Re: Tired lips and practice ...

[timm@xxxxxxxxxx (Tim Moody)]

Ok, ok let's all say how we practice. Maybe we can learn something from each
other. My practice usually starts off with a good jam to one of my favorite
tunes for warmup. Then I'll go over the set stuff( for the band ), which is
what I'm suppose to be doing. Then I try to excercise a little disipline and
play soome scales. I mostly work on Pentatonic(sp) scales with doubles and
triplets, cause that's what I'm worst at. I also am trying to improve tone
right now, so I'll take some time and work on exacting my bends. This is
most important and also the least fun so I try and work up some bend runs,
hitting the right note at the right time( For instance the 3rd bend on the 3
Draw ). Someone posted a message that said the harp player in their band had
been playing for twenty years and doesn't practice anymore. Something about
taking lessons from great players and putting in his time. I personally
don't agree with this reasoning. I have interview some great harp players
and since we are throwing out names, people like James Cotton, Rod Piazza,
Rick Estrin all practice regularly. And yes, James Cotton. He has been
playing harp for 47 years and YES, he does practice. He told me the only way
to play is to practice. Practice all you can. Never quit. And you know what
I told him? "Yes, sir!". My point is just cause you've been playing for
twenty years, there is always room for improvment. 
Enuf!
Tim Moody