Re: [Harp-L] newbie questions

[Bill Hines <billhines4@xxxxxxxxx>]

"I've gotten a Danelectro Honeytone to play around with, and I'm 
planning to get a Bottle O Blues to use with it."

I think you're in good shape right at that point. I'd stay there for a 
while before adding effects and all that. Better investment is quality 
harps in various keys and learning materials.

Many purists here will say don't play amplified until you have the 
basics well under control. Others, like me will say yes, spend that time 
with just the harp and work on your tone unobstructed, but reward 
yourself by plugging in and honking along to your favorite tunes 
amplified. it will sound terrible at first but will only get better if 
you keep at it. make sure you have good instructional material (plenty 
of recommendations if you search this board) and work through them 
diligently (i.e. don't be tempted to skip the hard stuff just to move on 
and "get through it").

Winslow's Harmonica for Dummies is in many opinions (mine also) the best 
comprehensive starter book/cd but then there's the classic Jon Gindick 
Rock 'n Blues Harmonica which is extremely fun and informative starter 
material. Both will take you well into intermediate and some advanced 
concepts. David Barrett's stuff is fantastic and the Jerry Portnoy 
Masterclass CD set is also.

Oh yeah, welcome. I was where you are just a few years ago, it's worth 
it (and still frustrating) if you stick to it.

Bill Hines

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