[Harp-L] Piano vs. Guitar vs. Harp

[JOSEPH LEONE]

> On 06/15/2025 9:17 AM EDT Michael Rubin <michaelrubinharmonica at xxxxx> wrote:
> 
>  
> How can you add all the years on the three instruments, 30 plus 50 plus 45
> and claim you have more cumulative stage time than a harp player who has
> been playing 50 years?  That's not how stage time works.

This is a FANTASTIC post by Mr. White. And while, in theory, I agree with mr. White, I wouldn't use the figures submitted. So let me submit the following. Based on level.
1.. Let's say I started on chromatic at age 12 1/2, and after a few years I took a 30 yr. hiatus. Total time 71 yrs. minus 30 = 41 yrs. 
2.. Now let's suppose I played at the 81% level. As compared to a really good player. Does that make MY 41 yrs. equal to the RGP's 33.2 yrs.?

3..Let's say I started on clarinet at 16 and have played steadily for   67 yrs. at the 76.3% level. As comparedd to a really good player. Does that make MY 67 yrs. equiv. to a RGP's 51 yrs.?
4..Let's say I started on cornet at age 20 1/2. And have played sporadically since. That's 63 yrs. And at about 67% compared to a really good player. So, does my 63 yrs. equal the RGP's 42 yrs. 

Conclusion? I rate a piano as 3.6 times easier than guitar. For very obvious reasons. Hard to compete with 10 fingers. Fingers capable of actually each hitting MORE than one note.
I consider guitar 1.6 times harder than chromatic. Mainly because of 'chordal finger spread'. I also consider diatonic to be 2.5 times harder than chromatic. At least the way it is being played in this time era. 
 
> 
> Let's say you were on stage for an entire year.  No time off.  Sometimes
> you were playing harp, sometimes guitar, sometimes piano.
> 
> Another harp player was also on stage for an entire year.
> 
> Who spent more time on stage?

Excellent point. I ran a jazz jam for over 20 yrs. Played all 3 instruments I mentioned. Well enough to be paid. (we also did schtick, and interacted with the dinner crowd). lolol.
> 
> Personally, I struggled with a fast enough right hand on mandolin.  It's
> not guitar, but it's similar.  I played a bunch of other instruments
> including piano and guitar but not serious enough to make a judgement call
> to compare to harp.

Jo-zeppi (smo-joe) Leone (with respect). 


> 
> Michael Rubin
> 
> 
> 
> On Sat, Jun 14, 2025 at 9:32 PM jaguire <jaguire at xxxxx> wrote:
> 
> > Cletus White here, I seldom chime in here. Although I certainly chime on
> > my instruments.  Otherwise what's the point?Semi-pro harp player with 30
> > years of stage play. 50 years playing guitar. 45 years playing piano.  I
> > have more cumulative experience on this list than 99% of you.  I will say
> > this:  piano is 10 times easier than guitar and guitar is 10 times easier
> > than harmonica.  Peace out.