Brendan Power

 
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PLAY IRISH MUSIC ON THE C CHROMATIC HARMONICA

This is a detailed but fun Foundation Course for people who want to play Irish music in an authentic manner on stock standard C chromatics. No retuning or slide-flipping required; this book proves that Irish Music can sound great on a normal C chrom! All tunes are in C or related modes like Am, Dm, G, F.

(For those who want to play Irish Music in the traditional Irish keys, see my Book/CD for G and D chromatics)

This book is for chromatics in C, so you can play in the correct traditional keys.

Exercises and tunes are played slow and fast, and written out with music notation and Harmonica Tablature. No need to read music - just follow the Tab.

If you want a C slider harmonica that has all the authentic slider notes for Irish music, check out my Slide Diatonic in the key of C.

PACKAGE CONTENTS

  • 68 TRACK CD:Lots of tunes and exercises, played slowly and at normal speed
  • 66 PAGE BOOK with detailed playing information, photos, sheet music and harmonica tab
  • MP3 versions of the CD tracks - a link will be sent to you automatically after purchase (please note that we do not send a digital copy of the book)
  • OPTIONAL C CHROMATIC harmonica , totally stock or specially adjusted (see below).

Among the topics covered are:

  • Basic Playing Advice for Total Beginners
  • Exercises Starting from Scratch to Advanced
  • Historical Irish Harmonica Information
  • Musical Notation & Harmonica Tablature
  • What Chromatic to Buy?
  • How to Play Across the Octaves
  • Playing the Same Tune in Different Keys
  • Playing Tunes in a Set with Key Changes
  • Modes & Pentatonic Scales in Irish Music
  • Slider Ornamentation Studied in Depth
  • Mouth Ornamentation Studied in Depth

    OPTIONAL CHROMATICS

    We offer two popular chromatics to go with the book (when available): HOHNER CX12 or SUZUKI SCX-48.

    Chromatic Harmonicas are notorious for problems with sticking Windsaver Valves. I describe how to fix this in the book, as well as my preference for Half-Valving (removing some outside valves to allow diatonic-type note bending on draw notes).

    For those not confident to do their own valve trimming and/or valve removal, I offer this as an optional FREE extra on the Hohner CX12 model only, plus do slider adjustment for better airtightness and reduced noise.

    Examples of the text/notation

    PLAY IRISH MUSIC NOTATION PLAY IRISH MUSIC NOTATION
    Hear a tune from the book played fast


    and slowed down...
  • ORDERING OPTIONS

    Please note that order tracking is not provided by default, but can be purchased in the cart. For available shipping options please see our
    ★ Terms & Conditions ★




    BOOK/CD ONLY

    £29

    You use your own chromatics. All the music is notated for standard chromatic in C

     


    BOOK/CD WITH ONE CHROMATIC IN C

    £170+
    Model:


    Half-Valving:



    BUYERS' COMMENTS

    " I have just yesterday, received your package in good condition. The CD and book are excellent. I find your teaching precise, clear and motivating. The modified CX12, also in as new condition, is an awesome instrument, and a delight to play. "

    Hew Dalrymple, Australia (April 2017)


    " Hi Brendan! You wanted some feedback on the harps, and I totaly love them! They are very very airtight, responsible and comfortably to play on. And the sound they produces is much warmer and bigger than the diatonic harps, and this is very suitable for the irish music! Really nice harps Brendan! The book is suitable for any person, beginner or professional, it covers almost everything you need to know about harmonicas and irish music. The half-valving of the harps, gives the player more opportunities of variations and more expression. Personally this fits me very well! Keep up the good work and play on. I will upload a couple of videos to youtube where Im playing on your harps in some time. "

    Joel Andersson, Sweden


    " Hi Brendan, I just wanted to let you know that I am absolutely loving the chromatics, your course book for the chromatic and the New Irish Harmonica CD. You are really gifted! The more I listen to your music the more I appreciate the magic you bring to the notes. Your speed, of course, is incredible, but what impresses me even more is the life you bring to individual notes and your phrasing.

    It's ironic - I waited over a year to order the chromatics and course book because of the economy and my concern over spending the money. But it has been worth every penny (or pound!) because of the joy it brings.

    I am really glad too that you recommended purchasing a Suzuki and a Hohner (instead of two of the same). I really appreciate the differences between the two. I really look forward to your advanced book. I don't believe it is in print yet. Please let me know when it is as I will quickly purchase it.

