[wishiwuzhendrix]

ok, this isnt exactly bass related, but no one ever really goes in the other instrument forums, so im posting thishere. Does anyone know what key the harmonica is in for the song Heart of Gold? I apologize in advance for this not being bass related, but it is still music related so any help appreciated.

[junior01]

Sorry Hendrix but i really got to move that...

But if i were you i think i'll try that with a C...

[dadfad]

If you play the tune in the key of E minor, use a G harp (see my answer to your post in Guitar Q&A for a more in depth explanation.)

[TheJosh]

If you play the tune in the key of E minor, use a G harp (see my answer to your post in Guitar Q&A for a more in depth explanation.)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

as always, senor dadfad is correct. now i believe if you wanted to be super funky, but possibly miss a few notes you could play it in 2nd posit C?\

dadfad- is that right? could that work? it be super bluesy i assume

[EMatthew]

If you play the tune in the key of E minor, use a G harp (see my answer to your post in Guitar Q&A for a more in depth explanation.)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

as always, senor dadfad is correct. now i believe if you wanted to be super funky, but possibly miss a few notes you could play it in 2nd posit C?\

dadfad- is that right? could that work? it be super bluesy i assume

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

An interesting question!

"All of the above" is right - if you want to reproduce the solo as close to the original as possible, use G, if you want the flexibility of bending more notes in the solo, then use the C. The G is actually easier to play for it, you don't have to stick to single notes so much.

Here's an audio comparison of the two:

http://www.harmonica...comparisons.htm

- the first clip's solo is pretty much straight out (hadn't heard it in a while - best as I could from memory) just for comparision purposes; both positions

the 2nd is more bluesy

- hope this helps you!

[-=FreeBird=-]

If you play the tune in the key of E minor, use a G harp (see my answer to your post in Guitar Q&A for a more in depth explanation.)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

as always, senor dadfad is correct. now i believe if you wanted to be super funky, but possibly miss a few notes you could play it in 2nd posit C?\

dadfad- is that right? could that work? it be super bluesy i assume

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

An interesting question!

"All of the above" is right - if you want to reproduce the solo as close to the original as possible, use G, if you want the flexibility of bending more notes in the solo, then use the C. The G is actually easier to play for it, you don't have to stick to single notes so much.

Here's an audio comparison of the two:

http://www.harmonica...comparisons.htm

- the first clip's solo is pretty much straight out (hadn't heard it in a while - best as I could from memory) just for comparision purposes; both positions

the 2nd is more bluesy

- hope this helps you!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wow is that you playing that? You really cut it up! I actually play it with a C harmonica when I play it with my band. anyway that was a fantastic recording...
Later...

[EMatthew]

[/quote]

Wow is that you playing that? You really cut it up! I actually play it with a C harmonica when I play it with my band. anyway that was a fantastic recording...
Later...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[/quote]

Thanks FreeBird! Yep, that was me, kinda coming out of the closet a little bit here...

- what's some of your favorite stuff harmonica-wise that you play with your band?

[-=FreeBird=-]

[quote=EMatthew,Oct 22 2005, 02:57 PM]
[/quote]

Wow is that you playing that? You really cut it up! I actually play it with a C harmonica when I play it with my band. anyway that was a fantastic recording...
Later...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[/quote]

Thanks FreeBird! Yep, that was me, kinda coming out of the closet a little bit here...

- what's some of your favorite stuff harmonica-wise that you play with your band?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[/quote]

To be totally honest I'm a real beginner on harmonica. I can't play blues for my life. But I'm working on it... I saw your website, it looks very interesting. I might have to buy the book sometime soon. I have about 3 different harmonica books and none of them I was particularly pleased with. They are either too wordy or based on the musical staff ( which I don't know my way around very well) or they don't really explain technique very well...

Anyway my band, currently doesen't exist anymore, because we lost the bass player. Hopefully we can find someone to fill his shoes. Also have to get a PA system or something, because we were using his old bass amp for vocals...
The songs I liked to play on harmonica were Like a rolling stone by bob dylan, Heart of Gold by neil young, Piano man by billy joel, and he ain't heavy by the Hollies... Those were pretty much the only tunes that I played the harmonica for. Maybe you can suggest some others to try, I am pretty good at figuring out those kind of songs by ear.

[wishiwuzhendrix]

ok, so im still kind of mixed up.. What key should I use to play it exactly like it was played. Also, is it going to be easy or semi easy to learn? I have never played a harmonica before, but my friend will be able to help me some. Also which one do you recommend I get. Preferaably not very expensive. LIke no more than 20. I could maybe fudge up to thirty, but only if it is going to be a great difference.

[wishiwuzhendrix]

ok, so im still kind of mixed up.. What key should I use to play it exactly like it was played. Also, is it going to be easy or semi easy to learn? I have never played a harmonica before, but my friend will be able to help me some. Also which one do you recommend I get. Preferaably not very expensive. LIke no more than 20. I could maybe fudge up to thirty, but only if it is going to be a great difference.

