[Harp-L] Hello and introduction

["Vern Smith" <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "rdg" <rdg@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2005 10:51 AM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Re: (Harp-L) Hello and introduction


> I think it's probable that _lots_ of people have been frustrated by
> the diatonic, espcially if they don't start off thinking "blues" and
> especially if they are trying to approach the harmonica in a sort of
> visual sense, or at least relating to a straightforward scale logic.

I think that you have nailed it.  After considering all of the recent posts 
including yours, Tom's and mine, I would like to try to summarize the 
disagreement:

The beginner will get positive feedback to the extent that he can quickly 
fulfill his wishes and desires on the harmonica.

IF..he knows a bunch of songs that he can sing and whose melodies already 
run in his head; and he wants to play them on a harmonica...THEN he should 
start on a chromatic.  For him, (and for me when I was a kid) the melody is 
the most important thing.

IF he wants to "play harmonica" and make those pleasant, bluesy, wailing, 
harmonious sounds that he associates with TV commercials or blues 
performances...THEN he should start out on a diatonic. For him the 
characteristic harmonica sound is the most important thing.

What do you think?

Vern
Visit my harmonica website: http://www.Hands-Free-Chromatic.7p.com