Harp Keys?
I get customers that want to know what keys they should have in their kit. A lot depends on what type of music you're going to play but I'm assuming that everyone on this forum likes the blues. The drop dead basic harps your should have are the G • A • Bb • C • D. After that for fun you could add an Ab • F • LF • LD • LC. I like the LC for playing Sonny Boy's "Bye Bye Bird" What are you're thoughts on this topic?
I'm off to an "open mic" night tonight and, since I've been working on my 1st and 3rd position playing I'm planning on taking just 3 harps- G, A and Bb, or maybe G, A and C. This will give me most obvious keys in one position or another and will force me to play in whichever position I have available. Hopefully a good idea but could backfire dramatically! I'll feed back later...
I had some 5 harp "Wallets" made by Cumberland Cases for those occasions where I don't want to take my full kit.
That's a good idea Jon. I find myself wrapping my harps in a cloth and securing with an elastic band which is less than ideal.
As for the open mic night I went to last night I didn't get a chance to play. The resident band took up most of the night with a self indulgent full set that apparently they play every week and there was only time for a couple of guest numbers at the end. And the beer was poor. Last time I go there!
I think an F harp deserves higher priority. Think Sonny Boy II and all his F-harp work. And Sonny Terry and John Lee Williamson and . . .
I think an F harp deserves higher priority. Think Sonny Boy II and all his F-harp work. And Sonny Terry and John Lee Williamson and . . .
Hi robfraser,
isn't it funny how small the world is? Three weeks ago I made exactly the same experience with the so-called open-mic nights in my hometown. The only difference is that, at least, the beer was O.K. I think I will stick on my jam tracks a bit more time.
Cheers
Jens
Couldn't agree more on the Low C, I love the sound of the low key harps but sure learned quickly that they do not cut through in a jam setting. Well the Low F and Low Eb are not bad but depends on volume of the band. I try to use them fo comping vocals and it seems to work OK but for solo play, they are fun!!