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The more active you play, the softer you need to be. The more repetitive you play, the louder you can be (within reason of course).

Another comment I give daily in my teaching is to play softer, especially when playing amplified. Play at 40% of your capable volume as your normal volume. This gives you great dynamic range for expression later in the song. Little Walter did this and it worked for him. Have a great weekend everyone!

Mark Ford had a strong impact on the Bay Area blues harmonica scene in the early 1970’s, starting with the release of the Charles Ford Blues Band on Arhoolie in 1972, which is now considered a modern blues classic (Robin Ford on guitar, Patrick Ford on drums and Stan Poplin on the bass). His powerful amplified tone and mastery of the entire range of the harmonica (he’s known for his killer licks above Hole 6 in 2nd Position) has caused him to influence many generations of blues harmonica players around the world. continue reading...