Harp Tips 

3rd Position Blues Harp – An Introduction

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Harp Pic 2Anon they move, In perfect phalanx to the Dorian mode, Of flutes and recorders. Paradise Lost (Milton)

When we first pick up a diatonic harp, we’re on a mission from God. Nothing, but nothing’s going to get in our way. In short order we buy some cheap shades and a big old hat, then we embark on a crusade to capture that sound. You know the one. It fits in your pocket and goes da DAH da da.

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We raid the wardrobe, car glove compartment and every drawer for loose change, and then plunder the sofa. Then we invest our accumulated swag in a used copy of Play Like Walter in Ten Minutes, while bidding on ebay for a second hand entry level harp with a fancy name like Sonny Boy’s Special or Blues Howler. (more…)

Harp Tab How Do They Do That? 

Whammer Jammer […with tab]

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J. Geils Band - Full HouseYou gonna get it all down, get it all night, get it all right, get it out of sight and get it down baby?

Here’s the top entry in our ‘I wanna play like that’ hit list. Originally recorded on the J.Geils Band studio album The Morning After in 1971, Whammer Jammer reappeared a year later on the classic live album Full House. It is a power harping beast of the highest order.

Like the lunar landing, or the fall of the Berlin Wall, every power harp fan can remember when and where they were first Whammered! So, it’s time to reminisce a little, do some research and then, with the help of modern technology, deconstruct the song for you. Key of A major ten hole diatonics harps at the ready..
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Announcements 

Harmonica Lessons Available Online

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The Good Doctor’s making house calls

We hope you’re staying safe and keeping well. While we’re isolating and enjoying some extra down time , what better opportunity could there be to grow your harp skills and elevate your playing. Don’t put it off any longer!

While regular live lessons may be on hold, this isn’t stopping us from enjoying harmonica learning at the Harp Surgery. Indeed, the Good Doctor is ready and waiting to coach you over internet right now! To book your online session, go to our Contact page and get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you very soon. 

Announcements 

Free Online Harmonica Festival 5-7.Feb 2021

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Harpin’ By The Sea is back and online for 2021 and it’s free! From the 5-7.Feb 2021 join us for a weekend of harmonica happiness.

•  Live on Zoom and simultaneous YouTube stream
•  Fifteen international guest artists
•  Performances, tuition and harp chat
•  Interviews and breakouts with our event sponsors
•  Hohner Harmonica’s virtual factory tour
•  Limited edition gold plated Hohner Marine Band to win
•  Harmonica product giveaways
•  Archive video footage
•  John Cook’s harp tech drop-in studio

And all from the comfort of your sofa. We’re locked down, loaded and ready to rumble. Check out our website for the latest news of our line up, sponsors and festival schedule. Please support our artists by donating to paypal.me/harpinbythe sea

Tune in. Dig it. Tell all your friends.

Harp Tab 

The Addams Family Theme – Bass & Blues Harp

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They’re creepy and they’re kooky
Get with it gang – it’s Halloween! As we can see, the Doc has been busy working on his ghoulish face painting skills. Meanwhile Elwood has been imitating a two-stroke chainsaw engine on a low F harp, while sporting a hockey mask and leather apron. Otis the postman has been demonstrating his Thriller routine to the Harp Surgery’s new cleaning lady, our Monica from up north, and showing us how he can swap his eyeballs over.

Listen to

For her part, Monica is dressed as Lily Munster. The Riverboat Captain rang to say he is counting his Cape Fear chest tattoos and watching Dead Of Night. Meanwhile…It’s close to midnight and something evil’s lurking in the dark.. (more…)

Harp Tab How Do They Do That? 

Misty – Jerry Portnoy [..with tab]

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On my own, would I wander through this wonderland alone.. Misty (Johnny Burke)

In 1995, Jerry Portnoy recorded his landmark harmonica album Home Run Hitter with The Streamliners. The record’s producer was Kim Wilson of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, while Duke Robillard contributed guitar and vocals to the project. The result is a collection of songs that bounce, groove and swing like a beast.

Listen to

For harmonica players, the album provides many rewarding avenues for exploration. This is partly owing to the diverse rhythms and styles Jerry uses, but more importantly because of his unerring attention to detail. The title track Home Run Hitter for example, is one of the finest examples of first position blues harping you’ll ever hear. If this position is new to you, or you just need to brush it up a bit, grab an E harp and play along.

In Misty (the 1954 jazz standard written by pianist Erroll Garner, adopted by Johnny Mathis with lyrics by Johnny Burke), Jerry demonstrates his ability to hit and hold those awkward cross-harp bends that would leave most of us audibly exposed. Add in the exciting transition from ballad to swing time at the midway point, and we have two and half minutes’ worth of sublime jazz. (more…)