Pondering the Low
Hi,
I'm keen to try a low tuned harmonica but have a few questions before purchasing one. Do the same techniques used for standard tuned harmonicas apply to the low tunings? E.g, slaps, pulls, etc. Is bending harder or the same and can the same notes still be bent, draw and blow? I was wondering if I'd be able to apply a low tuned harp to the lessons on this site? Maybe for playing solo, sans jam track, unless there's a way to drop the jam tracks by an octave?
My preferred harp at the moment is a Special 20 so I guess the natural progression would be towards a Rocket Low. I've listened to a some comparisons on the 'net between the Thunderbird and Rocket Low and prefer the smoother quality of the Rocket.
Finally, keeping in mind that I'm more adventurous beginner than seasoned player, are there any caveats I should be aware of in regards to low tuned harmonicas?
Thank you
Thank you, Winslow,
That sounds like a good place to start.
Of course slaps, pulls, and all other techniques and effects can be used on low tuned harmonica. They'll just sound...lower.
All the same notes bend BUT -- the lower the notes, the harder it is to tune your mouth to the bends in the lower holes, and they require a bigger tuned chamber in your oral cavity. With practice, though, you can extend you bending capability to lower and lower notes.
The good part is that the high blow bends get a bit easier, though.
Why not brush up your bending on a G harp, then move to a Low F, then work your way down through even lower keys?