    Thank you so much. I hope this email finds you doing well. "

    Deb, Richmond VA, USA


    " Thanks Brendan, I went for the CX12's, so got it right. I've only had a brief look at them and had a quick blow, which was a revelation, a bit like stepping out of a Renault Scenic into Works World Rally Car. "

    Jim Dunn, UK

    PLAY IRISH MUSIC ON THE G/D CHROMATIC HARMONICA

    This is a very detailed foundation course for people who want to play irish music on stock standard chromatics. No retuning or slide-flipping required; this book proves that Irish music can sound great on a normal chrom!

    This book is for chromatics in G and D, so you can play in the correct traditional keys. For those who just want to play Irish Music on their existing chrom, a new book for C chromatics is now available.

    Exercises and tunes are played slow and fast, and written out with music notation and Harmonica Tablature. No need to read music - just follow the Tab.

    PACKAGE CONTENTS

    • 78 TRACK CD:Lots of tunes and exercises, played slowly and at normal speed
    • 70 PAGE BOOK with detailed playing information, photos, sheet music and harmonica tab
    • MP3 versions of the CD tracks - a link will be sent to you automatically after purchase (please note that we do not send a digital copy of the book)
    • Two OPTIONAL CHROMATIC harmonicas in D & G, totally stock or specially adjusted (see below). You can buy both or just one (G is used for all exercises & 50% of tunes)

    Among the topics covered are:

    • Basic Playing Advice for Total Beginners
    • Exercises Starting from Scratch to Advanced
    • Historical Irish Harmonica Information
    • Musical Notation & Harmonica Tablature
    • What Chromatic to Buy?
    • How to Play Across the Octaves
    • Playing the Same Tune in Different Keys
    • Playing Tunes in a Set with Key Changes
    • Modes & Pentatonic Scales in Irish Music
    • Slider Ornamentation Studied in Depth
    • Mouth Ornamentation Studied in Depth
    • Fixing Problems with Windsaver Valves

    OPTIONAL CHROMATICS

    We offer two popular chromatics to go with the book (when available): HOHNER CX12 or SUZUKI SCX-48.

    Chromatic Harmonicas are notorious for problems with sticking Windsaver Valves. I describe how to fix this in the book, as well as my preference for Half-Valving (removing some outside valves to allow diatonic-type note bending on draw notes).

    For those not confident to do their own valve trimming and/or valve removal, I offer this as an optional FREE extra on the Hohner CX12 model only, plus do slider adjustment for better airtightness and reduced noise.

    Examples of the text/notation

    PLAY IRISH MUSIC NOTATION PLAY IRISH MUSIC NOTATION
    Hear a tune from the book played fast


    and slowed down...

    ORDERING OPTIONS

    Please note that order tracking is not provided by default, but can be purchased in the cart. For available shipping options please see our
    ★ Terms & Conditions ★




    BOOK/CD ONLY

    £29

    You use your own chromatics. All the music is notated for standard chromatics in G and D

     


    BOOK/CD WITH ONE CHROMATIC IN G

    £170+
    Model:

    Half-Valving:



    BOOK/CD WITH TWO CHROMATICS IN G & D

    £330+
    Model:

    Half-Valving:



    BUYERS' COMMENTS

    " I have just yesterday, received your package in good condition. The CD and book are excellent. I find your teaching precise, clear and motivating. The modified CX12, also in as new condition, is an awesome instrument, and a delight to play. "

    Hew Dalrymple, Australia (April 2017)


    " Hi Brendan! You wanted some feedback on the harps, and I totaly love them! They are very very airtight, responsible and comfortably to play on. And the sound they produces is much warmer and bigger than the diatonic harps, and this is very suitable for the irish music! Really nice harps Brendan! The book is suitable for any person, beginner or professional, it covers almost everything you need to know about harmonicas and irish music. The half-valving of the harps, gives the player more opportunities of variations and more expression. Personally this fits me very well! Keep up the good work and play on. I will upload a couple of videos to youtube where Im playing on your harps in some time. "

    Joel Andersson, Sweden


    " Hi Brendan, I just wanted to let you know that I am absolutely loving the chromatics, your course book for the chromatic and the New Irish Harmonica CD. You are really gifted! The more I listen to your music the more I appreciate the magic you bring to the notes. Your speed, of course, is incredible, but what impresses me even more is the life you bring to individual notes and your phrasing.

    It's ironic - I waited over a year to order the chromatics and course book because of the economy and my concern over spending the money. But it has been worth every penny (or pound!) because of the joy it brings.

    I am really glad too that you recommended purchasing a Suzuki and a Hohner (instead of two of the same). I really appreciate the differences between the two. I really look forward to your advanced book. I don't believe it is in print yet. Please let me know when it is as I will quickly purchase it.

