEASE ACCEPT MY APLOGY-REALLY--ok? I JUST DONT LIKE YOU. Apologies are hard----BUT I CERTAINLY-NO DOUBT ABOUT IT--WAS WRONG. my real name chrismicheals is HUGH FEELEY.

[theloveboxquartet]

Do you have music or video to post...my socks are waiting to be blown off!

[theloveboxquartet]

So I watched your videos and my feet are still toasty warm. Try physically touching Jason and it may rub off a bit more. I also can't hear any trad folk on these videos.

But thanks for the nice comments.

[chrismichalek]

Thanks.

My goal is not to play like Jason...

you can search go to myspace/thebuddhasgroove for other samples.

I play folk stuff when it's warranted but it's not my bag these days. I have been doing it for the past couple of days because of YOU, so thanks for the inspiration.

[chrismichalek]

um the F# DOES exist.

the available physical notes on blow 10 using a G harp are:

G, F#, F

The available physical notes on draw 10 using a G harp are:

E, Ab (over draw)

irregardless of tongue block or pucker these notes can be played. What am I missing here?

[theloveboxquartet]

But I'm getting the F# on the draw.

try the technique again....

You are young Grasshopper, but you will learn.

[chrismichalek]

There is no F# on the draw. I assure you my technique is more advanced than most.

If you're hearing F# then I would have concerns about your pitch recognition or the harmonica you're playing

[theloveboxquartet]

You are a pompous arse. I get the F#, by playing 7 and 8 suck as a partial chord. The harmonics of this chord give the impression that it is in the higher octave. Do you finally get it? If not you probably never will as your prejudices won't let you........

[chrismichalek]

WOW! Let's deal in reality for a second.

There is NO WAY anybody is getting a note that isn't being played. IF your musicial ears are together then you will only hear real notes and in the proper octave. Keep your imagination for creating MUSIC not notes.

So little padawan, I didn't come here to fight I came here because I have a real intrigue in all things harmonica.

I'm done with this imaginary trick, when you have a question on advanced techinque, I will help you.

Peace.

[theloveboxquartet]

I've just found out that Rick Epping uses this technique in the same way as I do, so just because you don't believe it, doesn't make it not exist.

Your comments show you to be defensive and slightly arrogant, what have you got to hide?

Lastly, I can teach myself to play, so why would I need to ask you a question?

May the Farce be with you!

[chrismichalek]

What?

Why would you ask me anything? Because most people regard me as one of the most advanced diatonic players on the planet.

Still happy to help you...

Peace.

[theloveboxquartet]

Never heard of you, kiddo. And as you didn't understand my technique I'd question your Mum and Dad's opinion of your advanced status. Plus you probably play elevator jazz, not chord-style folk, so there's not much help you can give as I'm not interested in overblowing.....

Can You Feel The Farce!

[theloveboxquartet]

I've repeatedly said, the note doesn't acually exist, but using the technique allows you to simulate the missing F sharp between holes 10 suck and blow in tongue style playing, are you taking the piss?

[theloveboxquartet]

That's on a G harp.

[chrismichalek]

Yes, I can play the full chromatic scale including the Ab in hole 10.

13 notes total.

[theloveboxquartet]

You're not tongue blocking then!

[theloveboxquartet]

You're playing single note style.

[chrismichalek]

I can do it both ways.

Thanks

[theloveboxquartet]

Can you post a video?

[theloveboxquartet]

or send me a recording?

[chrismichalek]

of what? my abilities?

[chrismichalek]

I've gone through all of your videos, while I enjoy your playing very much, I simply do not hear anything that isn't already there. Maybe my ears suck.... again, love your playing.

[theloveboxquartet]

Hi Chris,

try this on a G harmonica if you have one...first play notes 6 blow, 6 suck, 7 blow and 7 suck, go up and down these notes a few times. Then play using tongue blocking to sound the chord of the 3 holes beneath the one you are accenting (the 6 and 7) Then try the same up at the high end, i.e. 9 blow, 10 suck, 11 suck 10 blow....oops, sorry, forgot there wasn't an 11th hole!

[theloveboxquartet]

So what I do is play the 6-9 blow chord octave accenting the 9 blow, then I go to the 6-10 suck as normal, but then I widen the right side of my mouth to play the imaginary 11 suck and adjust my tongue so the 7 suck (the missing major 7th) is slightly accented. It's a little bit more complicated than this, but The note doesn't actually exist, but as it's played within a scale and has a frame of reference, the ear fills it in, an aural illusion.

[theloveboxquartet]

If you play tongue style on tunes around the middle octave of the harmonica (holes 4 to 7) it has a certain sound. It has a higher, brighter sound on the high octave and cuts through other distractions more easily, particularly when played acoustically...sessions, pub gigs...the high pitch helps to make the technique work as the ear isn't as accurate higher up the frequencies.

[theloveboxquartet]

But basically the technique allows me to play the same melody on both middle and high octaves in tongue style. And playing in a less than perfect style helps too....

Hope this helps,

Cheers.

[chrismichalek]

OK, so I've been doing and I'm playing exactly what you are but there is nothing imaginary, NO NEW NOTES to my ears. Sorry to be so daft about it.

[theloveboxquartet]

So on the G harp can you get the full scale from G to G on holes 7 to 10?

[theloveboxquartet]

Yes, I meant higher octave, not higher pitch!

[theloveboxquartet]

Well, we all make mistakes....

You could call the technique Virtual Octaving...what do you think?