Posted Thu, 09/04/2014 - 09:23 by David Barrett Admin
My most common comment to students when improvising (I state this every day in my lessons) is to leave more space. Main licks and fills can quickly run together into a frantic mess when space is not utilized... like a run-on sentence. You often hear music coaches of non-wind instruments say to pause, as if to take a breath. This provides space between your phrases and enough time for the listener to digest what you just stated. This also tends to fix rhythmic issues. continue reading...
Posted Wed, 08/27/2014 - 07:25 by David Barrett Admin
Here's a great way to hear that the notes are the same from position to position (and to check if you're doing it correctly). Play the following Rhumba rhythm over the 12 Bar Blues Progression:
C Harmonica in 2nd Position (Key of G)
I = G B D = 2 3 4
IV = C E G = 1+ 2+ 3+
V = D F# A = 1 2' 3"
Now grab your G Harmonica and play the same notes in 1st Position:
I = G B D = 4+ 5+ 6+
IV = C E G = 2" 3" 4+ (5 6 7+ an octave above is easier to play)
V = D F# A = 2 3 4 (or 6+ 7 8 if you want to stay in the upper octave) continue reading...
Posted Wed, 08/13/2014 - 10:20 by David Barrett Admin
Here's the 12 Bar Blues Form... one bar for each chord symbol (roman numerals):
I I I I
IV IV I I
V IV I V
The only place where four bars of the same chord happens is in the first four bars (first line). So, if you don't hear any movement to another chord from the band for more than two bars, you know you're somewhere in the first part of the form.
In the second line, the IV Chord lasts for two bars and then the I Chord for two bars. If you hear two bars and then a chord change, then you're somewhere between bars 5 and 9. continue reading...
Posted Tue, 08/12/2014 - 07:52 by David Barrett Admin
In jam situations sometimes songs are called quickly and the person counting in looks to you to solo in the intro. You may not know where in the form the song is starting, nor the feel of the song (even if they call a "Shuffle," there are many types of shuffles). You could just start blowin' riffs, but an even better approach is to play a long-held note (with vibrato would be a good idea) for about two bars... and then continue playing. continue reading...
Posted Mon, 08/11/2014 - 09:04 by David Barrett Admin
I'm now back from SPAH (spah.org) and it was another great trip. They'll be in Denver next year, so I hope you can make it... I enjoy spending time with everyone there.
Big Al Blake shared this article with me and I though you would enjoy it.
Posted Sun, 08/10/2014 - 08:53 by David Barrett Admin
Mark Hefington has completed his shadowing process to completed is Levels of Achievement Advanced Instructor Status. Congratulations on your accomplishment Mark. http://www.bluesharmonica.com/teacher-accreditation