Skip to main content
Blues Harmonica logo

User Account

Username:*
Password:*
Forgot Your Password?

Visitor Menu

  • Sign Up
  • Sample Lesson #1
  • Sample Lesson #2
  • Student Recordings
  • Forums
Forums :: Tip of the Day

Improvising - Textures

No replies
Thu, 09/18/2014 - 06:54
David Barrett Admin
David Barrett Admin's picture
Offline
Head InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 11/30/2009

Focus Notes and Texture go hand-in-hand. As each chorus passes, you're keeping track of what you've played. You're not trying to remember every lick, it's more of a simple scorecard of what focus notes and the textures you've used.

For example...

Let's say you've played three choruses so far. Chorus 1 focused on the 1 draw and you used single notes. Chorus 2 focused on the 2 draw and you threw in some dips, slaps and pulls. Chorus 3 you focused on the 3 draw, mostly emphasizing the bluesy sound of the 3' and didn't use any new textures.

So far your solo is moving up one hole at a time (this is the most effective soloing theme) so it makes sense to continue this theme by starting the next chorus on the 4 draw, but it's time to present a new texture... I think a shake makes sense (4/5). The next chorus let's use the 5 draw focus note and present it with a flutter tongue. The next chorus use the 6+ focus note in octaves. The last chorus some high end work for a bit makes sense and work the standard range a bit more with whatever feels right at that time. Finish by returning to your first chorus idea so that you give the song a sense of completion.

That's it... it's as simple as saying, "what focus notes and textures have I not used yet," choose and away you go.

Top

Sign me up!

Full access to all lessons starts at $20/month! (with annual subscription)

Subscribe

Free Sample Lessons

After watching the BluesHarmonica.com overview video, try one of the lessons below to experience a lesson at BluesHarmonica.com.

  • Tongue Blocking Study 2 – This study is for the newer player or the player new to tongue blocking
  • Bending Study 5 – This is for the advanced player looking to improve their bending skills

Contributors

  • Aki Kumar
  • Joe Tartaglia
  • Gary Smith
  • Mark Hummel
  • Joe Filisko

Site Links

  • About David Barrett
  • Accredited Instructors
  • Links
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
Hohner
© 2009 - 2025 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com