Just curious, apart from jonsparrow, did anyone actually read this thread or try to play the tab; it's got the timing as well.
Only reason I ask is because all the time on here people talk the talk - don't mean to be rude - but, I get the impression that few can walk the walk.
Has anyone tried to play it, or do you all know it in your sleep?
It's one hell of a tune played just with single notes as it's tabbed, and it will do more to challenge how well you think you can bend the 3 draw than most other stuff you'll ever come across.
I'm sorry, I know I sound like a dickhead, but when I first joined the board, folks would have commented on something like this. Now, it all seems to be gossip and jacking off about who is and who isn't cool; what gear is good and what isn't.
That ain't about harp playing to me. Anyone can talk about that stuff, and boy, do people talk about that stuff. Let's get this forum back up a notch.
Maybe it's time to stand aside for a while. ---------- 'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
http://www.youtube.com/user/SlimHarpMick
Last Edited by on Aug 12, 2009 6:22 PM
I didn't realize we were required to play your tab.... The thing is confusing to read due to the nature of the message board, and I as I'm sure many others didn't really care to learn it anyway. I guess you expected lots and lots of praise for this, I'm not second guessing that you worked hard on it.
Not only that, like you said, this isn't the blues. It wouldn't be any different if you posted the tab for Super Mario Brothers. However, say you tabbed out the Creeper Creeps Again or Walter's Boogie, I'm sure there would be alot more interest.
Even so, how many would you expect to make their own tabs? It's difficult and frustrating, and there aren't many good tabs out there for good or challenging blues songs because of it, most people just learn to play it by ear, like "true harp players" normally do.
While I haven't been here as long as you have, I would doubt that because it was back then all of a sudden interest would spike. That's a bold, defensive assumption.
Sorry about this response, but I don't like the idea of you blaming the forum goers and essentially insulting them us as gear hogs. ---------- Michael
Well, that's mature. I can see you've been studying your Zen.
Try to see beyond your ego and take into account that I was trying to make a serious point, or don't. I don't care.
I tried to wrord the post as diplomatically as I could, but, I knew that someone on this forum would get get their ego in a twist.
Chill dude, read the post again. I waasn't looking for praise. I'm not so tiny, I need to find it here. ---------- 'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
http://www.youtube.com/user/SlimHarpMick
Last Edited by on Aug 12, 2009 7:07 PM
are you sure jack played the tab? maybe he was just being polite. many folks are, you know. dont really view the video, listen to a tune, check out a site, play somebody's tabs....
this is the first time i saw this thread. sorry. i dont think it is gorgeous.
glad you pushed it back to the top.
ps- it is a nice looking tab. i'll say that for your effort.
With one or two minor differences, here's the tune.
I didn't tab it from Christelle, rather, I did it from the soundtrack for myself, but thought it would be good to share.
Here's where I tabbed it from:
It is a nice tune.
P.S. Although it's not the 'blues', a little while ago someone played it at a local jam with a guitar player and it brought the house down. I think he said he played it on a minor harp. It took me a while to find it on a diatonic. Anyway, I thought it was worth more than just talk. ---------- 'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
http://www.youtube.com/user/SlimHarpMick
Last Edited by on Aug 12, 2009 7:56 PM
Sometimes threads slip through. It can be as simple as what time of day you post it. I'm not real good at reading tab. If someone tells me what key something is in I can usually pick it off quicker by ear, but thanks for the effort. I should probably practice reading tab.
Look, there have been 5 threads that have not been replied to since this one was written. Who weeps for them? At least this one got one before the tirade.
It is a beautiful tab. I've tried it now that it made it to the top of the list.
Must have missed it.
I wouldn't place too much emphasis on what a bunch of crazy harmonica players think of it because we are all wack jobs.
Last Edited by on Aug 12, 2009 8:56 PM
"I didn't respond to this post but I did read it and was grateful for the effort you put into it."
Same here. I already learned it some time age - but I checked it out anyway to see how different I did it from the original.
"...this isn't the blues. It wouldn't be any different if you posted the tab for Super Mario Brothers." That's bull! I think this song is one of the greatest played on the harp.
As was mentioned before, threads that don't interest the masses get swallowed real fast on this forum. And unfortunately most harp players focus on blues...
"are you sure jack played the tab? maybe he was just being polite. many folks are, you know. dont really view the video, listen to a tune, check out a site, play somebody's tabs...." just talking like this, to me, is being a dick. Being polite actually infers checking out the site/the tab/the video. btw. its jon.
