Cupping the mic (and parenthesis)
I am able to get a good tight grip and seal on the mic with my diatonic and I am happy with my tone. However, once I have to play above the 5 hole I loose the tight seal and my tone gets very thin and airy. It becomes especially hard if I am working a run up from the 2 to the 6 or higher and then quickly bring it back down. Any advice on keeping it all tight and buried into my check?
I also am having a hard time with the grip and the chromatic. I am assuming the cup isn't as tight as it is with a diatonic. I have been using a Astatic brown biscut, so the size of the mic isn't an issue. Again, my tone is very thin, airy and metallic.
Last question, can you remind me what the parenthesis mean in tab? For example something along the lines of 2 2" (+21) 2 etc. Is this mentioned in any of the video lessons? Specifically, I have been working on a version of Juke you transcribed for the newsletter years back.
Thanks again. I can't say again how great this site is. Loved the Groove Performance Training. I am going to make every drummer I know watch it a few dozen times.
Above hole 6 you do lose the ability to cup as tightly as you can on the low-end, so your technique ends up being important. Players will commonly use slaps and octaves to make the high-end thicker and more powerful sounding.
For the chromatic, keeping your thumb tight to your cheek and keeping your hands closed tightly is important.
In the TAB you're speaking of the parenthesis means to play the chord softy, commonly with a TA and allowing air to escape around the harmonica.
Glad you're enjoying the material.