[Harp-L] 12 keys with one harp

[Ross Macdonald]

If you are referring to diatonic harmonica players in your comment "The mentality of harmonica players is very disturbing and close-minded" seems off base because the diatonic harmonica instrument by definition: (of a scale, interval, etc, involving only notes proper to the prevailing key without chromatic alteration.), is not a chromatic instrument like a piano or a chromatic harmonica. 

Even though one CAN work diligently to play the diatonic instrument with overblows and overbends not intended in the original design, to allow the diatonic harmonica to play chromatically, that doesn't mean diatonic players are close-minded if they don't choose or aspire to do that.  

That said, I have seen Howard Levy live and am blown away by his chromatic on diatonic abilities as a product of his genius, dedication, and effort.  I also applaud folds like Brendan Power for his constant innovations on the instrument that aid in expanding the capabilities of the diatonic harmonica. 

Ross Macdonald



> On November 6, 2018 at 8:37 AM dh at xxxxx wrote:
> 
> 
> Seriously not to show off LOOOL ... I never heard a piano player saying hey look I can play in Ab because you can't. 
> The mentality of harmonica players is very disturbing and close minded
> 
> Why should you play in all 12 keys ? because music exist in all 12 keys that's the answer
> A better question would be why so many harmonica players do not even try to play in all 12 keys ?
> 
> Just trying will instantly propel your playing in the next dimension.
> 
> When you don’t play in all 12 keys you just use 10% of your instrument so do you wanna spend the rest of your life playing an instrument at 10% or 100% ?
> 
> David Herzhaft
> 
> www.davidherzhaft.com
> www.harmo.com
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Harp-L <harp-l-bounces at xxxxx> On Behalf Of The Iceman via Harp-L
> Sent: Tuesday, November 6, 2018 5:30 AM
> To: harp-l at xxxxx
> Subject: Re: [Harp-L] 12 keys with one harp
> 
> Seems that most have overlooked that fact that playing 12 positions on diatonic, "just because you can", is a fantastic way to improve your bends to correct pitch and deal with OB.
> 
> 
> As a teacher for advanced students, I recommend venturing into this territory - not to show off or actually only carry one harmonica for all situations, but as more of an advanced exercise towards improvement. When you come out the other end, I guarantee that one's 2nd, 1st, 3rd position playing will certainly be more impressive in one's ability to create any note needed through bending technique!
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Robert Hale <robert at xxxxx>
> To: Sébastien Frémal <sebastien.fremal at xxxxx>
> Cc: harp-l <harp-l at xxxxx>
> Sent: Mon, Nov 5, 2018 10:52 pm
> Subject: Re: [Harp-L] 12 keys with one harp
> 
> 1. Playing jazz is probably the best criteria for deciding to play 12
>    positions on diatonic. "Just because you can."
>    2. The other criteria would be your brand of harp. Lee Oskar's are my
>    choice, and I have read that they are not effective for setting up
>    overblows.
> 
> When my music growth seems to approach the need, I may join the "12 positions, one harp, overblow" tribe. It certainly would be nice to pack one harp instead of 12 keys and several tunings. Meantime, by needs are wonderfully met by re-tuning Lee Oskar harps into Spiral, which combines the power of his Melody Maker and Natural Minor. And Spiral offers two-note harmonies throughout the scale that are just delightful, in 3 Major and 3 Minor keys per harp! (Oops, I'm talking positions again!)
> 
> FOR NEWER SUBSCRIBERS TO THE LIST
> There are a ton of great tools and techniques to learn from each contributor, but don't worry about overblows. I admire those who have accomplished it. I don't admire any less those who play well and don't use overblows. For me, it's the joy of music that counts. Playing or hearing.
> 
> Robert Hale
> Serious Honkage in Arizona
> youtube.com/DUKEofWAIL
> DUKEofWAIL.com
>