[Harp-L] bluegrass chop?

[Tony Eyers <tony@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The mandolin "chop" is akey bluegrass backup move. Essentially you are 
playing on the offbeat, to sound right you have to hit it right in the 
middle. This takes some practice.

I use tongued octaves a lot, in particular the 1-4 (draw and blow) and 
the 2-6 blow. I find they are less intrusive, and blend better than the 
usual harmonica "chugging" combinations, i.e. 1-2 draw.

If you're playing with a group, or in a jam, the idea is for your chop 
to blend perfectly with the mandolin, so that you more or less 
disappear, all the while adding to the sound. Try this with you backing 
tracks, also at your next jam. In particular, keep your backing volume 
low, concentrate on blending. Your chance to stand out is during your 
solo. Laying out and not playing at all is a good strategy, maybe add 
your chop during the chorus, keep quiet during the verses.

Tony Eyers
Australia
www.HarmonicaAcademy.com
...everyone plays