Re: [Harp-L] Gettiing back to harmonica

[todd allen <soundguyaudition@xxxxxxxxx>]

welcome Chuck, sounds a lot like my story only difference is I started two years ago with absolutely no prior musical experience (unless you call hanging out with musicians 24-7 experience...not) For me i have found that the only way i can do improve is when I'm totally relaxed and comfortable with the song or musicians I'm with. If  I get nervous that I sound bad all goes to shit. but when I really like the song something switches my inhibitions off and for me it just seems effortless. As I stated I'm still a beginner but getting to that point of "Zen" if that makes any sense for me is half the battle.
 
I have read a lot of great advice here on harp L and your questions are great. I'll be following this thread and hope to learn along with you.
Practice Practrice Practice.
Todd

From: chuck maguire <ctm_v@xxxxxxxxx>
To: "harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, September 25, 2011 5:56 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] Gettiing back to harmonica

Why am I finding it so hard to solo and improvise? Even my fillers sound similiar too often.
 
First a little about myself.
 
Started playing years ago. Took a couple basic lessons in Atlanta, and one from Glenn Wieser in NY on celtic harp. Between Gary and Brandon Powers CD I can play a few Irish tunes on Brandans custom Suzuki harps. I cannot do Brandan Powers triplets or other coloring except at very slow speeds.
 
I lightly studied Jerry Portnoys Masterclass CD's, Gindick, Foghorns methods and a litlle Arnold. I love the blues esp. the Walters, Slim Harpo, Williamson 1 and 2, Cotton, Sonny Terry, Howlin Wolf and many others.  Mississippi Deltra blues and Chicago style ala Little Walter.
 
I can hit all clear (most of time) notes tongue blocking or using pursed lips, I can bend most bendable notes (1/2 - full), some better than others, although I am not able to play real fast.  I can hit single/dble/triple syncopating cords, octoves are OK.  My Vibratos are coming along.  My rythem stinks. It is very hard for me to move from one style to another or when trying special effects.  As I speed up pursed lips seems to replace tongue blocking and I need to fight to prevent it from happening.
 
I just ordered D. Barnetts Improv. with the Harp and Accompanying with Harp material as well as starting to listen to Adam Gussow Youtube videos and may order some of his stuff.
 
I have a Shure 9822A mic and a Sure 545s Series 2, and a Nifty Fifty amp which I could never get to sound too good, I am sure I was problem. I just started using Audacity to slow down harp licks off CD's so I can learn them.
 
I never played with a band or by accompanying anyone and never a had a mentor or longtime teacher.
 
I also gave up harp for several years.
 
I have just recently picked up again and am dedicated to working my issues out. Basically, due to my shortcomings I got frustrated then bored then put the harps away. Bad on me.
 
Now I want to get better and ask the following:
 
1. What is best way to be able to learn to improvise? There are no teachers where I am so would phone or skype lessons go much further than just CD/DVDs. The problem with DVD is you cannot ask questions.
 
2. How do I learn to put different licks together for solo's? How many licks do you need to have to know in order to be effective player?
 
Am I too hard on myself and just need to keep focused on what I am doing or is there a mistake(s) you can see in my approach I need to fix or adjust.
 
Thank you for time and sorry for long post but I thought it best to give background on myself.
 
Any idea's, suggestions are greatly appreciated.
 
Chuck