    Thank you so much. I hope this email finds you doing well. "

    Deb, Richmond VA, USA


    " Thanks Brendan, I went for the CX12's, so got it right. I've only had a brief look at them and had a quick blow, which was a revelation, a bit like stepping out of a Renault Scenic into Works World Rally Car. "

    Jim Dunn, UK

    PLAY IRISH MUSIC ON THE BLUES HARP

    Topics covered

    • Basic Playing Advice for Beginners
    • The Main Types of Tunes, with Examples
    • How to play Irish Ornaments and Decorations on Diatonic Harp
    • Modes and Pentatonic scales in Irish Music
    • Playing Tunes in Different Keys and Positions
    • Explanation of Paddy Richter Tuning
    • Playing Fluently in the Top Octave
    • Playing Continuously Without Stopping
    • Playing Tunes in a Set
    Exercises and tunes are played slow and fast, and written out with music notation and Harmonica Tablature. No need to read music - just follow the Tab.

    SAMPLE TEXT & MUSIC FROM THE IRISH HARP BOOK

    (Below is a sample of what can be found in the book, as well as three accompanying tracks ...)

    Since the release of my album New Irish Harmonica in 1994, I had numerous requests for an instructional package that would explain the techniques and tunings that I used on the album. Many also asked for help in learning the tunes recorded on it, as they wanted to be able to play along. This book/CD is the answer to those requests; it uses several of the tunes from New Irish Harmonica as a basis for learning.

    WHY THE BLUES HARP FOR IRISH MUSIC?

    Traditional Irish music can be played on all three types of solo harmonica: chromatic, double-reed diatonic, and single-reed diatonic. I play the chromatic and the common 10 hole diatonic harmonica, also known as the short harp or blues harp ('harp' is a term harmonica players use to refer to any kind of harmonica - don't ask why...)

    To make things simple I decided to aim this instructional package at just the blues harp. I've now also completed an instructional method for my approach to playing Irish music on the Chromatic Harmonica.

    The little ten hole diatonic is the biggest selling instrument in the world by units (about 20 million sold annually). It has become known as the blues harp because its earthy, wailing sound has become inextricably linked to blues from the earliest beginnings of the music, from the acoustic country blues of Sonny Terry to the amplified Chicago sound of giants like Little Walter.

    It was the innate soulfulness of the diatonic harp that attracted the blues players to the instrument - but it's less well known that the so-called blues harp is also wonderfully suited to playing Irish and other Celtic music. The emotive, fiery nature of the traditional dance tunes and slow airs suits such an expressive instrument, and the unique tuning and close hole spacing of the blues harp makes it a bit easier to play the fast runs and tricky interval leaps involved than on other types of harmonica. However, the diatonic harmonica is very much a new kid on the block in a style dominated by the fiddle, flute, whistle and pipes, and playing techniques are still in an interesting state of discovery and evolution. There are various approaches adopted by the small but growing band of players who are experimenting with the blues harp in Irish and other Celtic music, including different embouchures used (eg. tongue blocking vs. puckering), various tunings, and different kinds of decorations.

    Some of the diatonic maestros I've learned from are: the inspirational Pip and John Murphy from Wexford, real rootsy players and great stylists; Rick Epping, who often plays diatonic harp in a rack accompanied by his evocative concertina playing; and Mark Graham, whose very dexterous work can be heard to good effect with fiddler Kevin Burke. You can also learn a lot about how to use the instrument from diatonic harmonica players in other related styles of music, like Breton, Scottish, French Canadian, Nothumbrian, Appalachian etc.

    From these and other influences I've developed my own approach over the years, and the book concentrates on explaining and demonstrating it. It's really an instruction method for how I play Irish music on the blues harp, and not how toplay it - as there is always more than one way to skin a cat. If you love the instrument and the music, you should use every opportunity to listen to the playing of others in the same field, and try developing your own unique style from all the ideas you pick up. And don't restrict yourself to harmonica players - listen to pipes, fiddle, box, whistle etc.

    THE KEYS YOU NEED

    As far as Irish music goes, the way the blues harp tuning is set up makes it easiest to play in the key of the harmonica for major scale tunes. This is what harp players refer to as 'straight harp', but in general musical terms is better referred to as the Ionian mode.

    Minor tunes are almost invariably in either the Dorian mode (so called 3rd position), or the Aeolian mode (4th position). There is the odd tune in the Mixolydian mode (cross harp, or 2nd position), and some tunes are in pentatonic scales (scales that use just 5 of the 7 scale notes, and can sound either major or minor). You'll hear how these modes sound later on.

    The two main harps you'll need for traditional Irish music are in the keys of D and G. This is because most traditional Irish tunes have been composed and played on fiddle, and those are the easiest and most comfortable major keys for that instrument.

