A Stage Where Every Man Must Play A Part

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by: alexwess
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Word Count: 572
Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 Time: 6:20 PM

The important aspect of playing with others is that it allows to become a part of a larger whole, which is one of life's most rewarding experiences. On harmonica, this is where learning to play rhythmic chords comes in, as well as fills and horn lines. Traditionally a fill, or break, is when the drums play a short solo to signal the beginning of a chorus, verse, or section change, or to highlight something in the music, such as important lyrics. But all instruments can play this role, including the harmonica. A horn line is a catchy, tight, driving, often repeated series of notes played by the horn section of a band. When you are playing horn lines or fill, it is important to understand that often the most musical choice is to play very sparsely, and at times to lay out altogether. It's good to have an arranger, but it is also good for every musician to think like an arranger in other words, to have big ears.

Rhythmic style playing can really add a lot to music if done tastefully. Often the members of a band are called upon to vamp for singers or other instruments that is, to bite their necks or. failing that, to play simple accompaniment or variations of a tune while someone solos, sings, or talks over them. You can do this on your harmonica. The action of your tongue combined with the in and out of your breath can provide some terrific rhythmic accompaniment to support the other musicians you're playing with, or they can stand alone. Listen to recordings of Sonny Terry playing with his partner. Brownie McGhee, to get some ideas and inspiration. When playing a supportive role, remember less is more or more is less this sort of playing is not necessarily desirable through the entire verse of a tune. Once the rhythm is established it can be more effective for the harmonica to play the melody for a few notes, then drop back down to a vamp again before the momentum of the rhythm begins to fade. The main point is to be a good member of the team so that the whole is larger than the sum of the parts.

Some of these are fairly advanced techniques, so don't expect yourself to be able to do everything all at once no one ever does, and anyhow, you'll need some time to put the pieces together and make it into your music. You need to absorb ideas, listen, and try playing over time to get the whole picture. And, while you're learning and experimenting in this way, it may be that you'll invent something entirely original. Such things often happen by accident though really it's no accident, because it wouldn't happen if you weren't exploring. You can learn a lot about playing with other people by listening to and playing along with recorded music, and I encourage you to do that. But there is nothing quite like playing live with real people. Seek out other musicians. Start your own jam sessions. Find folk and traditional music clubs in your area. If you have family and friends who play, work up some songs with them. Don't let shyness keep you from having the fun of playing with others. If on occasion you find yourself stepping in horse poop, don't despair it just means there's a parade around, somewhere.

About the Author

By Alex Wess who plays harmonica for over 30 years.

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