Introducing 'Signature' the new harmonica profiling and tuning app from Harmonicatech.com. Seasoned computer programmer Gene Myers and harmonica technician John Cook have combined their many years of experience to develop and produce a piece of software that overcomes the confusing complexity of tuning harmonicas. This simple app takes the guesswork out of harmonica tuning. Signature is easy to use, intuitive, and designed for both harmonica players and repair technicians. In order for Signature captures to capture data, the user simply plays their harmonica into their pc, tablet or device’s microphone, a single note at a time with the software interface guiding the player as to when to move on to the next note to be played. After all the notes are played, the captured data is saved and the harmonicas ‘signature’ is established. The software then comes into its own, enabling the user to select and evaluate the signature against a range of temperaments and tunings, and it displays what adjustments are needed to each reed.
The software comes with predefined temperaments and tunings, and also enables users to upload their own. The final part of the software walks the player through the tuning process. With the use of simple and engaging graphics, the software identifies what reed and where along the reed to file to optimise the tuning. The process is fast, efficient, reliable, and enjoyable. Signature enables harmonica players not only to tune their instruments, but to keep them in tune and create signatures of their personal preferences and musicality. Signature allows you to store your harmonica signatures online, and works offline too. Signature works with all modern browsers, and on a range of devices including Windows, Apple, Linux, Android, and iOS. It doesn’t require third-party components, and performs like a desktop application, but in a web browser.
THE SENECA SQUARE DANCE By Paul Appleton
This is a tune from the Ozark mountain areas of Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas. The title refers to the town of Seneca, Missouri, however this isn’t the only known title for this tune. Waiting For the Federals, The Federal Hornpipe and Shelby’s Mules are all known to have been used to describe this piece. It is also known to be a variation of an older song called Shoot the Turkey Buzzard. There are several techniques at play within the piece of music: tongue flutters, vamping, tongue slaps are all present, as well as appropriate harmonies under the leading notes being played. This simple melody is one of my favourites. You will find a link below to my YouTube channel if you want to hear it played. G Harmonica First Position: Song body (play twice) 4B 4D 5B 5B 5B 6B 5B 4B 4D 5B 5B 5B 4D 4B 4B 4D 5B 5B 5B 6B 5B 5B 5D 6B 5B 4D 5B 4D 4B Chorus (Play Twice) 6B 6D 7B 7B 7B 6D 6B 6B 6D 7B 7D 7B 8D 8B 6D 6B 6D 7B 6D 6B 6D 6B 5B 4D 4B 5B 5D 6B 5B 4D 5B 4D 4B Ending (play three times) 5B 5D 6B 5B 4D 5B 4D 4B YouTube Links: Have a listen to the song being played by Paul: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izPjHB_ s6UY&t=9s Paul Appleton’s YouTube Channel: Paul Appleton Harmonica - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1GkKGse7x5xTWjjNyskHA)
Summer 2022 • Harmonica.uk
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