This week’s lesson is how to play Long Train Running by The Doobie Brothers. You will need a C harmonica and you will be playing in the key of G in 2nd position.
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Breath control
Breathing in this is really difficult as there are lots of really long sustained notes. The key to playing it is being able to play it fast enough to get through without running out of breath. This is impossible to do straight away so you need to break it down into manageable chunks and bring each one of those chunks up to speed before trying to put them all together.
Also, you want to ration your breath as much as possible. This means not attacking the notes very aggressively as this wastes air unnecessarily. You also want to try and spot the breathing opportunities. These occur during the 2 draw stabs. Practice these notes and catching really quick out breaths in-between.
Great lesson Tom. Although I do play harp in 2nd pos with guitar, I’m hoping to try this song whilst playing drum kit in my band. I’ll prob need some kind of clip on mic. Any ideas?
Good that you put a date on your website. So many don’t.
Hi Tomlin. I,ve always heard that you choose an harp that is a fourth from the key of the song. So ,long train is in Gmin7 so aC harp makes sense. My problem is our band plays it in Emi7 so my harp should be in A. But it doesn,t work at all.What,s the problem. Thanks.
Hi Rod, glad you enjoyed the lesson. I would try something like this – http://www.harplock.com
Let me know how you get on (post videos!)
Hi Pierre, A is the correct harmonica for E minor. I’m not sure why that wouldn’t work for you.
hi tomlin great lesson luv it , keep up the good work your an excellent tutor, oh and congratulations on your engagement kind regards paul
fantastic lesson Tomlin thank you oh and congratulants on your engagement kind regards paul