Posted by Rich (63.24.170.220) on April 14, 2000 at 07:40:34:
In Reply to: 3rd position and up posted by david on March 16, 2000 at 15:30:12:
: I'd like to find out some info about 3rd position and up
: I'm familiar w/2nd but want to know the rules on other positions
I'm certainly not an expert but a good place to start on 3rd position (from the technical side) would be the book Building Harmonica Technique by Dave Barrett, published by Mel Bay. Dave covers blues scales in 1st, 2nd and 3rd position as well as transposition of licks between various positions. If strongly recommend the book with the CD for audio examples. This is not a beginning harp book, but covers a multitude of useful techniques that will help you in all aspects of playing blues.
The general rule for harp key selection in 3rd position is you use a harp 1 full step below the natural key of the song. As in another reply, if the song is in D, you'll use a C harp to play 3rd position. C tuned chromatics work well too. As you listen to examples of 3rd position you'll find using a C harp with songs in D is quite common.
In regard to equipment selection, first off I'll tell you I've been schooled in tone more times than I care to tell you about. I'd venture to say Little Walter, Big Walter and George Smith weren't using effects. You're basic bullet mic (I like Astatic JT-30) and an old tube amp with a small speaker, never anything bigger than a 12". 10's and 8's are even better. I also prefer low wattage amps that you can just turn up until you get the desired breakup/distortion, or simply turn down if you want clean. Presently I use a new Fender Blues Jr., though I played through a 56 Fender Harvard and fell in love. If you need volume, a Bassman with 4 10s will get you there. Though the alternative is to mic the small amp to the PA. There is also a company in Florida who makes an amp called a Hurricane. It's 5 watts with a 8" speaker and a pre-amp output. It smokes! Both Rock Bottom and Gary Primich use them.
The bottom line on your tone and sound, it's more you than your equipment. Proper breathing (diaphram) and tongue blocking/slapping have the greatest impact on getting that good fat blues tone.
Good luck!