    On just these two harps you'll be able to play easily in the home key and several related keys or modes, without bends or overblows.

    D Harp

    Common Modes: D (Ionian), Em (Dorian), Bm (Aeolian)
    Less Common: A (Mixolydian), G (Lydian pentatonic), F#m (Phrygian pentatonic)

    G Harp

    Common Modes: G (Ionian), Am(Dorian), Em (Aeolian)
    Less Common: D (Mixolydian), C (Lydian pentatonic), Bm (Phrygian pentatonic)

    TABLATURE AND MUSICAL NOTATION

    There are different ways of writing harmonica tab, but the system I've adopted in the book uses numbers to denote the air channel on the harmonica (1-10), and simple plus or minus symbols above the number to indicate breath. A plus sign means blow the hole indicated, and a minus sign means draw the hole indicated. Here's how they look:

    +--++
    77665


    That means: blow hole 7, draw hole 7, draw 6, blow 6, blow 5. It's very simple really, and you'll soon get pretty quick at reading the tablature. Tab doesn't show note duration or other inflections; you can get that information from listening to the CD and reading the standard musical dots. Like all forms of music notation it's not an end in itself, just a guide to help find the notes on the harp so you can throw it aside and really play.

    THREE SAMPLE TUNES FROM THE BOOK

    Obviously in the book there is a lot of in-depth info about how to get a clean note and good tone on the harmonica, with simple exercises to help get you started. Once you have mastered the basics, here are an exercise and two of the tunes that are explored in detail in the book.

    SLIDE FILL TRIPLETS (G harp)

    This is from the extensive section on how to ornament the tunes, demonstrating a common triplet figure. In the audio clip from the tracks, the figure is played slowly at first and then faster, to make it easier to learn.

    HEAR HOW THIS SOUNDS ON THE BLUES HARP


    THE MAIDS OF MITCHELSTOWN (G Harp)

    I was taught this reel by Dublin harmonica player Mick Kinsella, and it's become one of my favourite Irish tunes; I could play it for ages without getting bored. Note that smooth fill triplet being used again, and the variation of jaw flick ornamentation with tongue triplets etc. Keep varying your decoration to keep it interesting for you and the listener.

    To me The Maids sounds sweetest at an easy tempo, as it allows one to get extra soul out of the notes - especially that 6 draw note in the A part. However, you'll often hear it played at breakneck speed in sessions.

    There are no hard and fast rules on the tempos of the tunes. Obviously if you're in a pub session and someone strikes up a set of reels you know, it's important to have the chops to keep up if you want to join in the craic. But if you're playing on your own or in your own performance, just play them as they feel and sound best to you.

    HEAR HOW THIS SOUNDS ON THE BLUES HARP


    SWEENY'S POLKA (G Harp)

    Polkas often seem childish in the simplicity of their melodies, but don't overlook them because of that. As the tune is so basic, you can really concentrate on the groove, and they can become almost hypnotic in their drive and intensity.

    HEAR HOW THIS SOUNDS ON THE BLUES HARP

    ORDERING OPTIONS

    Please note that order tracking is not provided by default, but can be purchased in the cart. For available shipping options please see our
    ★ Terms & Conditions ★




    Package contains

    Please note that this book no longer comes with a CD. We do have a small number of CDs for anyone unable to use the MP3 files - please contact us
    • 52 PAGE BOOK with detailed playing information, photos, sheet music and harmonica tab. (Please note that we do not send a digital copy of the book.)
    • 55 DIGITAL TRACKS (MP3): Lots of tunes and exercises, played slowly and at normal speed - a link will be sent to you automatically after purchase
    • TWO HARMONICAS (optional) to play the music in D & G, specially tuned to my Paddy Richter tuning
    • VIDEOS (optional - purchase separately) These optional but recommended videos will accelerate and enhance your learning of the techniques and tunes in the book.

    OPTION 1

    BOOK & MP3

    You use your own harps. 70% of the tunes and exercises can be played on standard tuned harps, but you will have to retune one note of your D and G harps to play the remainder the way I do on the tracks and in the tablature.

    £29 £26

     

    OPTION 2

    BOOK & MP3 WITH TWO SUZUKI PROMASTER HALF-VALVED HARPS

    Package includes two luxury alloy-bodied Suzuki ProMaster MR350V diatonics, retuned to Paddy Richter, the same as I use in the digital tracks. Using these harmonicas will allow you to get all the expression and nuance that you hear on the recorded tracks.

    Suzuki Promaster

    £149

     
    You can also purchase these harmonicas in many other keys.


