Re: [Harp-L] New Member Introduction

[John Kerkhoven <solo_danswer@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Going from being able to play the chromatic scale across all three octaves of the harmonica to playing in any position and playing any tune is one heckuva big step. You may have an incredible ear and musical sense, but otherwise this is a very long process. 

I wholeheartedly encourage you to pursue it, but do not expect quick results. Among other things, you have to get a whole lot of music into your brain and body. 

Do not take this as discouragement. Because though it is a long (and neverending) process, but you won't regret a minute of it, IMHO.

John



> Hello Harp-L list members.
> 
> My introduction to you guys...
> 
> First, I don't consider myself a 'player' yet...
> 
> 
> But, here is where I am with the harmonica...
> 
> - I play diatonic
> - I play Lee Oskar harmonicas. Why? Not sure. Just got started with them and can't seem to break them.
> - I can play single notes (but occasionally miss and hit a double)
> - I can play each note top to bottom (hole 1 thru 10 blow and draw)
> - I can pick out simple tunes
> - I can bend notes
> 
> - I can play cross harp (2nd position) and create my own blues-like improvisation (but haven't stopped to learn others famous licks yet)
> - I'm a pucker player right now - not sure tongue-blocking is worth the effort, except' maybe for braggin' rights :-)
> - I haven't played with a band or with backing tracks (yet)
> - I keep a C and an A harp in the car and may sneak 'em in the office on the weekends :-)
> - I also keep a C and an A harp handy at the house - often by my easy chair or on the porch.
> - I have a couple of other keys but don't play them to much while I'm learning.
> 
> - My next goal is to learn to over-blow so I can play the complete chromatic scale from top to bottom on the harmonica.
> - Then I should be able to play any position and play any tune.
> 
> - I also have to work on better accuracy on hitting single notes
> - then I hope to learn play faster... (accuracy first for me... then, hopefully, fast will come)
> 
> I'll be posting a lot of questions so thanks in advance for any help, tips, and/or comments.