bending 3 draw half steps harp harmonica

On Friday I defined how a dip is performed on a standard draw or blow note (any bendable note on your harmonica). You can also perform a dip on a bend, on the 3' (3 draw half step bend, B-flat on a C Harmonica) for example. To perform a dip on the 3' the goal is to start slightly below the 3' (B-flat), say 3" (A), and slide into the 3' without it releasing too far... to the natural 3 draw pitch (B). That's the challenge... to practice playing the 3", which raises quickly to 3' without the 3' completely releasing. Using a tuner or pitch-generating device is very useful for this. continue reading...

Many students through the years have found this visual software to be helpful in mastering their bends http://harmonicagame.com/index.html

Louis Jordon's "Caldonia" is a great example of the 3 Draw rule over the 12 Bar Blues we spoke of last week. In the opening chorus you hear boogie woogie piano... then the first theme in Chorus 2... and then the 3rd Chorus line that changes only one note per chord change... the equivalent of our 3 draw rule. Here's the part...

I7 = 1 2+ 3+ 3 2 3, Repeat
IV7 = 1 2+ 3+ 3' 2 3'
I7 = 1 2+ 3+ 3 2 3
V7 = 1 2+ 3+ 3" 2 3"
(Turnaround 2 3" 3' 3' 3" 2, 1 2+ 2" 2" 2+ 1)