    ADDITIONAL VIDEOS (Approx. 1.3gb)

    We have released a series of teaching videos to go with the book. These optional but recommended videos will accelerate and enhance your learning of the techniques and tunes in the book

    Lesson List

    • Introduction & Preamble
    • Lesson 1 - Getting clean blow and draw notes and simple scales
    • Lesson 2 - Adjacent blow and draw notes, Jaw-shifting technique, How to play precisely and cleanly
    • Lesson 3 - Blow and draw arpeggios, Descending thirds
    • Lesson 4 - Playing the traditional tune 'Maids of Mitchelstown', Adding decoration to your playing, Tongue triplets, Jaw-flicks, Grace Notes
    • BONUS VIDEO: TWO TIMING-FEELS for IRISH REELS: SWING FEEL and OFF-BEAT
    Videos

    £15

     
    " Play Irish Music on the Blues Harp is one of the most practical, effective and inspiring book/CDs that I have ever used. This deceptively slim volume contains some very potent, highly distilled lessons that zero in on the most important aspects of playing Irish music on the diatonic harp. "

    RICHARD SLEIGH, Pennsylvania, USA

    " Just thought I would write you and tell you how much fun I am having with your Irish music lesson book and CD. I got the two Suzuki harps with it and I am having the time of my life playing the music. It's an excellent tutorial and I am taking my time to go through the lessons to get that clean consistent sound.

    GARY LEACH, Philadelphia USA

    " While Brendan's New Irish Harmonica CD inpired me (and many others) the play Irish tunes on the harmonica, I always considered the ornaments to be too hard. However the Play Irish Music on the Blues Harp package has changed this. The ornaments are laid out in a straight forward way, then presented within the context of the tunes. They are playable, and they work. The best part however is that once you have learnt the tunes, you then get to play them with Brendan, via the accompanying CD. This is a rare treat, and well worth the price. Get it, and join in. "

    TONY EYERS, Sydney Australia


    2022 Demo
    The PowerBender tuning builds on the best parts of the traditional Richter Tuning, while altering the scale to make the real juicy and important notes much easier to obtain throughout the whole three octave range.

    If you're interested in a fresh sound on the 10 hole diatonic, LOTS more bending expression and easy jazzy playing, the PowerBender is a good choice for you! Check out the first video for a demonstration of my new-generation own-brand PowerBender.

    Same familiar breathing pattern in the upper-middle registers. All draw notes bend everywhere, holes 1-10!

    On the un-valved version you can overblow every hole 1-10, for full chromatic playing. Overdraws and blow bends are no longer possible or needed on a PowerBender - they are replaced with simple draw bends.

    On the half-valved version, a mix of normal draw bends and valved blow bends gives full chromaticism. Top octave easy to play (intuitive) as many familiar phrasings can be adopted from the bottom octaves Easy to play in the common positions: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, and 12th.

    Check out the second video where I demonstrate playing in many keys and positions (these are tracks from the book/CD)
    PowerBender & PowerDraw Harmonicas
    2022 Demo
    PowerBender Image PowerBender Image PowerBender Image PowerBender Image PowerBender Image PowerBender Image PowerBender Image PowerBender Image

    Tuning Diagram - comparison with Richter tuning

    Tuning Diagram
    Check out the Philosophy behind the POWERBENDER.

    See Music and Tab from the 44 page Book for Sixth Position

    Hear two Instructional Clips from the CD for 5th Position


    Buying Advice

    Own-Brand POWERBENDER Harps - An Affordable way to Try PowerBender! We have two great models to suit player preferences: one lipped-comb type made by Kongsheng, and a traditional sandwich-comb type made by Easttop. Both have great response, open-back covers for loud volume, and long-lasting phosphor bronze reeds.

    If you are buying a harp to go with the book, please select the key of A.

    The LUCKY 13 Option...

    If you want added bottom end, I'm also making the PowerBender in 13-hole 4 octave format, in the form of my unique Lucky 13 harp. It gives you all the benefits of PowerBender PLUS an extra low octave to extend the range. AND... it comes in all 12 keys. The Lucky 13 is like two harps in one, excellent value and a good playing harp out of the box.

    ORDERING OPTIONS

    Please note that order tracking is not provided by default, but can be purchased in the cart. For available shipping options please see our
    ★ Terms & Conditions ★


    POWERBENDER Book & optional harmonica (Key of A) package

    £28 - £45

    44 Page Instructional Book with 86 digital instructional tracks

    You will receive a download link with all tracks as MP3 files. The book comes as a physical copy only.

    All harmonicas in the book package are in the key of A.

    Package:






    * Gasket Valves are provided to fit yourself.