"Maybe it's time to stand aside for a while." Don't! The forum is that what we make of it. I'm in the background at the moment cos I have too much work, but I'll be back soon (two more weeks to go). + practicing a lot for summertime. If we're the only two people submitting - so what? Fuck it! I'll to the submission thread, if you don't mind.
Firstly, I hope everyone takes a breath & relaxes. We all need to assume that everyone is posting with best intentions even if it is coated with manure & not friendly put as it probably should have been.
Anyway...
I read this thread the day it was made.
I think its freaking awesome that Mickil is trying to start this and put forth this effort. Im here to learn how to better my playing before anything else myself & applaud his (and anyone else's) sharing of knowledge.
I did not respond more then likely because I procrastinated to &/or felt I had nothing to say. I do like this song & I do not play harp soley for blues. The tab looks challenging & Im not really sure Im ready to try this but I will when I find the time & confidence. To be honest it does look like a mess on the browser on my cell phone but that's not important it looks fine on a normal computer.
Also I will not be posting tabs as I dont know how to tab & have not begun tabbing anything. I seen a few videos from Adam on this and havent begun to jump in due to fear of not getting it.
So in closing, the reason I didnt post is because what you are proposing, I feel, is above my experience level. Though, I definately will try giving a shot this weekend to start to learn to play this.
---------- ~Ryan Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
Not to look a gift horse in the mouth but just a thought,
I can almost guarantee had you made youtube videos demonstrating playing your tab & discussing in a kudzurunner kind of way it you surely would have gotten more responses quicker.
I know Im much quicker to try something when I can see & hear how it works. Not to mention everyone on this forum more then likely is more used to learning from youtube videos then tabs alone.
Not saying this is the only way to do it, just a thought that Im sure it would be hard to argue against.
---------- ~Ryan Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
First off, my apologies to Mgimino. It is childish and demeaning to talk to people like that, and quite unnecessary.
I'm glad that some folks found the tab useful. I suppose - well, I know - that I can be a little over sensitive at times, in fact, a bit of a wally. But, the truth is that I do sometimes find the nature of this forum a little frustrating.
I often yearn for stuff that's a little more educational - wheezer's posts come to mind - rather than yet another discussion about this amp or that mike; they are just things, they won't make you play any better. Sometimes, it seems like a lot of peeps want an Aston Martin DB9, but they're still learning to drive. The analogy's not perfect, but you get my drift. Anyway, that's just the way I feel.
@ scstrickland: yeah, I'll put something up for the comp. You too, I hope.
@ GHarpist: that's cool, you do the submission thread. Also, I will stick around. What you said about, 'The forum is that what we make of it,' is true. I suppose it's up to me to add more of what I like and ignore that which I don't.
@ RyanMortos: I'll take up your suggestion and do a kudzuRunner style YT vid. I do feel a bit self-conscious doing that 'cos I'm not half the player he is, but what the hell, it can't hurt anyone.
Thanks again for the appreciation, fellas. ---------- 'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
Hi Mickil, I think the problem the other guy had was cause it wasn't blues.
Here's my take.
Even after two years of trying to learn the blues I find it bloody hard. I know I'm a slow learner but once it's in there it's in there for good.
If you were restricted to just the blues on the harp I would have given up long ago out of pure frustration. Luckily we can play other stuff on the harp which keeps our interest going. Your tab has a number of bent draws in it which will certainly help me with the little bit of blues that I am trying to master.
So it may not be blues but heck it will still help with my blues playing in the future.
Worth pointing out again that we're all different: I personally don't like tabs and rarely use them, but I recognise plently of people do. Nor does one person's attitude to tabs diminish the hard work you have put into this one. I'm sure sure lots of people checked it out, but the anonymity of the internet encourages the 'leecher' mentality; I'm not condoning it, but for every person that says 'thanks' there'll be tens, hundreds maybe, who won't bother. Just another nail in the coffin of civility and manners.
Personally speaking, there are lots of things I do and don't like. I do like the technical threads; I prefer not to tinker with my harps, but it is fun to do sometimes. I don't like the metaphysical 'keeping it real' gumf, but there are folks that like to contribute those kind of posts too.
You learn to filter.
Hell! if I got disheartened everytime I get no thanks/response in life I'd have never got married or had kids and I'd probably spend life under the duvet rather than going to work. It sucks, but it's life!
There's plenty here for everyone that will progress us all as players. It is definitely one of the few harp forums that still has real traffic these days.
I'm sorry too Mickil, I wasn't in the greatest mood last night for some reason this set me off a little, at least from my usual quiet and polite demeanor.
