How to play "Digging My Potato" 1 (MBH.184)

[KarakocanKurd91]

Can i play this song with a C?

[zeratul7975]

may I ask EXACTLY on what note is that harmonica you're using...? I got myself a G harmonica, and I can tell you I CANNOT replicate Digging my Potato there...

[threewhitetears]

I don't play the harmonica, but this is still a really interesting video--really cool to see a dissection of this song. Love Cowboy Bebop. The music of Yoko Kanno is amazing.

[tzcoolman]

Wow.. Adam u r pro..

[JohnCuchta]

I'm not sure if anyone else pointed it out, but the music group isn't called Cowboy Bebop, that's the name of the show that the music is from. They are called the Seatbelts, a Japanese-American blues/jazz/fusion group. Anywho, you do great work!

[dingote]

@JohnCuchta Hes right! also Spokey Dokey is amazing! and kudzu you should check out the series too!

[iamthetank44]

Not interested in Spokey Dokey? Spokey Dokey is what got me into harmonica. It's amazing. Keep going!

[skidz8424]

I'll wanted to make a comment on the 3 blow maybe he does it in preparation for the long set of draw notes preceding. just something I think about I guess

[Shabbabaram]

Adam! I remember in one of your first videos, you said you felt almost bored by playing the harp, and thought that passing on what you knew would be a whole new energy.

The fact that you're moving back into perfecting your own craft. You did what you set out to do.

[KudzuRunner]

@Shabbabaram: Yes. Thanks for noticing that! For me, it's been a remarkable lesson in "to give is to receive." That first step is often the hardest, but stuff starts to happen; the snowball grows.

[octron999]

why are you in a car?

[sorrowiscool]

Cowboy bebop is one of the most highly acclaimed Anime (Japaneses adult cartoon) and is regarded as one of the greatest Anime series ever created. The series' art direction centers on American music and counterculture, especially the beat and jazz movements of the 1940s-60s and the early rock era of the 1950s-70s.

Even know you may not be able to relate to anime Its something i feel anyone can relate to, you should look into it, its in English. It just might change your life.

[KudzuRunner]

@lejyonerhkn: All I can say is: Fuat Saka - Cigerparem - Tzivaeri! With extra pickles. And please save the bones for Henry Jones, 'cause Henry don't eat no meat.

[EIephunk]

What would be the best label for this type of playing (i.e., Delta blues, etc.)?? I've always been really interested in playing/listening to/learning slow blues like this song, but they hard to find. Anybody know any players that play with a similar style as this song, perhaps some older classical players?

[MrDubbleBubble]

Hey man love your vids your such a good teacher :) I was wondering if you could perhaps do a lesson on how to play she caught the katy by taj mahal and what key it would be played in and such. Thankyou :)

[Samcut]

I just started playing. Right now your videos are helping me getting that push to play more. Thank you.

[akalbj]

whats the name of the dude who made this song ur really good man how do i get tht good?

[FaszaLegeny]

Hey man, I just wanted to say I appreciate the videos.

I started a couple of weeks ago and just bought my 2nd harmonica.

I gotta say I'm hooked. Love the videos.

I can finally play the first bit of this song but using a G, because I don't have an eflat. That's besides the point. Cool videos and thanks. Have a good one.

[NostalgiaKing]

Yet another great song by the Seatbelts. Great video!

[hadlock]

Thanks for finally posting this! Going to go out and get an Eb tomorrow to finally conquer this song. This is probably one of the most important videos for modern beginning harmonica players.

[MrDannydo]

waited a long time to afford a e-flat .doing this lesson w/Adam on you tube? PRICELESS!!!!

[crazyman10100101]

Hey KudzuRunner Im currently about to start on the harmonica im going to by 2 harmonicas 1 c so i can learn but also i'd like to buy one where i can play spokey dokey and diggin my potato, but i dont know which note their in, can you give me a hand thanks

[KudzuRunner]

You need an Eb harp for "Digging My Potato" and a D harp for "Spokey Dokey."

[crazyman10100101]

How many harmonicas do you own. and would a more expensive harmonica like a silver covered one sound better than the c and the Eb

[ranchosdancingbull]

It's not always about bending right?

[eabramchuk]

What you do is absolutely great. Thanks, man!

[MrDidjcripey]

You're leaving? You bastard.

I know you tried to break the news gently, but I still feel jilted.

I'll survive though and anyway the great lessons you've given (and sold me) will keep me going for years. If I master half of what you've taught I'll be a great harp player.

