Re: [Harp-L] bluegrass at SPAH

[Cara Cooke <cyberharp@xxxxxxxxx>]

It can be difficult for mandolins and guitars to be heard in a jam, and,
sometimes, you will run across a fiddler or banjo player who just cannot
play out.  It isn't uncommon for instruments to not be heard.  As harmonica
players, we are, on the average as loud as a flatpick guitar player, and we
simply need to learn to play louder on our breaks just like they do.  I,
personally, seldom have difficulty making myself heard in a standard sized
jam and I don't have to overplay to do it.  It is like they say in the war
movies, 'Remember your air support!'.

I have to admit one thing.  Because I didn't bend notes for a very long
time, I have been playing bluegrass in the upper two octaves of my
harmonicas for decades (because that is where the scales I need are), and it
can help you be heard.  I have low harps, too, but I don't use them if the
volume situation isn't suited for them.  They are very nice, though, for a
slower, sweeter tune when the volume isn't quite so high.  Both loud and
soft situations can occur in a jam.

On Wed, Jul 20, 2011 at 7:09 AM, JWilliam Thompson <landcommentary@xxxxxxxxx
> wrote:

> Salt Creek is a modal tune and can ONLY be played in 2nd position.
> Great tune -- I played it at a jam Monday night.
>
> I keep reading that harmonica can't compete with banjos and fiddles in
> a bluegrass setting. In my own experience, harmonica can be played as
> loudly as fiddle or any other instrument. Definitely louder than
> guitar. Work on breathing smoothly and strongly from your diaphragm.
> Getting more volume takes practice but is definiteloy doable.
>
> Another way of getting more volume is to play in the higher register.
> The high notes definitely cut through the sound of the banjos. For
> example, if you start Red Haired Boy on draw 4 you get lots of sweet
> high notes up to hole 9. Sounds great! Same with Old Joe Clark ---
> start on draw 8 and resolve on blow 6. You can play lots of great
> triplets up there too.
>
> Higher pitched harps can also help. I have been experimenting with a
> high G at jams. So far I like it.
>
> See you atr SPAH.
>
> Bill
>