Also guys I put my first name in my sig for a reason! it's much easier to refer to me buy then "mgimino" ---------- Michael
Mick, this is great stuff and I applaud you for it. I too read the thread hurriedly and didn't comment. I definitely have a few tunes in mind to tab and I will post them here when I get them done. Have been too busy with other things, such as that !#@$% pesky Summertime.
Thanks fellas. I've done the vid with a load of chat alla kudzu, as you suggested Ryan. I'll embed it here when it's processed by YT.
As for the key harp to use, around A or Bb would be fine. I do it on a Bb, which puts it in the same key as the recording. ---------- 'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
Hey mick what about extending the deadline another two weeks. Summertime is quite a chunk to get down, and I could really do with some more practice time... and maybe some of the others too, with SPAH and everything. what do you think?
Only thing is, lumpy needs to be made aware somehow. I think he was going to upload something he wasn't happy with cos of the deadline and his moving house or something.
Just a quick question. I'm probably being a bit thick, but any idea why YT's upload page won't come up with the Title box, etc. I know I sound crazy, but it's not working properly. Am i going mad?
IT'S OK, I'VE GOT IT. IF YOU'RE HAVING PROBS, YOU HAVE TO HIDE THE PROGRESS BAR. ---------- 'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
http://www.youtube.com/user/SlimHarpMick
Last Edited by on Aug 13, 2009 1:49 PM
Good work, mickil, not sure why anyone is giving you stick for this. I've just given it a go in C (on an F) and decided to jot down the tabs to practice some more as my 3 draw bends need more work - bit tricky on an F especially. Might try a low F whilst I'm at it. I have to say that the tab system is a bit strange. To me, even though draw notes are used more, it's counter-intuitive to denote only the blow notes. I think the best system is 2D for draw and 2B for blow. Regardless, thanks for doing this, it's a great help. Keep it up.
Thanks, GW. By the way, was it you who uploaded a version of Summertime the other day? Anyway, if it was, you can do another one now if you want, new deadline and all.
Oh yeah, about the tab. I use Mike Will's system; it's summarised in this PDF:
http://filesocial.com/drnk09z
I now what you mean about the draw tab. But, he uses a lot of other neat symbols for other stuff. ---------- 'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
jon- i apologize for calling you jack. i think jack sparrow is in those pirate movies. and i was attempting humor at wondering if you actually tried the tabs.
germanharpist- do we really need to start name calling over something like this? arent there more important things in life than harmonica for any of us to get so riled up about this thread? (first time i ever used the word "riled". my pops always used it.)
e - my response to your statement wasn't directed towards you but to the people like "jack". And the reminder that jack is actually jon wasn't part of the previous rant. I tried to capsule it a bit with the "btw.", but I see how the negative sentiment dominated the post. As you say, I got riled up a little.
More important things than harmonica...? what the !@*ยง are you talking about? ;)
As you suggested, I've done a video. I did it the same day you posted the suggestion, but have had hair-pulling-out-grief with my broadband connection. Comments / criticisms / video responses are welcome.
---------- 'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
That's really good of you Mickil. Your bent notes came over really well. Bending accurately is something I need to get to grips with. Apart from your tab I'm finding Harmopoint useful for learning this. 10/10 for the video too. ----------
You got some good points there about bending the three hole and playing classical songs on a blues harp. Also the stuff about the vibrato... tried to do it right away, but I'm too used to the throat vibrato (I somehow do both vibrato when I only want to do the wahwah. Can't produce that balalaika effect. Whats that harp you're using?
Thanks for the comments. The harp, GH, is an 1847 Silver, key of Bb. I found it significantly easier to control the 3<'' on the Seydel than on most of my other harps; not just the pitch, but the volume as well. Playing that note quietly on some of my other harps seems near impossible: leakyness, I suppose. ---------- 'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
http://www.youtube.com/user/SlimHarpMick
Last Edited by on Aug 17, 2009 2:23 AM
Mick, nice video. Thanks for bringing your tab to life.
I'll make a few comments about bending in non-blues songs. First, I agree that such songs are a fun way to work on bending accuracy, because you can really tell when you've missed it. Second, when I do that 3<'', I have a hard time not making it honk, or sound very horn-like. It's a cool sound, but often does not match the tone of other notes in the song. (That note appears in my Summertime submission in several places, and I was trying very hard not to make it sound out of place, with perhaps limited success.) Lastly, playing such songs is what finally got me to ditch my Big River harps in favour of Marine Bands. I had to work so hard on the BRs that it was hurting my throat, especially with the G harp. MB just plays easier and better. Had to learn to play softer once I switched to MBs too, to keep from rattling the reeds.
