[Harp-L] Rhythm and Tone



Earlier today, I was browsing the junior harp-l group
on Google Groups, alt.music.harmonica.  Having lurked
in both groups for a while, I've concluded that the
level of harmonica knowledge in harp-l is greater than
in alt.music.harmonica.  It wasn't a difficult
deduction.  Today, I read something in
alt.music.harmonica, though; simply said with an
undeniable ring of truth.  It's been said before, many
times and in many ways.  

Here it is again, from a gentleman named Robert
Reynolds who was replying to another poster's question
about bending notes.  He has no idea I'm quoting him
in this group, but I thought I should spread his
wisdom.  

Warning, this is from a blues lover and blues player's
perspective; I suspect the non-blues players (whom I
respect and laud) would have a slightly different
emphasis about the essential elements of playing
harmonica:

"I want to throw in my two cents worth on your
question about bending, but I also want to make it
part of a general philosophy of playing and sounding
good. I believe that the two most important elements
of sounding like a good musician are rhythm and good
tone.  More specifically, rhythm is first, then good
tone.  I figured this out by listening to great
musicians who can stir the soul by playing only a few
notes, or by playing the same note several times. 
Even if you play the wrong note, it still sounds good
if the rhythm is on target.  If you screw up the
rhythm you sound like an idiot. Your rhythm sounds
pretty good, but just remember that rule because some
day you'll be jamming with other musicians and your
mind will go blank.   At that point you'll have to
remember that instead of playing a super cool lick you
should try to stay in time. 

The other main thing is good tone, and as far as I can
tell the number one element of good tone is vibrato,
which makes the note sound as if it's alive.  Playing
a note shouldn't just sound like a note.  It should
sound like a voice.  The blues solo you picked out is
a great way to develop your playing, but developing a
good voice to your playing is just as important."

So there it is, I know these things have been talked
about before, but I thought Mr. Reynolds had a fresh
and effective way of describing them. I agree with him
on both points, of course. 



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