Keeping Track Of Licks

Writing down tab lacks the rhythmic component, so if all you've got are the breaths, holes, and maybe bends, then you're missing half the information you need.

You could learn to write rhythms, and, although that 's totally worthwhile, it's also a lot of work.

Another way to kep a record of licks is to simply record yourself playing them. That way you can always refer back to them. You could also write the tab, and give each lick, both on the recording and the tab, the same name (or number or date or whatever) so that you know which tab goes with which recording.

Another way to remember licks without recording them or writing them down is to classify them mentally. For instance, "Here's the main riff to Hoochie Koochie Man," or I'm a Man, or whatever.

Another way to add to this approach is to classify licks and riffs by similarity. Two different licks may start the same way but end differently. So you note the things they have in common, and then the ways they differ. When you listen to a harmonica part in a song, try to think of similar licks. For instance, compare the opening riff to Juke with another Little Walter tune, the opening to "She's So Fine." Now, these songs are in different keys, but that detail is a minor inconvenience. Try playing the opening four notes to Juke on a Bb harp instead of an A, and try playing the first four notes of She's So Fine on an A-harp. Both riffs start nearly the same way, but end up differently. Exploring the similarities and differences will help you remember the riffs because you've given a lot of attention to their details.

Hope this helps.