Re: [Harp-L] Standing at the chromatic

[Mark Russillo <jruss433@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

When I first started playing the chromatic, I was a "by-ear" player on the diatonic.  I returned to my piano training and began to read music again and learn some songs. Nevertheless, I still do some playing on the chromatic by ear as I become more familiar with the scales because that is instinctive after clutching my solitary chromatic identity for about 35 years.
 
Learning songs (and/or scales, depending on who you talk to) will help you to overcome the different "feel" of it.  The actual span of space from one hole to another is slightly larger and you need to keep that in mind, but don't let it dominate your thinking.  That will help with not losing your place.
 
The first time I found a groove in a jazz jam on chromatic(I remember this because it was a sort of lightning bolt moment), I was playing Unit 7 (a Coltrane composition in C) and it just hit me that there was a formula.
 
You've probably got a C chromatic.  I found that when I got half way comfortable with the key of C (this remains a work in progress), I could move into F and a bit of Bb.  Get comfortable with one song or one scale and get intimate with it.  
If you take the song approach, learn a few songs in that same key.  If you don't simply practice the scales, you can't reach that level of intimacy.  That is why I suggest learning a few songs in the same key for starters - that way, you trick yourself into getting familiar with a single scale.  And when you learn those songs, learn to play them in your sleep.  You need full grasp of the melody to improvise that melody with any level of sophistication.
 
I know you say that you don't expect it to be the same, but I suspect that you desire the same result (I did).  Resign yourself to the fact that you now have a piano in your mouth - not to imply that the notes aren't accessible on a diatonic.  I guess what I'm saying is the structure and technique are so different that you have to accept the fact that it is just another instrument.

What you take with you to the task is your ear for the harmonica sound and the mechanics of playing a harmonica.  To my way of thinking, the rest is a separate road.  Don't get discouraged, it will take some time.  With affection and infection (Toots always says it's a virus), you will progress.  I have no regrets on it, but I will offer this warning:  
In the last 4 years I have spent time on the chromatic to the detriment of my advancement on the blues diatonic.  My overall understanding of the diatonic has benefited from this foray, but I have neglected that particular skill set in the process.  Again, all these things take time and I am confident that I will regain what has become static.  I love both instruments too much to give either one up.
 
I hope all that rambling helps.  Come to St. Louis and we can co-miserate!
 
Mark Russillo
a.k.a. The Rhode Island Kid



----- Original Message ----
From: John F. Potts <hvyj@xxxxxxx>
To: Philharpn@xxxxxxx
Cc: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Monday, June 23, 2008 6:55:36 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] Standing at the chromatic

    I'm the guy who submitted the post about the difficulties I  
experience trying to play the standard chromatic.  The problem I have  
is not that I expect it to be the same as the diatonic.  I know what  
the differences are and I have a reasonable understanding of how the  
chromatic works.  BUT, if I'm improvising at a medium or fast tempo I  
tend to "lose my place."  I'm frequently unable to keep track of what  
note I am playing by ear alone. And, if I hit the button at the wrong  
time, it's a mistake everyone in the room will notice.
    I don't have a problem keeping track of where i am on the diatonic  
because 1) there are fewer holes on the diatonic and 2) since most of  
the intervals on a diatonic are different, each hole has a different  
"feel" in the mouth to an experienced player.
    Other than ear training (which I could probably use) does anyone  
have any suggestions on how to keep track of where you are when  
improvising on a chrom at fast tempo?
    JP

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