HMW 2024 – Eddie Martin – Rack Harmonica

Rack Harmonica with Eddie Martin

Introduction

Apart from hand cupping techniques you can do anything on a rack harp that hand-held harmonica players can do. So the sky is the limit as to what music you can make with your rack harmonica, from simple chord accompaniments to complex soloing and even duet soloing with your other instrument. From Folk to Blues to Jazz to Singer songwriting, any genre can have a place for rack harmonica playing.

The course will introduce rack players to these styles of playing, looking at songs by key stylists. In the later part of the course more intermediate/advanced harmonica techniques (for example direct bending and tongue blocking ) will be taught on the rack using simple guitar accompaniments where appropriate. More advanced guitar and harmonica accompaniments will also be illustrated and taught and the possibilities offered for duet soloing also.

Normally rack harmonica is played with guitar and the course will teach accompanying guitar parts. Students should bring their own guitar for this. Rack players who just want to learn the harmonica parts without another instrument being played simultaneously with the hands can also attend.

1. Getting Started

Rack Essentials

Checklist for comfortable and secure rack construction

A secure comfortable rack is a prerequisite for getting anywhere with rack-harmonica playing. Although many models will work, the single best model I recommend is the Hohner Flexrack. I will check your rack to make sure it is suitable for you, suggesting modifications where necessary.

The particular requirements of the rack for amplified playing will also be covered.

Simple Folk Accompaniment in 1^st Position

“Blowing in The Wind” Bob Dylan

Guitar Part (key A, capo 7^th Fret)

Harp Part (A 1^st Position)

“Heart of Gold” Neil Young

Guitar Part (key A, capo 7^th Fret)

Harp Part (A 1^st Position)

Simple Blues “Vamping” in E

“Kansas City”

Guitar Part (key E, standard Tuning)

Harp Part (A, 2^nd Position)

Simple Blues Soloing in 1^st and 2^nd Position

“Bright Lights Big City” Jimmy Reed

Guitar Part (key A, standard Tuning)

Harp Part (A 1^st Position)

“Big Boss Man” Jimmy Reed

Guitar Part (key E, standard Tuning)

Harp Part (A 2^nd Position)

Riffing in 2^nd and 3^rd position

“Help Me” Sony Boy Williamson II

Guitar Part (key A, standard Tuning)

Harp Part (D 2^nd Position or G 3^rd Position)

2. More Advanced Techniques

Direct Bending

“Stone Fox Chase”

Guitar Part (key E, standard Tuning)

Harp Part (A 2^nd Position)

Tongue Block Licks and Effects in Slow Blues Soloing

Blow Bending in 1^st Position

3^rd Position

Duet Soloing in Blues Scale / Myxolydian Mode

Language: English

Workshop entitles you to the following:

• Minimum 11 teaching units of 75 min. or 90 min.
• Admission to the sessions in the Kesselhaus on all days
• Admission to the Harmonica Masters Concerts on Thursday, Friday and Saturday
• Admission to supporting program events on all days