Is It A Pull?
Hi David...I have a question about Solo Harmonica, Study 3, example 2.5. The second note(s) are three notes played together like a chord, with an X underneath. How should one play these notes? It's not the usual way to notate a pull, but, it sounds like a very subtle pull in the recording. It is repeated several times throughout, only this example, that I can tell. Looks and sounds like a pull, but is it a pull?
Thanks in advance.
Homer.
Sounds like a chord some of the time and maybe like a pull at other times. What does the X signify under the notes? Should it be played like a chord?
Homer.
I see what you're asking, thank you, I should have been more specific. Example 2.4 has the slashed note head notation, which indicates a pull. Example 2.5 uses standard note heads, which is an indication to breath a chord (usually soft). The "X" shorthand notation is used in place of the standard numbers so that the student doesn't get too focused on "exactly" what notes are used in a pull, the goal is rhythm, not pitch. In Ex. 2.5 I am generally playing in more as a standard chord, with it sometimes being closer to a pull. So, in the end, experiment and see what feels and sounds best to you. Do note that I talk about that chord in the video, generally saying not to use it as a pull, though pulls sound good too! (and I believe I played it closer to a pull in the recording).
Hi Dave...Yes, this time you answered my question! ;-) Thank you for the detailed answer, that was what I was looking for. This is what I thought was going on and you have voiced it for me. Now I know what kind of sound I should be aiming for. Thank you for taking the time to understand what I was asking.
Like the rest of the material, this too is an excellent lesson!
Thanks, Homer.
Great!
You're correct Homer. This is shorthand notation.