re: Like to learn

[Jp Pagan <jpl_pagan@xxxxxxxxx>]

- --- In harp-l-archives@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Ballou Family
<ballou.family@xxxx> wrote:
> 
> I would like to learn to play harmonica.


Hey there MB,

   first things first: what kind of music are you most
interested in, and would you rather learn diatonic or
chromatic harmonica? 

   i'll make recommendations on what i know something
about: if you want to learn to play diatonic
harmonica, especially in a blues (or similar) context,
i can think of no better investment (save for a
harmonica ;) than Jerry Portnoy's Masterclass CD set.
i'm not an expert reviewer, but i've bought tons of
books and heard a number of CD tutorials, and Jerry's
is simply the best i've ever found. all the basics of
the diatonic harmonica are there, and the set includes
practice tracks in 3 keys for an A harmonica. the
style is weighted towards blues, but once you learn
the basics, you should be able to extend your range of
styles, all with the same techniques. and let's face
it, it's cool to have Jerry Portnoy teach you stuff.
:)

   for chromatic instruction, i can recommend Doug
Tate's primer, "Play The Harmonica Well." David
Barrett has a good tutorial on Blues Chromatic
playing, but be warned it is not geared towards
chromaticism (playing in all keys on one instrument.)
it's strictly (as i understand it) 3rd position blues
playing. (i.e. - key of D on a C chromatic.) 

   some other resources: if you want to learn to play
jazz, get Jamey Aebersold's free Jazz Handbook (from
his website). it may be over the head of a beginner,
but sooner or later you'll be able to use it. may as
well get it now while it's free. and if you need jam
tracks, try Doug Puls' CDs (available at
Coast2Coastmusic.com). the blues jam tracks are
excellent (intended for diatonic players). there are
also jam tracks for jazz standards (intended for
chromatic players) which i'm less familiar with. 

  again, i think the Portnoy set by itself is enough
to get you far on diatonic, no matter the style (if
you want to get into jazz on the diatonic, you may
want to get Howard Levy's video on overblowing as
well). for chromatic, i haven't seen an equally
comprehensive tutorial (hint hint...), but there's
lots of good stuff out there.

   as for KINDS of harps, i'd keep it simple and
inexpensive, personally. if you want a first diatonic,
buy a Hohner Special 20 either in C or in A (to play
along with Jerry Portnoy's CDs). if you want a
chromatic, Hering has good, cheap starters. i like the
Baritono (which is pitched an octave lower than
standard) but the 5148 (pitched in the "regular"
octave) should be fine as well. Hohner Chromettas are
good too, with nice tone and cheap, but their
mouthpiece is unique and lots of people don't like it.

   
   lastly, you might want to give an idea of where you
live and maybe list members can help you find a tutor.

let us know how your learning comes along, and
welcome.
 
   cheers,
         --Jp 

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