Eternally grateful, thanks so much, enjoy the family.

[DaMastaMynd]

I have no idea. I'm actually just looking into buying my first couple harmonicas, since I'm just starting, and was trying (like you) to find something that kind of bridges between chromatic and diatonic playing so I wouldn't have to buy two instruments to learn them both. But again, I'm just starting, so I have no idea. I think a review I read said that the harmonica was a little bigger and less airtight because of the slide mechanism and extra reeds, but that it was workable nonetheless.

[DaMastaMynd]

Hohner makes a model called a Koch, which may be what you're looking for. It is the same Richter tuning as the standard diatonic, but it has a slide that raises the tuning a semitone, just like a chromatic. No idea how it does with either, since I haven't personally used it, but I've been shopping, and I looked at it. Seems pretty cool.

[JohnCuchta]

I just found this and I really look forward to trying this out, but alas, I am heading to the Harmonica Contest in Huntington, WV today.

[KudzuRunner]

I'm afraid I can't answer your question.

[SianReynolds]

What's with the Robbie Robertson finality, Adam!? Never heard of just taking a break?

[JoeDawg15]

Because it's a goddamn impossible way of life!

[LutherRay]

Thanks for all the great video's A man. I have learned so much from you and although I am not where I wish I was with my playing, I still love the instrument.

Your saying "those who can't play teach"; I don't subscribe to. I say, "there is no better way to learn a subject, than to teach it".

Jam On.

[missmymissy]

Adam,

Thanks for being a great Mentor. You gave me the inspiration to try it out over two years ago and I have become a life learner of this devilishly difficult instrument. Thank you!

[salvbot]

this is freaking awesome

i salute you and your harmonica, sir

[Mazblues]

Go for it, Adam! Thanks for all the teaching &bgood luck, buddy!

[alar]

Thanks for everything.

[hessonr]

Oh nos! Your videos on youtube and your website have been the single best source for the harmonica knowledge I have now. Lots of luck in the future. See you in Philly in August!

[BoltMitch]

Thank you for all of your lessons before this! Good luck with everything you do later! :D

[clobaton]

Adam, I hope we see more videos from you in the future, whether it is lessons or just gigs. Thanks for all this time.

[MusicMan20061210]

Oh no!...No more videos? I will miss them for sure.But of course there are so many you've done...incredible.

After you've had a period of some real playing,I'm sure you'll be back to share more ideas :-)

What I like is that you talk about so many other things as well...not just the harmonica technique.

Thanks

[StopTheMoti0n]

you should tab this out

[ResidentHooligan]

Why don't you tab it out and post it?

[StopTheMoti0n]

you should tab this out

[streetmd]

Adam, I'm very sad to hear that your lessons will be drawing to a close. They were the "Saturday Morning Cartoons" of my Youtube experience. Thank you so much for your investment.

Also, thanks for doing this song, I didn't think you wanted to at first.

I just wanted to comment: that "Tonal Roughness" you are referring to on the 1 draw bend at 8:46, I achieve it by sort of gargling or snoring in the back of my palatte. My friends call it "growling" the harp. It also sounds great on the 3 4 draw

[61mott]

Hey Adam, well thanks for everything. You have inspired me since your first video around 2 years ago. I'm playing harp every day and continue to learn constantly. Thanks to you and your lessons I'm playing in a couple of bands fairly regularly.

Mott (Sth Aust)

[IlikeCheese4ever]

dude you rock my socks!

[greendice9]

thank you for everything you did for the harmonica world of the new comers .

[MrHilbert]

I don't know anything about this spokie dokie or Cowboy BeBop thing, but before you hang up your pedagogical chapeau can you please show us how to do "Christine" by Big Walter.

[spec10]

Thanks Adam. Your first videos made me pick up a harp (and later on I started the guitar). I watched nearly all of your youtube videos, bought a few lessons from your website and enjoyed all of it. You ignited a spark, a desire to really be a musician, and i can tell you the fire burns and burns and burns, big thanks for that :)

[odalanizi]

My bandwidth ran out so I can't watch youtube videos, at least until tomorrow night!

I'm wondering, though, is this the extended version I sent you? Or is it the regular version, Adam?

[Wharty]

Going to miss you here Adam. Through this medium I was able to meet you and Charlie. I consider myself very fortunate to have done so. Keep your lips to the metal brother. I hope our paths cross again someday.

