Richard Sleigh Interview

Richard Sleigh has 35 years experience playing the harmonica, including studio work for films, TV shows, radio, as well as performing with a wide variety of acts from Bo Diddley to the Bridgeton Symphony Orchestra. Richard is respected as one of the world’s top harmonica customizers, working in the Filisko guild of customization. Richard has developed tools for working on harmonicas (covered in our Harp Tech lessons) as well as written one of the best books on the subject. This interview was conducted in Norfolk, Virginia in August of 2011. To learn more about Richard and his work visit: http://rsleigh.com/. Videos: Introduction; Richard Plays Different Style Examples; Importance of Chording; Major Pentatonic Scales; Essential Listening; 1st Position Playing; 3rd Position Playing; 4th Position Playing; 5th Position Playing; 12th Position Playing & General Position Discussion; Bending; Tongue Blocking, Part 1 and Overbending; Tongue Blocking, Part 1 and Variable Splits; Blow Bending; High End Playing; Harmonicas - Comb Material; Harmonicas - Coverplates; Harmonicas - What makes a Harmonica Play Great?; Closing