tookatooka
120 posts
Feb 17, 2009
2:10 PM
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I've always been keen to learn how to create my own backing rhythm with the harp. If you've got your speakers on please click on this sample harp tune and let me know if you think it would be possible to, somehow incorporate this technique into a more bluesy genre. Forgive the errors, I only knocked this out quickly and didn't have time to get it spot on. I'm not sure, but is that technique what's known as vamping?
I'm playing octaves and double tongueing and sliding up and down the scale but using this technique I can't seem to acquire many bluesy notes.
Would love to hear any suggestions on how I could progress with this. The tunes nothing special it's just what came to mind at the time.
Thanks in advance for any replies.
Whoops almost forgot Suzuki Bluesmaster in C.
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When I'm not blowing, I'm drawing.
Last Edited by on Feb 17, 2009 2:18 PM
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Philosofy
139 posts
Feb 17, 2009
2:43 PM
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There are different definitions of vamping. I used to think it was when you pull your tongue off and on the harp while tongue blocking to create a accompanying chord. But that's not what real blues players call vamping. (By real blues players, I mean Joe Filisko.) To them, vamping is similar, but you're only getting a split second chord. Its done while tongue blocking. Start with the mouth position of blowing a chord, and start to slap your tongue on the harp to get to the position of tongue blocking. Just before your tongue hits the harp, start to draw (or blow.) You get a split second of chord, but then all that air gets put into the single note.
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mickil
34 posts
Feb 17, 2009
3:45 PM
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I thought that kind of thing came under the term 'toungue slap'. Anyway, I think I understand from the sound clip what you're aiming for.
I've been working a lot on the same sort of thing. Like you, I started by working on the technique without trying anything bluesy.
Years ago, I heard Paul Jones (ex Manfred Mann) playing harp with Chris Smither on BBC Radio 2 - in the UK - and the rhythm / vamping thing he did blew me away. It's only since I've invested the time of late that I've started to get a good grip on it.
In short, you're trying to mix a blues melody with chords, yeah? A lot of that stuff goes on by mixing single notes (especially 2 draw) with the 123 draw and blow chords, but it all sounds like cr*p unless you throw in a good deal of syncopation.
Go back to kudzurunner's early lessons, Nos. 6-10. He's laying the foundations for that kind of thing. Also listen to lessons 123-4; they are the epitomy of brilliant vamping. The stuff he's doing isn't that hard to play, but it does take time - at least for me - to work out how to imitate that kind of sound. Listen hard for the little 3&4 draw bends (with a touch of 4, I think) and the very short 345 blow chords he puts in.
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'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
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superchucker77
135 posts
Feb 17, 2009
6:33 PM
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Check out this video. What he does at 4:28, 5:18, and 5:57 may be what you are talking about.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iPKBEUEnJ8
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Brandon Bailey
Superchucker77's Youtube
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oldwailer
514 posts
Feb 17, 2009
10:12 PM
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Man, if I could sound like that--I don't care what you call it!
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Tryharp
92 posts
Feb 18, 2009
12:38 AM
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Superchucker, Ive watched that one that many times Im suprised its not worn out now, one of my favorite youtube vids!
I think a point here is that sort of stuff is pretty natural to a full time basic tongue blocker (not sugar blues wild skills, but vamping, slapping etc), and it can also be imitated by a skillful puckerer.
Tryharp
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Arbite
16 posts
Feb 18, 2009
1:28 AM
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Cool, It sounds like Swedish FolkMusic =)
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Miles Dewar
186 posts
Feb 18, 2009
5:20 AM
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Jason ricci has a vid on "vamping" while lip pursing. he does it while explaining "boogie chillun" by Canned Heat. Check it out....."He's just opening and closing his mouth"- Ricci.
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---Go Bears!!! (Richard Dent for Hall of Fame)---
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Miles Dewar
187 posts
Feb 18, 2009
5:21 AM
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you CAN do it with blues.
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---Go Bears!!! (Richard Dent for Hall of Fame)---
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tookatooka
121 posts
Feb 18, 2009
6:34 AM
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Thanks for the input guys. I've noted all the suggestions for further study and will certainly be following them up.
I think one of the main problems I've encountered is that playing multiple holes and tongue slapping takes more breath and this is where I'm floundering as far as using it with the blues is concerned. I think I need to review the breathing techniques and get that under control because as you know most of the blue notes are on the draw notes in second position.
Thanks again.
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When I'm not blowing, I'm drawing.
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dfwdlg
9 posts
Feb 18, 2009
12:40 PM
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One dictionary definition has vamping to be a background element that provides a performer with a harmonic framework upon which to improvise. I believe Adam covered this (the specific clip I can't remember). He put it as the things you play to let the listener know where you are in the song while you are improvising. For example hitting notes or riffs which are easy to identify with the I-, IV- and V-chord changes in a 12-bar blues. You return to those home points often enough that the listener can follow the changes while you are soloing. I think vamping is about whatever playing you do to maintain that framework.
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