Re: [Harp-L] Chromatic technique

[davidnaiditch@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Hi Daniel,

I was busy formulating a set of second-order partial differential 
equations describing the multidimensional dynamics of a system of freely 
vibrating harmonica reeds when this other question of yours arrived. 
(Just kidding; even figuring out restaurant bills is too taxing for me.) 
Afraid my advice is just practice, practice, practice.  The problem, of 
course, is timing.  Transitioning from one note to the next might 
involve a change of holes, a blow/draw change, and a slide-in/out 
change.  All need to be precisely synchronized to produce a clean 
sounding note change.

Unlike old-timey music and Irish music where folks often play in unison, 
music such as bluegrass allow the soloist some freedom to embellish the 
melody and do some improvising.  Really difficult melody lines might be 
replaced by similar lines that are easier to play and as pleasing to the 
ear.  One advantage of playing a C chromatic in all keys (as I do) is 
that it is easier to avoid getting stuck playing the same riffs over and 
over again.  A riff in one key might be extremely difficult, but easy in 
another key.

Glad you and Tony enjoy my new bluegrass CD,
David Naiditch
www.davidnaiditch.com



On Tue, Feb 1, 2011 at 2:04 PM, sheltraw@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> Hi Tony
>
> David's the man. I have his new CD. Totally dig'n it!
>
> Actually the question is not bluegrass-centric. I would like to here 
> from
> anybody that can play this type of action rapidly and cleanly.
>
> Cheers!
>
>
> > A previous post wrote
> >
> > "I have been playing chromatic harmonica since April 2010. As I 
> > continue
> > my
> > efforts to develop the speed and accuracy that I will need to play at
> > bluegrass jams I find that there is one particular type of action 
> > that
> > seems to be a speed development bottleneck for me. "
> >
> > David Naiditch is the man to help you with this. While you're at it,
> > check out his great new CD, "Bluegrass Harmonica, available at
> > http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/davidnaiditch
> >
> > Tony Eyers
> > Australia
> > www.HarmonicaAcademy.com
> > ...everyone plays