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beginner forum: for novice and developing blues harp players >
Chromatic Tales - St James
Chromatic Tales - St James
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MindTheGap
828 posts
Dec 04, 2015
1:01 AM
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I tried the chromatic on St James Infirmary at a band rehearsal last night, I liked it. In Dm, amplified. Previously I'd play the tune in 2nd position on a G harp to get the sonorous low notes but I've never been completely happy about holding the long bent notes.
And/or I'd play a solo bit in 5th position on a Bb harp.
I have to say it was a joy to just have the notes to hand on the chromatic, all in tune and with consistent timbre. Amplified, it's a big rich sound for little effort.
I love the sound and feel of the diatonic bent notes doing the blues-harmonica thing, but I just can't feel it doing tunes. Just me I think, everyone else seems fine with it.
I remember watching a vid by Chris Michalek where he was complaining about people playing blues-ed up versions of Happy Birthday, and advocating playing it straight. Although he was using a diatonic of course, but with his technique to play it chromatically (using OB, choice of position and all that). Anyway, it's that kind of sentiment.
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Dec 04, 2015 1:03 AM
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2chops
451 posts
Dec 04, 2015
4:38 AM
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Exactly. Amped chrom is a wonderful thing. Like you said, Chris and others like him who OB and apply them musically are not the norm. It is nice having all the notes, in tune and immediately at ones disposal. Plus the sound of the chrom is just...different.
The singer in my band sings in D alot. About half of our songs are in D. When I started using my C chrom to play in D for certain songs the whole song took kn a different groove. For the better. Adding the chrom to my arsenal is helping me to be a more well rounded musician, rather than just another guy that blows on the harp.
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I'm workin on it. I'm workin on it.
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New but determined
32 posts
Dec 10, 2015
7:10 AM
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Ohhhh, I'm listening- intently.
Last Edited by New but determined on Dec 10, 2015 12:50 PM
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