Re: Upside Down Playing

["Steven D. Levine" <drsoul@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Thu, 2 Feb 1995 mh9@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> Hello everyone,
> This is my first foray into this wonderful world of harmonica buffs--
> I've been playing a little harp since the early sixties when I first 
> tried to imitate the solo on Love me do--since then of course the 
> blues took over and I have heard and seen some great masters of the 
> instrument--I think my favourite player will always be Little Walter. 
> I suppose this question has cropped up before but I will ask anyway--
> The first time that I played a harp I did it "upside down"--I had no 
> idea that there was a right way and I have continued to play with the 
> low notes on my right--it would be impossible for me to change now--
> does this put me at a disadvantage--and can anyone offer specific 
> tips to help?
> 
> Mike Humphreys
> mh9@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 

  I wouldn't say that it puts you at a disadvantage. There is no true 
"proper" way to hold or play the harmonica (or any other instrument for 
that matter - look at what Jimi Hendrix and Otis Rush have done by 
playing the guitar upsidedown lefthanded). 
  You're not the first to play with the low ends at the right. Some great 
players I can think of who play this was are Sonny Terry, William Clarke 
and Paul Butterfield. If it sounds good play it, and don't worry about 
proper technique!

    -Steve