blues harmonica lessons

In this final improvising lesson I review the concepts taught in Improvising Studies 1-9 and go into detail about: theory; chorus forms versus free-form soloing; memorized versus improvised solos; perspective for each level of player on improvising; perspective for other styles; recommendations on how to organizing your licks and transcribing.

This is for students who have finished all or for those who like to read the last page of a book first ;-). No harmonica is needed for study... just me japin' continue reading...

You've learned that many options for articulation exist. Which articulation is correct? That is an answer only history or you can answer. As your instructor at BluesHarmonica.com I will share which articulations work best for a given passage when it's appropriate (I feel it performs the job best or is what a given artist used for an Artist Study for example), otherwise, when I say, "articulate this or that note or chords," I am leaving it up to you on what articulation feels and sounds best for YOU personally... just get the job done.

September BluesHarmonica.com 2011 Newsletter
Leader in Blues Harmonica Education since 1994

WHAT'S NEW!
Steve Baker’s Harmonica Masters Workshop 2011 continue reading...

Join Joe Filisko again for his latest insight... the Exhale Push and Nose Push lesson.

Here are the common ways in which to articulate a chord on the harmonica. Keep in mind that these articulations are not embouchure-specific. In other words, these are articulations that both pucker and tongue block players can use when playing a chord, such as draw or blow holes 1 2 3 (as seen in Ex. 1.2 of Solo Harmonica Study 1 on the site).

1) HA - Not a true articulation (you have to close off the airstream momentarily to be a articulation), but is one way in which we create differentiation between a stream of similar pitches (think Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha....) continue reading...

Transcription and MP3 recordings are now up for the new Repertoire Builder song "Take It Easy Now." If you've finished Bending and Tongue Blocking Studies 2 then give this song a try, it's a real nice slow blues in G (C Harmonica in 2nd Position) with tons of great dynamic use.