[-=FreeBird=-]

uhhhhh............... G is what it was originally done in so use that if you want to be exactly like the record.

[dadfad]

If you play the tune in the key of E minor, use a G harp (see my answer to your post in Guitar Q&A for a more in depth explanation.)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

as always, senor dadfad is correct. now i believe if you wanted to be super funky, but possibly miss a few notes you could play it in 2nd posit C?\

dadfad- is that right? could that work? it be super bluesy i assume

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

An interesting question!

"All of the above" is right - if you want to reproduce the solo as close to the original as possible, use G, if you want the flexibility of bending more notes in the solo, then use the C. The G is actually easier to play for it, you don't have to stick to single notes so much.

Here's an audio comparison of the two:

http://www.harmonica...comparisons.htm

- the first clip's solo is pretty much straight out (hadn't heard it in a while - best as I could from memory) just for comparision purposes; both positions

the 2nd is more bluesy

- hope this helps you!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nice work, EMatthew, and welcome to GTU. It's good to have a good harp-player on the site. I've been playing about twenty-five years myself, but only as a "second-instrument." My first teachers were Snooky Pryor, Phil Wiggins and, more in the last few years as I've tried to add a little more complexity to my acoustic rack-work, Paul Geremia. Nice site you have too.

[EMatthew]

[/quote]

Wow is that you playing that? You really cut it up! I actually play it with a C harmonica when I play it with my band. anyway that was a fantastic recording...
Later...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[/quote]

Thanks FreeBird!

Yeh, that was me - my favorite way to play harmonica actually is like that, guitar and harmonica together - there's just so much you can do!

What's some of your favorite harmonica parts you play with your band?

Cheers,

EMatthew

[EMatthew]

Dang! I didn't refresh my page or something!
Somehow I missed all your posts above and also thought my last post hadn't come through....oh well, I'll try to answer all the questions!

Thanks for your welcome - I really appreciate it!

OK, yes, get a KEY of G. Since money is an issue, actually you are in luck here, because you can get a Hohner American Ace in the key of G for about $8.00 (the American Ace only comes in key of C and G)

and it is a good harmonica. Shouldn't be too hard to find - let me know.

The key of G harmonica if it is blues or rock is usually used in 2nd position, which would make the song in the key of D.

It was an exception with the Neil Young thing because it's a minor tune.

The way you can kind of "prove" it to yourself that the key of harmonica is right is to draw (inhale) holes 1,2,3,4 all at once (make your mouth big enough to do this)

and then hit a D chord on the guitar and you'll hear that it matches.

The problem with key of G harmonicas is they are pretty low-pitched, so they don't cut through the other band instruments very well. A way around this is to get a high-G special tuned harmonica.

You don't need one of these for the Neil Young tune, but if you are in a band that's doing something in key of D and your G isn't being heard, a high G will definitely do the trick. You do have to watch it though, it is really high pitched and gets up into dog-whistle pretty quickly.

Do any of you guys play harmonica and guitar together (harmonica in a rack?)
- or do you want to start playing some that way?

[EMatthew]

OH, and wishiwuzhendrix,

Once you get your key of G and try it out, just let me know. If it's any problem, I'll put the tab together for you.

Thanks again, EMatthew

[dadfad]

Dang!  I didn't refresh my page or something!
Somehow I missed all your posts above and also thought my last post hadn't come through....oh well, I'll try to answer all the questions!

Thanks for your welcome - I really appreciate it!

OK, yes, get a KEY of G.  Since money is an issue, actually you are in luck here, because you can get a Hohner American Ace in the key of G for about $8.00 (the American Ace only comes in key of C and G)

and it is a good harmonica.  Shouldn't be too hard to find - let me know.

The key of G harmonica if it is blues or rock is usually used in 2nd position, which would make the song in the key of D. 

It was an exception with the Neil Young thing because it's a minor tune.

The way you can kind of "prove" it to yourself that the key of harmonica is right is to draw (inhale) holes 1,2,3,4 all at once (make your mouth big enough to do this)

and then hit a D chord on the guitar and you'll hear that it matches.

The problem with key of G harmonicas is they are pretty low-pitched, so they don't cut through the other band instruments very well. A way around this is to get a high-G special tuned harmonica. 

You don't need one of these for the Neil Young tune, but if you are in a band that's doing something in key of D and your G isn't being heard, a high G will definitely do the trick.  You do have to watch it though, it is really high pitched and gets up into dog-whistle pretty quickly.