[KudzuRunner]

Thanks, Bruce. That was a fun time in K'tal. I know we'll cross paths someday.

[Wharty]

This song is from the OST from the Anime Cowboy Bebop performed by the band The Seatbelts. The band leader is the great Yoko Kanno. They once traveled around the world performing the "Digging my Potato Tour". Cut 16 according to my source states ... "Digging My Potato"

* Harmonica: Chris Michalek

* Percussion: Daniel Sadownick

* Drums: Bill Stewart

It would be interesting to know who actually performed this. Get the OST it is fantastic!!!

[Auquis]

Something tells my Ryuchiro didnt play this...can anyone find the album this is on to confirm the harp player?

[BigFishBlueFish]

Sensai...you are sensational...and every moment of your experience you share with us...we step forward...smiling...thanks..

[ridenhour1]

thank you for teaching all of us on how to progress on the harp. with out you i would not be the harp player i am today. I'll post up a video on where im at with the harp soon. Please Adam dont remove any of your videos

[muzhunter]

Thanks, boss. You've been great. See you further on down the road, as the man says.

[musthaveblues]

First heard this song on youtube. I've been working on it but you've just made the progress better. Thanks for all the past lessons. Will be waiting for you to get back at it.

[wngdthundr]

Adam: Thank You for all your unselfish teachings and artistry. "My Accolades"

Hope to see you at a Gig sometime.

[pinkushn2]

Adam: Thanks for:

**** 184 ****

lesson videos. It will take me YEARS to mine them all.  What a gift.

[66rich66]

THANK YOU ! THANK YOU ! THANKS! .... you have made an impact on a world of harmonica students. thank you!!!! rockin rich

[hoshnasi]

See you space cowboy....

[LesYeuxDeDarius]

I just hope I can see you one day playing life, do you ever plan to come to Spain ?

Too bad that you will stop more or less your activity here, but if it for your sake I'm just going to wish you luck and hope that you will do some wicked stuff.

[reihos]

bye bye bird...( cfr sonny boy )

all the best in your music and life.

surely you're not going to end your lessons with someone else his song ? Play some of your own funky stuff! It would surely bring a smile on my face but yet -as you 're more or less going- also a tear. I can't thank you enough ! Hope seeing you one day playing in Belgium ( Europe ) and reading your book.

[KudzuRunner]

I'm definitely not ending with this song. Yes, I'll go out with my own stuff.

[Clarky3009]

Look forward to new book!

[bluezboy2]

Good for you Adam, even though we will miss you. Your teaching and humor is always a treat for me, how will I ever go on? Waaaaah! One of these days I'll make it over to Oxford. Good luck with your next book and your playing, We'll miss you!!!!!!!!! Vern

[Geetar2112]

Bad news indeed! I have only been playing for 6 months but I can already play stuff I never dreamed of thanks to your classes. I am glad that you are "pausing" because you are playing more. I´m sure you´ll carry on some day, you won´t be able to stop! :) There are NO harp players where I live, so you are a digital friend indeed. Be happy and keep up your great playing. See you on MBH and come back to us SOON!.

Regards from Spain.

[Geetar2112]

You know that we won´t let you stop completely - let´s just call it, as you would say a "pause for the cause" OK? ;))

[Shakez76]

Always loved your work Adam. Best of luck! Keep posting videos of you and Mr. Satan!

[toamille]

All the best to you and family.  Good luck, happy harping.

[pipesoblue]

i understand but i will miss your lessons.

you made me strive to be so much better and i even started bending notes on my bagpipes !! stay safe

[666DaDoom666]

Dang this is bad news indeed. Apart from the incredibly valuable knowledge that you have passed on with all of your lessons you have become something like a digital companion. I sometimes just play one of your videotube videos to hear you talk in the background. I have spent so many hours listening that I have lost count at this point.

I hope that you'll fell the urge to pass on some more of your knowledge in the near future. Or that you'll at least will keep on posting stuff on MBH.

Thanks!

[HarpDogAustralia]

Adam will you continue to add lessons to MBH? I've bought some cool stuff from you there and I hope it could continue into the future.

[KudzuRunner]

Yes, slowly but surely I'll continue to do that.

[Wharty]

I thought you knew this and I read the threads here however did not see it posted but Chris Mechalek played this number according to the jacket information I've got. I am a Cowboy Bebop freak. Perhaps I am wrong maybe Chris can let us know.

[KudzuRunner]

Ruichiro "Weeping Harp" Senoh (or Senoo) is the player.

