RE: [Harp-L] The Nearness of You/2 & 3 Bends

["Steve Shaw" <moorcot@xxxxxxx>]

> Sometimes I find that in playing new melodies I discover the extra benefit 
> of a training exercise.  Playing "The Nearness of You" in 3rd position 
> demands precise and fluid attack on the various 2 & 3 bends, both hitting 
> them pre-bent and sliding into them.  I think beginning and intermediate 
> players might find this kind of tune-oriented approach to learning precise 
> bends more rewarding (and instructive) then simply drilling on them in the 
> abstract.
>
> Peace and Respect
> Johnny T


This is what I've always said.  Not just for getting bends spot on the way 
you want them but also for the nasty little runs of notes that you sometimes 
get in fiddle tunes.  Far better, and much more fun, to master the 
techniques in the context of a good tune than to do dry old exercises - 
especially if, like me, you're doing it for fun and don't make much money 
from it.  Try nailing the blow-bend on a G XB40 in the second part of 
"Sailor's Hornpipe!"

Steve

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