    POWERBENDER Harmonicas

    £30 £18

    We have two great, affordable models to suit player preferences: one lipped-comb type made by Kongsheng, and a traditional sandwich-comb type made by Easttop. Both have great response, open-back covers for loud volume, and long-lasting phosphor bronze reeds.
    Brand:

    Key:






    You can also buy a high-quality Seydel PowerBender harp with stainless steel reeds in any key, and with half-valving option too. Seydel Harmonicas

    BUYERS' COMMENTS

    " Just wanted to say that several days ago I finally got a hold of the Powerbender. I love it. I've been practicing every moment I have to myself, almost obsessively, and I've already broken through walls I never did with Richter. The tuning is wonderful, a nice mix of simplicity and versatility, and I plan to master it as best as I can over the next several years. It's so nice to be able to draw bend at every hole without having to worry about being at a hole I can't draw bend and it's so mind-freeing that the breathing pattern doesn't flip which was driving me crazy. I'm even happy with how well the instrument was packaged and the quality of the harp exceeded my expectations. I'm not exactly clear why you have marketed as a good introduction to the tuning. I feel like it's higher quality than just an intro harp. "

    Rishi Oswal, USA (May 2016)
    " I just received my new 'key of A' Powerbender Harp - and love it ! Top-Shelf Quality. It will take a little while to 'DE-Richter' my brain - but now can draw-bend blues notes in the 7-10 hole section.

    First off - it is the Fastest and Smoothest harp I have played (previous Pro-Harp player, obsolete Harps now)
    - Harp is loud enough for me - projects well
    - The tone is perfect for my sound - Folk to Dirty Chicago-style (Shure bullet mic/Champ-style Amp)
    - smooth, effortless, very controllable bending "

    Glenn Kubik, Calgary, CANADA (April 2016)
    " I don't think I've ever had as much fun with a harmonica. Absolutely superb. You may expect more orders from me. "

    Josh Slade
    " ... Wow. What has really inspired me is first posistion which I've never played in before. It's awesome. I still have trouble getting a full bend draw on the third hole in some keys so I just switch to the fifth harp of the key and play in first posistion. I guess I'm cheating. Listened to a bunch of Charlie McCoy interviews and thought if he can switch that much so can I. Lol. I'm going to be getting some of your other things to. I just wanted to says thanks. I'm a guitar player Trying to get decent on harp but the powerbender has got me playing things I never thought I would. You're a real inspiration. "

    Jeff Hogsten
    " Hi Brendan. The powerbender arrived today and can I say it was worth the wait. It plays really well and I'm looking forward tae digging in. Thought it was worth mentioning that the tracking system you have in place worked a treat all the way from China. Aa' the best Al. "

    Al Price, Scotland
    " Hi Brendan, The harps arrived, thanks. I am really excited with your tuning, especially the OB possibilities !!!! I'm finding so many cool lines that appear effortlessly with the PowerBender. It's going to take a while to really play my thoughts in 12 keys but it's totally possible with this tuning. The Manjis are very OB friendly without much effort, i'm liking them. You really have something special here - great work! Its brilliant - I think its going to be around for a long long time after we're gone. "

    MIKE STEVENS: Renowned Canadian Pro Country/Bluegrass Player (Owner of 14 Manji and 22 Filisko PowerBenders...)
    " I got the book & CD today - My first impression is that this harp tuning is your masterpiece! The booklet really helps to make the tuning understandable. I decided to treat myself to a harmonica that you worked on.... "

    RICHARD SLEIGH: Premier Harp Customiser and Player, author of the excellent tech book "Turbocharge Your Harmonica"
    " Brendan Power's PowerBender tuning changed my mindset on altered harps. I acquired one the day after SPAH and even though I was 100% harmonica'd out, I found the PowerBender to be a fresh sound to my ears. I spent over two full days playing with it and it's the first altered tuned harp that allows me to play what I hear in my head. I love that my signature 11-12th positions riffs are all available on this instrument via 2nd position. I love that all of my neo-soul, funk, jazz and blues lines are available within one comfortable position. Of all the special tunings, I've tried, which is most, Brendan has simply nailed it with this one, this is the tuning that really works and to me is the most practical. "

    CHRIS MICHALEK (BUDDHA) R.I.P. Influential Player/Teacher, and maker of the respected "Buddha Harps".
    " I really like it and think it's a fun tuning. Not only does it work well for bluesy licks, but you can also use it to play melodic songs in 2nd position which would otherwise require country tuning, or valves "

    TODD PARROTT: One of the Tastiest & Most Accomplished Overblow Players Around Today.
    " PowerBender is awesome, Brendan!! "

    JOE SPIERS: Jason Ricci's Favourite Custom Harp Maker - need we say more...?
    " Brendan i got it!!! Awesome man! Just started but can achieve all bends. I'm not an OB man so this is great! I know it will be widely accepted. You are a renaissance man! "

