This workshop will equip you with the tools to become a stellar craftsman of the Diatonic Harmonica!
WHY TAKE THIS WORKSHOP?
- You will learn to “control the bends” and treat them just like another note in your quiver of cool harmonica notes available.
- Tone on a harmonica has nothing to do with what “brand” and model you play. It has to do with breath control, your intention, and how deliver your musical message.
- We’ll cover amps, microphones, and effect pedals used with good effect for all styles of harmonica playing.
Remember: It’s not the gear you play through, it’s having the knowledge to use it appropriately! - We’ll discuss “fitting in” with the band you play in. Lay back until it’s your time to shine, THEN SHINE!
- We will teach you about “overblows” on the diatonic harmonica.
CONTROL THE “BENDS”
Are you aware of the draw bends available?
- Hole 1 draw: one 1/2 step bend
- Hole 2 draw: two 1/2 step bends
- Hole 3 draw: three 1/2 step bends
- Hole 4 draw: one 1/2 step bend
- and there are more…
THE ART OF TONE…
- Tone has NOTHING to do with which brand and model of harmonica you’re playing, which microphone you’re using, or which amp you’re playing through…
- It’s about moving air through the instrument in an intentional way to convey the emotion that you are projecting to your audience.
- I will demonstrate the above and show you how to have an emotional impact on your audience.
AMPS, EFFECTS, MICS AND SUCH…
I will bring a “Modeling Amp” and my two favorite pedals to the workshop to for folks to play through to help you make informed decisions about buying equipment for “Your Style” of music.
I will also bring my favorite microphones for use with amplifiers and directly into PA systems.
IN CLOSING…
A number of years ago, I witnessed John Nemeth play at a Boise Blues Society jam session. He used a a standard vocal mic, with no effects or fancy pedals and HE KILLED IT! No fancy vintage amps, no special microphone, and no effects pedals. He just walked up to the microphone, sang, and played his harmonica with INTENTION!
His tone came from within. He never even took the SM-58 off the stand! He just played and sang.
My “Harmonica Hero”, Norton Buffalo played Huang diatonic harmonicas (around $12 each) with either a Shure SM-58, that he had modified with a volume control, or and old crystal microphone, again with a volume control.
My only paid harmonica lesson was a five hour session with Norton the first year I won the diatonic division at Yellow Pine. His “real” job was as the keyboard player in the “Steve Miller Band” from it’s inception until his untimely death at the age of 58.
At the time of his passing, Norton was the second-most recorded harmonica player in history, only surpassed by Mr. Charley McCoy, who is still playing today.
What I learned from Norton ruined my life for about 8 weeks while I unlearned all of my self-taught bad habits!
I’ll be sharing with you what Norton shared with me.