JimmyFamous
3 posts
Nov 05, 2009
8:40 AM
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I am thinking about purchasing a FireBreath.
Any one know which key would be the easiest to learn the chromatic scale on?
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Jimmy Famous
Last Edited by on Nov 05, 2009 9:24 AM
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MrVerylongusername
607 posts
Nov 05, 2009
10:43 AM
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You can learn it on any key harmonica, but you'll need overblows and overdraws. In my experience (and this is speaking for myself only - dunno if it's a general thing) I find the high middle keys are better: Bb through E. I like C for this reason, and because it make visualising the notes on a piano keyboard much easier fin my head.
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JimmyFamous
4 posts
Nov 05, 2009
11:05 AM
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Thanks MrV.. I was thinking C was the best choice but was wondering if other keys were easier to get the missing notes.
Now I am wondering if I should get a FireBreath or Manji??
I bought a Manji in A and like it alot. Just wondering if the FireBreath is worth the extra cash?
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Jimmy Famous
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Buzadero
191 posts
Nov 05, 2009
4:39 PM
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At this year's SPAH, during Fiddle Cat's OB seminar, Otavio Castro made the comment that he tries to play everything on a "C" so he won't have to learn the note layouts for every key of harp. Made sense when he said it. Since that seminar, I have been making a conscious effort to play along with as many varied genres, styles, tempos and keys as I can while using a "C". For me anyway, it has become quite an enlightening exercise. Rather than trying to determine key of tune or position of harp to adapt to the music, I'm getting better and better at not thinking or worrying about it and just making the "C" work to fit. I have found it rereshingly mind expanding. Special thanks to JR, and his confederates, Otavio and Mr Pelican for that seminar.
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~Buzadero
Underwater Janitor, Patriot
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MrVerylongusername
610 posts
Nov 05, 2009
5:10 PM
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yeah, that's kind of how I'm working on chromaticism too. I just try to play along - to the music on the tv, on my ipod or a tune going round in my head. I don't try to work out keys or positions, just feeling and intervals.
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ZackPomerleau
439 posts
Nov 05, 2009
5:15 PM
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A Joe Filisko harp.
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Hobostubs Ashlock
97 posts
Nov 05, 2009
5:31 PM
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Ive wondered sence i began a few months back if it was possible to play all keys with 1 harp if you really was good at playing.And what harp would be best for it.Ive thought a C might be because its in the middle i dont know if that matters or not.And if you can in fact play all keys with 1 harp could that harp be whatever key you liked the best.For instance would a Bflat work as easy as a C harp?
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asilve3
38 posts
Nov 05, 2009
5:34 PM
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If you mean to learn it, as in to physically be able to play it. If your overbending technique is not stellar and you don't setup your harps some say the higher keys are easier to get the OBs. They tend to be more air tight. I'm talking your Ds Ebs and Es. Fs are very difficult to articulate the 3 hole bends so avoid that one.
If you mean to learn it, as in to understand where all of the notes fall on the harp. I agree with the others and have found myself that a C harmonica is easiest to understand.
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asilve3
39 posts
Nov 05, 2009
5:39 PM
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"And if you can in fact play all keys with 1 harp could that harp be whatever key you liked the best.For instance would a Bflat work as easy as a C harp?"
it is possible to play in all keys. Once you have your technique solid anything in the key of B and higher is easiest I have found. Ab and lower requires really strong technique and harmonicas that perform well.
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JimmyFamous
6 posts
Nov 05, 2009
6:48 PM
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Yes, I was asking about which key harmonica is easiest to physically get the missing notes.
It seems to me that getting a certain technique like bending a note (the first time) is the trickiest thing and after you figure it out, it's like, why couldn't I do that??? It's sooo easy. ???
I figure that if I get the harp thats the easiest to get the chromatic scale on (for my first time) then the other harps should follow.
Thanks to you all for the responces.
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Jimmy Famous
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Andrew
724 posts
Nov 06, 2009
7:50 AM
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It's not just the key, it's the make of harp too.
I'd recommend the Golden Melody, unless you can afford custom. I have a GM in C, and it's better than the Marine Band for getting and bending overblows and overdraws. I'm thinking of buying a GM either in Bb or A, but I don't know if the key will make a difference.
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Kinda hot in these rhinos!
Last Edited by on Nov 06, 2009 7:53 AM
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asilve3
40 posts
Nov 06, 2009
8:57 AM
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The key definitely makes a difference! Higher keys are easier, period.
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JimmyFamous
8 posts
Nov 10, 2009
9:20 AM
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I got my FireBreath from Rockin Ron's yesterday and was able to get my first overblow.
It aint easy, but I did get it.
As far as the Firebreath goes, I don't think I would buy another one. It is a very nice harp but I like the sound of the Manji more.
I am going to try a golden melody next, maybe in D?
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Jimmy Famous
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GermanHarpist
691 posts
Nov 10, 2009
9:23 AM
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Jimmy, what key is that Firebreath in?
Go for that GM! I love mine.
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germanharpist on YT. =;-)
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