Harmonica Fundamentals with Joe Filisko - Lee's Suggestions
Aug 16, 2020
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Harmonica expert Joe Filisko and Lee Sankey discuss Lee's suggestions for harmonica fundamentals, including the importance of listening skills, advancements in music learning technology, developing a clear mental picture, teaching harmonica skills and blues techniques, and understanding the dynamic capabilities of harmonicas.
Active listening improves harmonica players' technique, musicality, and expression.
Developing a strong mental model of the harmonica enhances players' technique, improvisation skills, and overall musical understanding.
Learning music theory empowers harmonica players to make informed musical choices, communicate effectively with other musicians, and enhance their versatility and expression.
Deep dives
Listening skills in a digital age
One fundamental skill harmonica players should have is the ability to listen deeply and analytically to music. In the digital age where information is readily available, it is important to emphasize the value of active listening. By dedicating time to listening, without relying solely on tabs or tutorials, players can develop their musical ear and improve their ability to deconstruct and understand what is happening in a piece of music. This skill not only enhances their playing technique but also contributes to their overall musicality and individual expression.
Building a mental model of the harmonica
Developing a strong mental model or 'brainstroment' of the harmonica is crucial, especially for an instrument that lacks a standardized layout. By visualizing and understanding the spatial arrangement of notes on the harmonica, players can navigate the instrument more effectively. This mental model helps them to grasp the similarities and differences between different octaves, positions, and keys. By building a clear mental picture of the harmonica in their mind's eye, players can enhance their playing technique, improvisation skills, and overall musical understanding.
Importance of music theory
While playing the harmonica is often considered accessible and intuitive, learning music theory can greatly benefit harmonica players. Understanding chord tones, scales, and the basics of music theory empowers players to make informed musical choices. It allows them to grasp the underlying structure and logic behind music, enabling them to communicate and collaborate effectively with other musicians. Although the depth of music theory required for harmonica may not be as extensive as with other instruments, gaining a basic understanding of fundamental concepts greatly enhances a player's versatility and musical expression.
Exploring different positions
Learning to play in different positions (such as first, second, third) is essential for expanding a harmonica player's capabilities. Each position offers unique musical possibilities and techniques. Mastering different positions strengthens a player's adaptability and broadens their musical palette. Understanding the mechanics, scale layouts, and note relationships of each position, players can navigate the harmonica more confidently across its entire range, unlocking new tonalities and creative options.
Playing different keys of harps
Playing the harmonica in different keys (low F, high G, etc.) is a fundamental skill that enhances a player's musicality. Each harmonica key has its own character and dynamics due to variations in reed length and design. Becoming proficient on a range of harmonicas enables players to adapt to various musical contexts and effectively express themselves. It helps them develop a deeper understanding of the instrument's capabilities, expand their tonal range, and create musical tension and variation.
Lee Sankey and Joe Filisko talk about Lee's own five suggestions for harmonica fundamentals that build on Joe's list. They are:-
Listening Skills in a Digital Age Build Your Brainstrument Music Theory Playing in Different Positions Playing Different Key Harmonicas
SPECIAL LIVE EVENT - On September 26th 2020 Joe and Lee will be hosting The Reedplate live where you can ask your questions about this series on harmonica fundamentals. To hear about how to get tickets to take part subscribe to my newsletter at leeesankey.com or follow my Facebook page.
Get in touch with your suggestion, ideas and comments - info@leesankey.com