    GARY HILT, Lafayette, INDIANA, USA
    " Hi Brendan ! I just received the harp n book. I only play it for a few mins and im so impressed by what the POWERBENDER can achieve. I couldn't express how much i like it and obviously there's still lot of thing for me to explore on this POWERBENDER tuning. i found that i can overblow SO smoothly on the firebreath that you retuned for me... Brendan seriously you are one of the most innovative and best harmonica player out there. You are just amazing !!! I want to Thank you for all of the effort you put into writing this book ... and we all really benefit a lot from you. YOU ARE THE MAN ;) "

    CHUAH CHEE THAI: Penang, Malaysia. Check out Thai's Online Harmonica Store
    " Happy to receive the PowerBender harmonica and the book yesterday. I admit that it takes time to master a new tuning but your book is a very useful guide for me to learn it. The songs from the CD gave me very good impression of this new tuning, how expressive and how 'powerful' it is. It surprised me it can cover such a wide range of position playing."

    TERENCE CHAN, New Territories, HONG KONG
    " Hi Brendan, I started to play the Harpmaster PowerBender and I found it really great; the reed responsivess is high and its full bending capabilities a real plus; now I am concentrating on first and second position and I found that the 1st position middle octave licks become alive; no OB necessity to achieve those flat 3rd, 5th and 7th; I am curious to play the 2nd flat position which I find challenging on the Ritcher diatonic. Great work and useful accompanying booklet. "

    GIANANDREA PASQUINELLI, Bologna, ITALY
    " I just found the Powerbender configuration on the Seydel website. I'll be ordering me a C harp to get a feel for the new tuning. I really haven't tried anything other than standard Richter so far, but after seeing what you were able to do with the Powerbender, I think it has a lot of potential for my traditional blues playing. Thanks!"

    Excellent West Coast Blues Player AKI KUMAR, San Francisco USA.
    " So yesterday I got the book from Brendan and I had some time to read it. I tried the 1st and 2nd position examples from there and something clicked - I understood experientially the improved elements of this tuning vs. the richter tuning. I'm a believer! :D Seriously, while I am very accustomed to the 2nd position of the richter tuning, the 1st position on the POWERBENDER kicks richter's ass! And to be honest, the 2nd octave of the 2nd position on PB tuning is also far more expressive and groovy than the richter's. I mean I can utilize the 6OB pretty well nowadays and I can even get the 7OD too, but I can't put so much expression to the playing with that tuning. The 6 drawbend for example brings something that you really can't do with the richter and for my ear that is really nice sound. The micro-tonalities are just superb in this PB layout. The richter seems to have it's advantages too... But when it comes to blues, I have no doubt that PB is far better tuning to learn for that - at least for 1st & 2nd position. So yesterday I had a chance to try out the 3rd position as well. It was just grrrrreat! This tuning with 3rd position is enabling me to get so groovy and sweet melodies that it's is really refreshing to my ears.. I started to jam with the 3rd position minor & minor pentatonic scales and then put some blues scales in there - it really opened up some new possibilities and I felt that I really could hear the "soul" of this position. In this PB tuning my feeling is that at least 1st, 2nd & 3rd positions are all about as easy to play (and they all are very groovy), but the differences lie in where the most juicy notes are.. This is my subjective opinion of course, but I feel that I won't be expanding my richter harp collection anymore but instead I will put my main efforts to the PB tuning. Summa summarum: I just found my new favorite tuning here! :)"

    ARI-PEKKA SKARP, Oulu, FINLAND, on ModernBluesHarmonica Forum
    " You just gotta try one of these out! It's worth the price of admission to just get the intensive practice on bending--all up and down the harp! Just get the book though--Brendan is great to deal with and the CD and little book are invaluable data, great value for the money. I've only been messing with it for a couple of hours today--and I'm sold--I'll be making some more of these babies. I've been in kind of a rut with harp for a while now--this breaks me clear out of it--it's fresh and new and I'm loving it!"

    OLDWAILER, Olympia WA, USA, on MBH Forum
    " I have always approached harp with Rhythm and Melody in Mind, not Blues. First trials on Powerbender have changed all that. I now am really enjoying playing Blues based harmonica. It's so good to be be able to do so with fresh ideas and a creative outlook rather than those tired old cliches. Getting rid of the inversion at 7 seems so natural now. I have always wondered why it was there, seems so obvious what you have done...., now. Its good to have some one go through the positions for me and lay them on paper. Minor 6th is my current favourite and I am amazed at all the fresh discoveries I am finding in so many of the positions and even though I have been playing 3rd or 4th in the past ,so people tell me, I have never fully understood them. Your book has gone a long way to helping me...... thanks."

