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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
This old dog learned a new trick!
This old dog learned a new trick!
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toddlgreene
2890 posts
Apr 14, 2011
5:12 AM
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I've been playing harp for about 21 years now. I'm happy with what I can do on harmonica, mostly-I can play whatever comes to mind, improvise well thru the positions I normally choose to play in, blah blah blah...but then there's this overblow thing. I've futilely attempted it for a minute here and there, and get put off by the unpleasant squeal I'd get, which frustrates me that I can't nail right away. I know that it must take practice. Honestly, I don't ever practice. I don't ever have time anymore. I gig most weekends, and lead a very busy life otherwise which allows me no downtime. So, as far as everthing I already am capable of on harp, I feel I'm 'race-ready' so to speak-I don't need to do a lot of woodshedding for my style of playing, and I'm comfortable playing with anyone. But...I of course realize that I certainly haven't mastered everything this little instrument has to offer, and that there are much more proficient players out there doing things I can't do-i.e., playing chromatically.
Last night we had our monthly meeting, and it was a great one-some new members showed up, including a really cute Japanese girl named Yuko who could really play(videos will follow from Harvey, I'm sure), and also because Jason Ricci was finally able to attend a meeting. After the business was attended to(how the 8 or 9 of us are going to Hill Country and when, mainly), we decided to work on technique. Overblows were the choice, and Jason took the floor. I listened intently, and totally understand how the notes are produced in theory, and attempted my usual futile try at it on the 6 hole, which always results in no sound or a horrible squeal. In a room full of folks, who were also getting the same results mostly, this was quite unnerving to say the least. So, Terry Bolinger, one of our players who actually can hit them and incorporates them, motioned for me to come outside, adn he began working with me and explaining what his tongue was doing when he did the 6ob. I tried, with the same results. Out walks Jason, probably seeking refuge from the squeals as well. He saw us, and joined up. He explained it to me a little differently-I totally relaxed, using as little breath as possible to do a 6 draw, a 6 draw bend, then I reversed it-and got it. Within a minute, listening to him, I did it, and actually sustained the note for a second or so! High fives commenced. I immediately realized the err of my ways on my previous attempts and know what to do to get it again, also what I'm gonna have to do to play them at will and eventually incorporate them into my playing-practice, practice, practice!
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
Last Edited by on Apr 14, 2011 5:28 AM
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MrVerylongusername
1668 posts
Apr 14, 2011
5:24 AM
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congrats!
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harpdude61
819 posts
Apr 14, 2011
5:36 AM
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Hats off to you Todd! I started OBs early on but I can imagine that it would be difficult for a quality, experienced player to incorporate something new which does not come fast or easy.
To me, it is easier to play overblows softly. That is why I hate the term "pop the overblow"....it implies pressure build-up and release.
With enough practice you can hit them on pitch with your tone. Eventually they become just another note and you don't even think about them when you play.
Good luck on your journey my friend!
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toddlgreene
2893 posts
Apr 14, 2011
5:56 AM
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Thanks guys! You mentioned the term I hear often-'popping' the notes-well, it was anything but that, you're right. Very minimal breath-it was that, coupled with the embouchere required to bend the draw,which sounds so simple, but damn, it was elusive. I wish I would have known about them when I was first leaning to play, but no one did then.
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
Last Edited by on Apr 14, 2011 5:57 AM
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ridge
240 posts
Apr 14, 2011
6:11 AM
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Cool story. I remember when I went to my first JRNB show and that afterwards Jason showed me that you could bend overblows in addition to giving me a crash course in harmonica hot rodding.
The way he gives away information so willingly and conveys it with such efficacy continues to amaze me. I take every opportunity to help a fellow player if I can.
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chromaticblues
779 posts
Apr 14, 2011
6:37 AM
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Don't forget to tell everyone what kind of harp it was with! I believe you said you play Lee Oskars. Is that correct Todd?
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ridge
241 posts
Apr 14, 2011
7:49 AM
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I know ONE other player personally, though admittedly not very well, from Connecticut that plays Lee Oskars and utilizes overblows in his playing -- Blunt White was his name if I recall correctly. I remember being thoroughly blown away by his playing.
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toddlgreene
2894 posts
Apr 14, 2011
8:09 AM
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Haha, no, this was on a custom wood-combed Golden Melody in A, built by Harvey Berman. Jason grabbed it and immediately started OB/ODing everything-so I had the right tool, it was just another case of 'operator error'.
I have a mixed bag of harps-a lot are LOs, but I knew better than start on one of them. Once I get the technique down, i might try.
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
Last Edited by on Apr 14, 2011 11:05 AM
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waltertore
1280 posts
Apr 14, 2011
9:10 AM
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congragulations Todd! Learning new stuff that long into the playing process is exciting. Walter
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RT123
165 posts
Apr 14, 2011
9:22 AM
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I admire anyone who can actually work it into their playing. I picked it up pretty quick because I was sick of everyone talking about something I couldn't do, so I had to try. I was probably just lucky to get the technique right away. I just don't find a need to use it in my playing. So for me your subject fits perfect "trick"
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bonedog569
324 posts
Apr 14, 2011
6:31 PM
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Pretty neat Todd -congrats on poppin your OB cherry. That's just how I felt when I finally started to get it. (an old dog can learn new trick after all) This whole past year has been like that for me - With rare exception I'd never ventrured out of cross harp. Now I'm foolin with all sorts of things I never thought of as possible for me on this little thing.
Once you start to use it even a little you will see how useful the 6 OB can be.
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