Ghost Chords
Hi David,
I was looking at some of the songs Joe Filisko has posted on his site. When describing 'skills needed' he mentions 'Ghost Chording'. I don't recall Joe or you talking about this in the lessons posted on BluesHarmonica.com. Or at least using that term. Listening to some of the samples on Joe's site I am wondering if it just might be kind of 'comping' (as in quitar) using a pull techique. A muted chord.
Could you explain this technique as it relates to the approach on BluesHarmonica.com?
Best,
Andrew
Here is Joe's reply...
"Basically a quiet breathy chord either mimicking a clean single note or playing the rhythmic groove that does not have to necessarily have to sound chordal.
It can be found by itself playing a breathy rhythmic role, in between percussive vamped/slapped notes OR interspersed in-between licks where it will often have a rhythmic purpose and the much needed exhaling breath.
It can certainly be played in any manner that sounds good BUT since it is a chord and the tongue is OFF of the harp, the most common obstacle is to overcome is not playing it too loud where it will sound like a chord.
Your description as a "pluck" is about as good as any. I also like to mention that there is usually NO diaphragm push or pull behind it and that it happens due to the suctioning of having the tongue removed quickly off of the comb of the harmonica. Of course this is not quite the case when a exhale breathe EP NP is needed.
Also occurs to me that in the way that I like to teach the concept and technique of ghost chords that one shouldn't think in regards to "articulating" the chord. Articulating to me implies that the tongue is already off and not touching the harmonica comb and thus free to articulate. Since I try and get the concept across that the ghost chord is the result of removing or plucking off the tongue momentarily, the thought of articulating shouldn't apply as it will instantly go back to blocking."
Hello Andrew. I'm not familiar with what he's referring to there. I am guessing you are correct... a pull, or pull-like sound with hands closed. I'll email him and get back to you with his answer.