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Let's now bring all of the elements together that we've discussed...

For newer players to the bandstand we know that their highest probability of success is in memorizing a song and performing it to their best ability. The challenge is that they're playing a non-dynamic element (a memorized solo that does not change) into a dynamic situation (the band is responding to you, but you not to them). The other challenge is in keeping track of each chorus and hoping your memory doesn't fail you.

Follow these steps in preparation for performance: continue reading...

I was doing a show with Gary Primich many years ago and I was looking around for a chair or something to put my Bassman on to get it off the floor. Gary tilts back the amp and places a harmonica box under the front-bottom lip of the amp and says, "I find that one Hohner harmonica box does the trick to tilt the amp back at just the right angle so that I can hear myself well." Thanks Gary.

There's a reason why most rockin' harp players prefer higher-keyed harmonicas (C and above). Not only do they sound powerful (and brash when you want them to), these higher-keyed harmonicas are easier to hear... for both you and the audience. So, if you're having difficultly hearing yourself due to insufficient amplification or a loud band, this is a quick fix.

"Who knows the secret I don't know, and who is it?" states Barry Schwartz on the TED Radio Hour Podcast 5/4/12 (NPR). When it comes to equipment, buy what most of the people you respect recommend (gear that has stood the test of time) and get to work.

Here's what I recommend...

Harmonica: Hohner Crossover

Microphone: JT30 body, a Shure CM or CR element, screw-on output connector, cable and backup screw-on to 1/4" female adapter

Small Amp: Fender Super Champ X2 continue reading...

At sound check play your normal ~40% of capable volume level.

When the sound engineer asks to hear you... play at that 40% volume. The sound engineer is looking for a "balanced" sound with the rest of the band... that's what they're trying to achieve. If you play at your "all-out" level at sound check, like you're kickin' butt in a solo, you've just guaranteed no one's going to hear you all night. Your loudest volume is balanced with the band (not good for a solo!) and at your accompaniment volume nobody will know you're there if they close their eyes. continue reading...

#1 - Setup your amp off the floor
#2 - Get away from your amp
#3 - Turn your mic to 10 if you have a volume control
#4 - Turn your amp up to feedback, then dial it down just below feedback

Simply put, set the amp as loud as it can go and then play at ~40% of your capable volume as your "normal" volume. You can go lower for soft passages and louder for more intense passages, all leading towards to hugely-important, though commonly-lacking element on the bandstand... DYNAMICS. Listen to Kim Wilson and I discuss this in his interview. continue reading...

#1 - Setup your amp off the floor
#2 - Get away from your amp
#3 - Turn your mic to 10 if you have a volume control
#4 - Turn your amp up to feedback, then dial it down just below feedback

Simply put, set the amp as loud as it can go and then play at ~40% of your capable volume as your "normal" volume. You can go lower for soft passages and louder for more intense passages, all leading towards to hugely-important, though commonly-lacking element on the bandstand... DYNAMICS. Listen to Kim Wilson and I discuss this in his interview. continue reading...

#1 - Setup your amp off the floor
#2 - Get away from your amp
#3 - Turn your mic to 10 if you have a volume control continue reading...

#1 - Setup your amp off the floor
#2 - Get away from your amp

Now that you have your amp off the floor, get away from your amp. Imagine you're holding a hose with a nozzle on the end that give you the option to have a powerful stream or spray. If you set it to spray, but are only 1 foot away from the nozzle, you'll only wet a small area. If you step 6 feet away, you'll cover the entire object you're spraying with water. continue reading...

#1 - Setup your amp off the floor

There are two purposes for having your amp with you in performance...
1) To achieve the tone you want
2) To hear yourself on the bandstand (musician's amps are known as the "backline") continue reading...