[crymph]

This is the song that got me into harmonica!

Thanks for all the vids, Adam.

[butterf1yz]

What a wonderful teacher you have been Adam. I started following you seriously about a year and a half ago, you have tought me almost everything I know about the Harp. I have been woring on Whammer Jammer for a few months, and I will soon post a video of it as a small tribute to your lessons.

Hope to meet you some day!

-David

[leanground]

Thank you Adam

Mark Hayden

[rfpoe]

Thanks Adam. For your lessons, harp and all.

[chris41188]

weeping harp senoh i believe his name to be

[Shakutau]

I swear to god i was thinking about asking Adam if he could put up a tutorial of this song about 3 weeks go - but thought "Nah, if had heard Spokey Dokey and didn't think about Diggin my Potato, then he must not have liked that piece".

I was wrong! YES!! Thanks Adam.

[roughharp]

I don´t have an Eb harp.

Instead, I use the Pacemaker Winamp plugin.

It´s free and a great tool!

By changing the pitch, I can make it go down or up a half tone (or a tone, or whatever) and works really great!

For those of you who don´t have an Eb harp, you still can play over the song with your E o F harp with no problem at all!

[TzzX78]

How I wish you where closer to San Antonio Tx.

[treatb09]

love blues harp's sound and u got what i wanna be able to do,

[harpinholley]

Thank you so much Adam for giving us your love of the blues harp. You have really inspired me with your knowledge and swinging style. Hate to see you go.

[SupaAwesomeKid]

P.P

[Hambycomb]

Thanks so much for this video Adam. I've been wanting to play this song for ages. I found tabs a while ago but they were confusing to read.

Also, sorry to see you go. I wish you could teach more but I understand why you can't.

[Raptik666]

Finally! May not know all the greatest blues songs, but THIS is the main song I've wanted to play for a long time.

[arbite83]

SWEET ADAM, I really love your lessons,

[makilakixki]

Hi, Adam: I`m sure it's nothing u didn't read before 'cause I'm just one of ur hundreds of your student/worshippers, but there u go: I mostly owe u the harp player I am. I might buy ur tabs, CD's, encourage people asking me (???)for 'lessons' to follow ur YT MASTERCLASSES... However, what u generously gave to the world of harmonica is just priceless. Hope we shake hands someday and let u hear a sincered 'thank you, Adam'.Respect to u from Donostia, Basque Country.See You Down The Road ;-).

[slapshot4aero]

I'm learning a little at a time with all of your vids Adam.

Hate to see you go but, can understand why.

Just learning at a slower pace then others and just having fun with the harp.

Hoep to meet you someday if you ever come to Nashville Tennessee.

[jrring]

Ryuichiro Senoo aka "Weeping Harp" Senoo.

[KudzuRunner]

Yes!  Thanks very much for that.

[Ledvolta]

thank you, Adam... so much. beyond words...

maybe you can still upload some of your practise stuff (?)

you're the man.

[MCHotline]

Adam, thank you SO much for doing a lesson on this song. It's one of my all time favourite harmonica songs!

Really sad to hear you're not gonna be making more of these video lessons. They've really helped me become a better harmonica player, and I still go back and watch the old ones and learn more from them. Thanks for all the great instruction, and whatever you do in the future I wish you the best of luck.

[stinkhippie]

I've been in the hospital for 2 weeks, just got out. Good to be back home and watch yer new vids. truly healing!

[JaxShores]

Thanks for so many lessons Adam. We will miss you, and your many video lessons will still be watched and appreciated by many.

[thebladesman]

I love this song, and sorry to hear about the vids, but do what you need to do Adam. missed you at BB Kings

[littldicknbigman]

cant wait for number 2

[Auquis]

Hey adam, if you ever feel like taking another crack at Spokey Dokey, there is a lesser known alternate version of it called Spokey Dorkey, which is much less complex but twice as good as the original. Its on thier album "Cowboy Bebop Boxed Set", but i'm sure you could find it somewhere on youtube or elsewhere.

[Spreadswings]

Adam...you pushed my playing to beyond my dreams. I can go anywhere, anytime, and make it work. To ask any more of you would be selfish. Thanks, my friend, and I do hope to meet you someday to shake your hand.

[NotSoUniversal]

I knew he was guna end it soon

[LongingCirkel]

hehe he's not ending it. He just feels like playing some more for himself right now, but trust me: one day when he's got even better he's gonna have that itch to teach us again ;-) luckily for us!