[Harp-L] Re: Danny Boy

"Rick Dempster" <rick.dempster@xxxxxxxxxxx> · Thu, 07 Dec 2006 11:29:01 +1100

The only note that is a problem in this tune played in 2nd pos. (G on C)
is the first note of the the second part. It's the same note as the
first note of the first part, but it's up one octave. You can get the 
F# (major 7th, key of G) on draw 2 by bending one semitone, but it
requires an overblow on 5 or a retuned draw 5 to get it in the second
octave. You could, of course, head for hole 9 and bend it down a
semitone, but then you'd run out of harp for the rest of the 2nd
part...unless you've got a 12 or 14 holer.
Personally, I'd play the thing in 1st position and be done with it.

>>> <moandabluz@xxxxxxx> 6/12/2006 18:19:18 >>>

    Charlie McCoy recorded Danny Boy in second position. The reason he

lists four harps is because he used a second harp just to get the one 
note, and he modulated, so he needed two more harps.  This was recorded

before he began playing country tuned harps. As far as I know, though I

haven't tried it for some time.. the entire song can be played in 
second position on a country tuned harp without difficult bends.  I 
have also played it in first position and didn't think it was terribly

hard to get the right notes.. Then again, I have a tin ear :)
Steve "Moandabluz" Webb
always a fool for  the harp

-----Original Message-----
From: kkkwok@xxxxxxxx 
To: Harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx 
Sent: Wed, 6 Dec 2006 1:09 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] Re: Danny Boy

      Can you play Danny Boy on 10 hole diatonic in C or G?  I have
been 
to
several SPAHs last 6 years but I have not met any one who did it  It
was
played on chromatic always. I still remember superb rendition by
Douglas
Tate and Sunny girl Conger on stage who received huge applause. The
answer is no first and possible yes if you can bend notes perfectly.
There is no problem if you play chromatic since it is a complete music
instrument.  Needles to say diatonic is best for blues.  Diatonic is 
good
for one octave music and there are only few songs or music you can 
play.
Since Danny boy is one of my favorites, I tried to play it on diatonic
last several years and I got frustrated since it lacks low A and F 
notes.
  It took over a year to learn to  bend low B to A (acceptable ?) ,
hole 
3
draw.  It is still hit or miss and I am afraid to play it in public. 
I
remember Winslow saying if you play Danny Boy and hit low A by bending
with jazzy sound they will kick you out of Ireland. You have to bend
it
to perfect  or near perfect A note acceptable to any musician or 
pianist.
  What are solutions?  1.  play chromatic  2.  play tremolo 16 hole 
Hohner
Echo made in China(cheap) or high quality Tremolo  24 hole S-24 HQ
made
by Samick in Korea, grand piano maker,  www.samick.co.kr, click
English
version, music instr. for kids.  I find it perfect non chromatic 3 
octave
with correct pitches.  3.  use two diatonics.  Hold C on top and Bb.
Start with 3 draw on C and play by ear or read notes.  Low A note is
on
the Bb harp on hole 3 draw. Low F is on 2 draw but not needed.  You
can
play 2 octaves.  If you want to play in G, hold G harp on top and F
harp
below and you can play in same way.  If you want to play any note with
any accidental # or b on diatonic without bend, you may put Db harp on
top of C harp.  You may need to use a special hand made kit designed
to
hold 2 or 3 diatonics to play properly or chromatically in 2.5
octaves.
You may write to me if interested in purchase.  4. play Lee Oskar
Melodymaker C or G. I find it works fine with good sound after you
unlearn to play in reverse draw or blow low notes.  You will blow to
get
A, 3 hole. and you still have to bend 5 F# to F. to play Danny Boy. 
If
above descriptions are unclear, write me and I may consider to
demonstrate on Youtube.com.    Ken in Ga
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