    CHRIS LEE, Christchurch, New Zealand
    " Hey Brendan! As you saw I already placed an order for my next Powerbender. I can't tell you enough how amazed I am with this tuning. I have been playing it most of the day today and it just felt so natural. Once I got the hang of the new tuning it all just felt so natural. The draw bends are amazing and the extended range without having to rely on overblows is pure genius. I have been having a lot of fun with this harp and look forward to adding many more to my harp arsenal. I will be using it Thursday at the bleus club....and look forward to making sure everyone else is as impressed with the harp as I am. You are definitely on to something. I look forward to ordering many more from you in the future. Regards, "

    RYAN 'Uncle Dirty' BANNISTER, Harrisburg PA, USA
    " Brendan, I've been woodshedding on the Powerbender harp and book ever since I got them. The concept of the tuning layout is a real inspiration. The book is very helpful. I find the harp response somewhat stiff and sluggish for my taste. I am a Marine Band tongue-blocking Blues player. I enjoy some of the new chordal color available. This tuning's inherent sequence of notes helps me create new runs, achieve old familiar licks in a new way and I will continue to learn each time I pick the instrument up. Thank-you for your commitment and service to the harmonica and the music world in general. "

    Slightly Bent, DW Gill, Winslow ME, USA
    " Hi Brendan, I got the A harp and book/cd, enjoying exploring the possibilities on this great layout. The first thing I found was that the G on 7 hole draw bend is perfect for "On The Road Again" by Canned Heat! Thanks for your excellent invention! "

    BRIAN IRVING, East Grinstead UK
    " Hi Brendan, the Powerbender arrived yesterday and I played it a litle bit after listening to the CD. It is a new concept and a fresh style of playing. I like it, it makes me smiling and I need some time to try it more. I don't play Overblows or Overbends, but with this harmonica I have a new sound in my ears. " Thanks and after some experience maybe I will make a short viedeo. "

    MARIO HEMKEN, MÜNSTER, GERMANY
    " Must say that the Power Bender is the best custom tuned harmonica I have played, thanks for the revolutionary design. "

    ROSS JACQUES, Orpington, UK
    " Got the harp today thanks brendan! Gonna sit down and figure it out. I love all the overblows I normally use are now these really soulful and deep draw bends. I also love that feeling of bending those high draw notes. It makes it so much more soulful. "

    MICHAEL MURRAY, Donegal, Ireland
    " My POWERBENDER Harmonica's Play Like a brezze!!! WOW!! It's really simple play by the ear a melodycally tune,no comparison with the Richter... Greats Job Professor Power!!! Thanxx You again, "

    FEDERICO PELLEGRINI, Brindisi, Italy

    music notation

    INSTRUCTIONAL TUNE-BASED PACKS

    On this page you can order music and harmonicas relating to my instructional videos.
    The Entertainer
    How to play it on the Lucky 13 in PowerChromatic Tuning. What's included:
    1. A longer video of Brendan playing all the parts slower and in detail, explaining fine points and how he gets around the tricky bits.
    2. PDF with Western Notation and Harmonica Tablature, showing the hole numbers, breath direction and bends.
    3. PDF with Harmonica Tablature and Chinese Jianpu (number) notation, in two home keys.
    4. MIDI file (read the notes, loop parts, transpose keys etc)
    5. MP3 of the full tune.
    6. MP3 of the whole tune slowed down to half-speed.
    £10
     


    Also buy the harmonica used in this pack:
    Lucky 13 in PowerChromatic Tuning in G
    IRISH HARMONICA 1: The Maids of Mitchelstown
    Please note that this pack contains the following:
    1. A PDF file of the WRITTEN MUSIC and HARMONICA TABLATURE for the tune.
    2. MP3 of the tune played at normal speed, as on the video.
    3. MP3 of the tune played REAL SLOW, so you can pick up all the subtle nuances and tricky bits.
    £7
     


    Also buy the harmonica used in this pack:
    Suzuki Half-valved Promaster in G, Paddy Richter Tuning
    £72.50
    IRISH HARMONICA 2: The Kerry Reel
    Please note that this pack contains the following:
    1. A PDF file of the WRITTEN MUSIC and HARMONICA TABLATURE for the tune.
    2. MP3 of the tune played at normal speed, as on the video.
    3. MP3 of the tune played REAL SLOW, so you can pick up all the subtle nuances and tricky bits.
    £7
     


    Also buy the harmonica used in this pack:
    Suzuki Half-valved Promaster in D, Paddy Richter Tuning
    £72.50

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