High end Harps
Hi David!
which are the most used , the least used and the not used keys harmonicas on the high end first position with bends?
thanks
Marko
Who sells a High A model? I haven't been able to find one. Would be great for playing with loud rock bands that commonly play in E but are hard to cut through.
There seems to be confusion on the question. I read the question as what harps are commonly used in 1st Position. Not as "high-tuned" harmonicas. There's only one high-tuned harp that I'm aware of, the high G. It's so high that I've never used it... actually gave mine away to a student!
thanks David !
i ask that because I tried the various high end in first position ( not high-tuned )
and in found the C harp very difficult to control so i can't imagine play higher than this harp!
under the C are great, A and G the best!
thanks
Marko
Yes, the C is very difficult. I think Huey Lewis used an F harp in 2nd Position on the "Heart of Rock N' Roll" and played some blow bends up there! (would have to check this, but I think it was). So, it can be done, but no doubt it ain't easy.
i watch this live video of Huey Lewis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXxEP_3qkRA at 6:24 hi do the blow bend :)
On the high tuned (as opposed to high end) Seydel makes a high A, High Ab, and High G in the Session and Favorit model series.
Hohner used to make a Vest Pocket (miniature 10-hole) in High G and, I think, High A. They do offer High G in the MS series harps, traditional Marine Band (not Deluxe or Crossover) and Special 20.
When he was touring with Kenny Loggins, Howard Levy used a High G on, I think, Footloose. Normally he stays away from anything higher than a D harp, but that's what worked for that particular tune.
Hi David
Why the most of the books about Blues harmonica are written in C Harmonica ,but here it 's used less .
Thanks
Iman
Somebody kindly posted this Youtube of (St James Infirmary) Breathtakin' Blues on BH.com a while ago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYk4SRP_8FY. It's in Gm played in 4th pos on a Bb harp high end. It's quite different to first position high end but still uses that high end to the max. If you follow the scale intuitively on down past the root at 6 draw it opens up some really nice tones on the low end. Dig it!
The C Harmonica is used for books for only one reason, it brings less confusion when speaking about the notes found on the instrument... music theory. We play five harps all the time... A, B-flat, C, G and D... so your study songs use these keys of harmonica.
Thank you David
The A is the most commonly used... G being second... anything other is rare. Any low key is a good choice... the higher the harmonica the harder it is to control.