Gary Smith

Gary Smith is one of the great classic blues harmonica stylists in the San Francisco Bay Area. We have a full interview with Gary at BluesHarmonica.com, so make sure to check that out. In this Artist Study we dig into his harmonica instrumental "Minor Mambo." In my opinion this instrumental contains some of the best improvised solo work on a Rhumba ever recorded. We also have an Interview of Gary Smith on the site... make sure to check this out for more understanding on his approach.

Artist Studies are not part of the formal lesson plans on the site... there are no jam tracks and you don't send in recordings for review... but you can of course ask me any questions you may have in the forum. I provide these Artist Studies as a bonus to you for your LOA accomplishment. The study of these songs will add insight into our great players of the past and present and of course will provide you with great lick vocabulary for your improvising. Due to this being a transcription of an artist's masterpiece, there may be sections that are above your current skill level, but as you continue your studies within the LOA program, you'll no doubt be able to play everything within this great song some day.

You need a C Harmonica for this study.