howling hound
14 posts
Jan 21, 2010
1:54 AM
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I didnt want to cut into another thread but can someone define a melody player and also what is a root notes??
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Luke Juke
63 posts
Jan 21, 2010
3:03 AM
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The root notes are the notes that the chord is based on. For example, for any E chord, whether it be Emajor, Eminor, E7 or even Esus4add9 then the root note is simply an E note. In 12 bar blues in the key of A, the chords used are E,A and B. So the root notes are E on the E chord. A on the A chord and B on the B chord. The melody is the notes that make up the tune that is played over the chords compromising of scales. hope this helps
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GamblersHand
131 posts
Jan 21, 2010
3:11 AM
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Could well be wrong but I think that Buddha was saying that the harmonica has the role of a "melody instrument" in a combo - it's to provide the melody rather than the groove.
A root note is simply the note that corresponds to the chord being played - ie a G note against a G (GBD) chord.
I think Buddha's statement is true for many more complex music styles, certainly in jazz, or even jazzy blues, but in a lot of blues it's very appropriate to start or resolve riffs to the root note. Can be boring if over-used though.
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Honkin On Bobo
184 posts
Jan 21, 2010
5:22 AM
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gambler,
Great take on the melody/root note discussion. I was confused when I read Buddha's statement because I thought it was in conflict with what I had been reading about blues harp. In the context of your explanation, it makes perfect sense now.
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Buddha
1278 posts
Jan 21, 2010
8:01 AM
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Honkin,
Understand that just about everything you read about blues harp playing is written by people who are not great musicians.
Playing roots is going to sound "earthy" and simple which is totally appropriate for blues but if you really want to expand on what you do, and sound more interesting in general then stick to 3rds and 7ths as those are the notes that define the chord.
Gm7 - G Bb D F
Most players will see that chord and play a G. But more schooled played will see that and play Bb or F. You hear guitarist doing this all the time.
Think about when you start a solo... how many of you begin by wailing away on draw 2? intermedite players have figured out that starting a solo by wailing on draw 4 is cool. Others will start on Draw 5. So if you're stuck on playing roots when you start your solo, try starting on draw 5 or draw 4 its cool.
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"The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are." - Joseph Campbell
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Honkin On Bobo
186 posts
Jan 21, 2010
8:12 AM
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Chris,
Thanks for the input. I totally get what you're saying and appreciate the advice. I have to laugh regarding the draw 4 - draw 5 solo advice, because that's what I've been doing all along. As I read about starting and resolving on the 2, I thought, "I guess i'm doing it wrong". But I kept doing it that way anyway, because to my ears it sounded so sweet.
I guess my ears could hear what my mind couldn't fathom.
As always, you are the Buddha!
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Hobostubs Ashlock
383 posts
Jan 21, 2010
10:19 AM
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yea i with Honkin on Bobo ive been starting on 4d from the beginning it just felt right,but then i started studying the harp a little more and thought i was doing something wrong by not starting with my 2d ive even had my online harp teacher say i need to use the 2d more and i probelly do,Ive been trying to play with the 2d more but when i just play and not think about it the 4d is my main root.Im not saying i use it as well as it could be used but i do fall on it alot
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roadharp
19 posts
Jan 21, 2010
10:21 PM
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i am not sure if this is right but it sounds great try to draw that 2 and bend the three a half step and warbel at the same time say e ew and shake yor head.this also works with 4 and 5 on the 4 cord.
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