harp talk 2 (MBH.180)

Second in a mini-series. A Howlin' Wolf riff decoded, plus advice for developing players on which harp keys you should purchase. With Adam Gussow.

If you're interested in playing the Hohner Marine Band harp that Gussow is playing in this video, you can purchase it at a discount here:

http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/buy_harmonicas.html

For much more on the subject, please visit Modern Blues Harmonica:

http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Adam
• Gussow
• blues
• harmonica
• harp
• Howlin'
• Wolf

[Dai7261]

You talk about different key harps and starting with a C/D harp but, which key is the easiest to play no body ever says which key out of the 12 major keys is the easiest to play. This way us beginners can practice the harder stuff on the easier to play harp and then move on the the more difficult ones.

[KudzuRunner]

When somebody asks this particular question with an edge of complaint in their voice--as though I've somehow tried to cheat them by handing them 185 free lessons--I always tell them that they should start with a G# harp.

[aloliver331]

actually, there's some good shit played with the G#/Ab harp! It's all over An Offer You Can't Refuse (Big Walter), and Kim Wilson uses it a bit, too. Maybe an F#?

[KudzuRunner]

You're right, there are a few songs out there that use an Ab harp. I've recently started using one for Stevie Wonder's "Superstition." (Find my video of that; I'm a one-man band.) F# is pretty rare.

[gnrlies95]

Fantastic series: every video I watch inspires me to progress (even if I've only been playing a week). Just wondering though, I've been told its bad practice to use the 3 blow as opposed to the 2 draw as a root note when improvising in crossharp? I've been told it is but i see no reason why.

Thanks!

[KudzuRunner]

Yes, this is one of my pet peeves. 2 draw & 3 blow are the same note, but the 2 D is better because 1) you can bend into it (more bluesy); 2) it's louder (draw notes are louder); 3) you can alternate with 123 blow chord....better for chord rhythm patterns.

[strawwoodclaw]

GOOOOOOOOOOOD STUFF still comin from the Dirty South Blues Channel - Hohner should make a Adam Gussow harp like they did with Bobby Dylan

[echidine]

Very motivating, everytime I pull up one of your videos I cannot help but reach for my harp and play until I grow tired. Great playing, you have taught me so much. Thanks

[silvermediastudio]

Embrochure is part of it, as is breath control.. it takes a different amount and shape of air to get the sound you want out of each hole.. to learn a full, clear, clean, single note on 2-draw requires the beginner to crawl first. Coax it out with gentle airflow, let the reed do the work, make friends with the reed, and over time it'll bend to your will.

[silvermediastudio]

@voidseeker1 Try just listening to it.. 10, 20, maybe 50 times.. until you can hear it in your head. Then try to play it. Sometimes it helps to feel the way something should sound, hear it before you blow it, not be totally focused on which combination of holes are required to make the sound.

[TenPukaMan]

thanks, Adam, for the "quiver" of harps information. yes, i have discovered that each of my harps have different "sweet spots" and "sour spots." again you are informative, instructional, and inspirational. aloha from hawaii

[Gotama456]

anyone know what wolf song that riff is from?

[voidseeker1]

Just started playing the harp and I've been trying play this riff and i can get it to sound pretty similar but i'm not quite there yet. I start on 3-4 bent draw but im confused at the 234 and 1234 blow. so you expand to 1234 and then you end at 1 draw with vibrato right? But when you go up again to 3-4 draw do you go reverse and go 1234 to 234 blow and then start over again?