Do any of you guys play harmonica and guitar together (harmonica in a rack?)
- or do you want to start playing some that way?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you play the tune in the key of E minor, use a G harp (see my answer to your post in Guitar Q&A for a more in depth explanation.)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

as always, senor dadfad is correct. now i believe if you wanted to be super funky, but possibly miss a few notes you could play it in 2nd posit C?\

dadfad- is that right? could that work? it be super bluesy i assume

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

An interesting question!

"All of the above" is right - if you want to reproduce the solo as close to the original as possible, use G, if you want the flexibility of bending more notes in the solo, then use the C. The G is actually easier to play for it, you don't have to stick to single notes so much.

Here's an audio comparison of the two:

http://www.harmonica...comparisons.htm

- the first clip's solo is pretty much straight out (hadn't heard it in a while - best as I could from memory) just for comparision purposes; both positions

the 2nd is more bluesy

- hope this helps you!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nice work, EMatthew, and welcome to GTU. It's good to have a good harp-player on the site. I've been playing about twenty-five years myself, but only as a "second-instrument." My first teachers were Snooky Pryor, Phil Wiggins and, more in the last few years as I've tried to add a little more complexity to my acoustic rack-work, Paul Geremia. Nice site you have too.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, I've been playing rack quite awhile. Even as primarily a guitarist in electric bluesbands I always used a rack for mostly rhythmic things and fills, and then for tunes that did have an actual more complicated electric harp-solo needing some compression, etc I'd take the harp in my hands for that. I've almost always used a rack for acoustic solo guitar playing. Even the simplest of harp-work when added to a solo performance fills it in nicely, so I've always encouraged others who plan to do solo work to do the same. The last several years I've been trying to work on my rack-work a bit to build it's complexity a little. I've had a little help from a friend, Paul Geremia, who's one of the greatest rack and guitar (or piano) players around (i/m/o) in the old pre-war country blues genre. I first began to learn rack from old Detroit electric bluesmen Buddy Folks (an old one-man band guy, largely Jimmy Reed style) and Uncle Jessie White (blues-piano and rack). I do mostly blues and so of course the majority of my playing is in second-position.

[-=FreeBird=-]

Do any of you guys play harmonica and guitar together (harmonica in a rack?)
- or do you want to start playing some that way?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am going to order a rack online, I really would like to be able to play guitar and harmonica at the same time...

Your learning method sounds interesting, but I don't quite get how it works. Do you think you could elaborate a little bit more?

This post has been edited by -=FreeBird=-: 24 October 2005 - 10:38 AM

[wishiwuzhendrix]

ok, I have no idea how harmonica works. when you play it, do you play just some holes on the harmonica, or do you play over the entire thing. I have never played one before, but they sound really cool and seeing as I play mostly bass, I wouldnt really get the melody in songs if I ever join a band so it would be cool to do that. I am probably gonna go get one of those that you recommended EMatt. I am on a very tight budget and 8 is a heck of a deal for one. How often do you replace harmonicas do they last for a long time, or just a few months?

[dadfad]

Most of the time a harmonica will last quite a while. If you really crank on them they can blow out quickly but usually they'll last a pretty long time. The Hohner American Ace EMatt mentioned is a pretty good harp, but remember they only come in G and C (G-Harp= for D-blues and G-folk/Dylanesque/country/etc; and C-Harp= for G-blues and C-folk/etc). The two different styles you use generally are "straight-harp" (Dylan) and "cross-harp" (Blues), also often called first and second position.

Depending on what you're playing, usually all the holes are somewhat useful. Minor harp is slightly different in that there might be a little more limitation in the holes you use. I have a friend who's really great (previous winner of the Hohner competion in Germany, played session-harp for Dave Brubeck, does international tours, etc) (he even did a MacDonalds TV commercial once! )... Anyway, he can use ANY harp to play in ANY key and still get enough "good notes" to sound pretty darn good!

Here are the links to some of the harp-posts from the past in this forum that might help a bit. If you read them all, there's a lot of information in them.

http://www.guitartab...showtopic=18394

http://www.guitartab...showtopic=12264

http://www.guitartab...showtopic=10858

http://www.guitartab...?showtopic=8527

http://www.guitartab...showtopic=52274

http://www.guitartab...?showtopic=7456

http://www.guitartab...?showtopic=4642

http://www.guitartab...?showtopic=1470

http://www.guitartab...opic=64104&st=0

http://www.guitartab...showtopic=60914

http://www.guitartab...showtopic=57340

http://www.guitartab...showtopic=51189

http://www.guitartab...showtopic=51701

http://www.guitartab...showtopic=51555

http://www.guitartab...showtopic=37377

http://www.guitartab...showtopic=40504

http://www.guitartab...showtopic=27684

http://www.guitartab...showtopic=79125

[wishiwuzhendrix]

Im sorry for my lack of harmonica knowledge, but what do the positions mean? l LIke 2nd and 4th and so on. Also, what is straight and cross? I am very new to this and have no knowledge at all.