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Forums :: General Discussion

Memorizing licks

2 replies [Last post]
Thu, 07/02/2020 - 11:40
howson1978
howson1978's picture
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Joined: 09/11/2015

Hi there, im finding learning new licks and memorizing them a real challenge. Can anyone give me any tips on how i can build up harp vocab or point me in the right direction. i've been learning chorus forms, but im getting a little bit bored of playing the same licks. I really can't see myself having lots of licks stored that i can pull out.Does anyone know of any good blues licks books/ebooks, as im eager to learn.

thanks.

Mark

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Thu, 07/02/2020 - 15:44
#1
MarekP
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Level 4
Joined: 05/30/2017
Hi Mark, I've been listening

Hi Mark,

I've been listening to blues music as much as possible. Not only harmonica players, because I can learn a new licks from guitar, saxophone etc. And when I like a phrase, which doesn't seem to be too difficult, I learn it by ear, play it a couple of times and either write sheet music, or just record it on my phone.

This works for me quite fine.

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Fri, 06/10/2022 - 16:50
#2
blues38
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Level 8
Joined: 12/20/2009
Learning and memorizing new licks

Hi Mark

It is a real challange. Here's what I do when I come across a lick that "I can't live without learning,"

1) Isolate the lick on The Amazing Slowdowner & play it over and over and over and over again.

2) Write out the lick -- quarter notes, rests, dotted half notes, etc. so it's captured

3) Then do a three step: play it on the Slowdowner / hum it 3 to 4 times / play it on the harp once. Repeat this cycle until I'm dizzy.

I did this for Improvising Study 4: V-IV-I Transitions and worked with just one lick per month.

If you can't sing it, you won't be able to play it.

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