licks

A student asked about the V-IV-I area (Bars 9-11) part of the 12 Bar Blues in regards to accompaniment. It's commonly an active area and he was wondering how to approach this area without grabbing too much attention (interfering with the vocals). Here are some general guidelines for everyone. Remember... no rule book exists, but here is what I have personally observed in my studies...

1) Playing Chord Tones is best

2) Repetition is better than activity continue reading...

One of my favorite living blues harp player, Jim Liban, just released a new CD! I'm listening to it right now... killer playing. I'll provide you a complete track list of harp keys and positions used Monday. To get you started, the first track he uses a G Harmonica in 2nd Position. Now get to work stealing licks!

"I Say What I Mean"
Jim Liban & The Joel Paterson Trio

iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-say-what-i-mean/id893469311

CD Baby
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jimliban

Join me for Intermediate Student Ryan Walker's latest lesson where we cover Accompaniment Playing Study 5 (bluesy 7th Chords), Improvising Study 4 (V-IV-I Transition Licks), Solo Harmonica Study 3 (Bass Lines with Pulls) and Music Theory Study 3 (Playing in Minor).

Use more space in your playing. Most of us have a tendency to over-play, especially when excited or trying to play a burning solo. Space not only gives the other musicians an opportunity to uplift what you're playing (by playing fills and pickups to chord change for example), but also provides the listener with the space to digest what you played so they can appreciate when you repeat, use variation or move away.

Today starts a series of observations from working with students at last weekend's Harmonica Masterclass Workshop.

Vocabulary continue reading...

Our next step is to tip our hats to the V7 Chord in Bars 9 (the beginning of the V-IV-I lick) and 12 (the last piece of the turnaround). The V7 Chord is D F# A C, making 6 A, 8 D and 10 A from our scale available as notes of the V7 Chord. continue reading...

In this lesson Ryan continues his work on Improvising (V-IV-I licks), Accompaniment (Hole Changes), Solo Harmonica playing (Charleston rhythm) and the slow blues study song with breaks, "Blues Creapin' Over Me."

Lesson 23 - Intro & Accompaniment Study 3: Harmonica and Chord Review
Lesson 23 - Accompaniment Study 3: Hole Changes Review
Lesson 23 - Accompaniment Study 3: Blues Creapin’ Over Me
Lesson 23 - Solo Harmonica Study 3: Ex. 1.4
Lesson 23 - Accompaniment Study 3: Ex. 1-8