I use a lot of different tunings, and spending time with each of
them is important. So I tend to swap out the harps I carry with me
every month or so, exchanging standard tuning for natural minor, or
melody maker, or whatever. This also helps keep my thinking fresh--I
really have to focus on what the harp can do, instead of relying on
all my favorite tricks.
I also like to swap out different keys, because every key has its
own feel. Last month I carried a G harp around most of the time; for
the last week or so I've been carrying an F harp. They're way
different.
The nice thing about harps, like ice creams, is that they come in
different flavors. And once you've learned the basic techniques, you
can more or less play them all. Switching to a different flavor
helps me to stay excited.
Thanks, Richard Hunter
author, "Jazz Harp"
latest mp3s and harmonica blog at http://myspace.com/richardhunterharp
more mp3s at http://taxi.com/rhunter
Vids at http://www.youtube.com/user/lightninrick
Twitter: lightninrick