[Harp-L] Re: Self Image

[Michael Easton <diachrome@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I wanted to add something a few days ago but got too busy to reply  
from my original post.

I dont' look down on others that  can figure out  a song note for note.
The only reason I don't try to learn it is that I couldn't for the  
most part so I gave up and decided to put my
own take on standards.

I forget the head to songs the Walters, Cotton and Butterfield played  
who were my biggest diatonic influences.
All I could pick up from them is articulation and phrasing.  Forget it  
when it came to learning licks or phrases.

There are tools available now for musicians like myself to learn from.
Along with the slow down devices and books on how to free the thought  
process there is a great app for smartphones and pads.

It is called Relative Pitch and is available in the iTunes App Store.  
I've had it for about 2 years now.

The app has lessons on learning how to listen to notes and identify  
them . Listening for Perfect Octaves
Major 7ths, Minor 6th, Major 6th, Perfect 5ths, Tritones, Perfect  
4ths, Major 3rd, Minor 3rds, Tone, Semitones and Unison.
It gives demonstrations on hearing the differences and then test you  
to pick the right answers when you are ready.

You can go back to the lessons for overviews. It will produce piano  
tones so you can ear train the difference in steps.
I think this is very helpful in trying to work out a melody without  
having the sheet music available or improvising in a way that the
notes or phrases you hear in your head  can automatically transfer to  
the harp without guesswork.

This app can be useful for both diatonic and chromatic as well as most  
instruments you are trying to master your way around.
Great if you are learning to sing as well.

Give it a try if you are trying to incorporate new teaching aids on  
your instrument.
You can even use it at work with earbuds and no one will know you are  
practicing on the job.

The full version is $6.99 but they do have a freebee version.  I  
noticed there are other interval training apps as well. Both
free and paid. Check them out.

Mike
www.harmonicarepair.com


On Oct 6, 2012, at 9:49 AM, harp-l-request@xxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> Message: 7
> Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2012 11:03:57 -0400
> From: "mike@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx" <mike@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Re: Self Image
> To: Michael Rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx>
> Cc: "wbharptime2@xxxxxxxxx" <wbharptime2@xxxxxxxxx>,	The Iceman
> 	<icemanle@xxxxxxx>, "harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Message-ID: <876F4F51-1900-4171-A8A9-398670F95E5D@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Content-Type: text/plain;	charset=us-ascii
>
> I respect both ideas here, it reflects logic and art.
>
> I look to Michael to keep me learning, but I have to" jump the fence  
> " with Iceman on a regular basis..JMHO lol
>
> Mikewilbur
>
>
> On Oct 5, 2012, at 10:48 AM, Michael Rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx 
> > wrote:
>
> > I have spent my life working on my own sound.  Do not get me wrong,  
> > I have
> > transcribed 100s of solos.
> >
> > This year, however, I do not care about developing my own sound.   
> > All I
> > care about is the process of learning.
> >
> > I have been transcribing the entire Gary Primich Tavellin' Mood and  
> > Mike
> > Caldwell's Gospel Favorites CDs and playing them 100% tongue  
> > blocked as
> > well as a mix of TB and puckering, as I am guessing both are  
> > doing.  It
> > does not matter to me if I wind up a copycat.
> > Michael Rubin
> > Michaelrubinharmonica.com