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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Question about learning note names

9 replies [Last post]
Mon, 01/17/2022 - 23:11
mtnhank
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Joined: 08/18/2020

Hi David, another question.

I was listening to the "Introduction to Accompaniment Playing Study 3". At about the 40 second mark, you mentioned that you hoped we were studying our "note cards".

I must have missed that. Can you tell me where to find how to make these cards? I need some practice on this. I assume these "note cards" are flash cards of some sort.

Thanks David,

Hank

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Mon, 01/17/2022 - 23:33
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello Hank. There is no

Hello Hank.

There is no official way to make these. The idea is to memorize your C Harmonica and the three chords of the twelve bar blues progression in 2nd Position. Making your own note cards is one way to help.

A note card may say, “4” for 4 draw, and your answer would be D. Another card may say, “Where are all the E’s” with the answer being 2+, 5+, and 8+.

Do the same with the chords...

"What is the I7?" = GBDF 

"What is the root note of eaxh chord?" G for the I7, C for the IV7, and D for the V7

These are just some examples. Part of the practice is to make these cards yourself, instead of me providing them.

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Thu, 01/20/2022 - 21:54
#2
David Barrett
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Hello mtnhank. I've put some

Hello mtnhank. I've put some more time into this. Here are the note cards that I would suggest. The first set are memorization cards and the second set are action cards (Interleaved playing practice).

Harmonica Note Layout
What are all the blow notes?
C E G C E G C E G C

Harmonica Note Layout
What are all the draw notes?
D G B D F A B D F A

Harmonica Note Layout
Where are all the C’s?
1+, 4+, 7+, and 10+

Harmonica Note Layout
Where are all the E’s?
2+, 5+, and 8+

Harmonica Note Layout
Where are all the G’s?
2/3+, 6+, and 9+

Harmonica Note Layout
Where are all the D’s?
1, 4, and 8

Harmonica Note Layout
Where are all the F’s?
2”, 5, and 9

Harmonica Note Layout
Where are all the A’s?
3”, 6, and 10

Harmonica Note Layout
Where are all the B’s?
3 and 7 (10’+ is also B)

Harmonica Note Layout
What note is 1+?
C

Harmonica Note Layout
What note is 2+?
E

Harmonica Note Layout
What note is 3+?
G

Harmonica Note Layout
What note is 4+?
C

Harmonica Note Layout
What note is 5+?
E

Harmonica Note Layout
What note is 6+?
G

Harmonica Note Layout
What note is 1 Draw?
D

Harmonica Note Layout
What note is 2 Draw?
G

Harmonica Note Layout
What note is 3 Draw?
B

Harmonica Note Layout
What note is 4 Draw?
D

Harmonica Note Layout
What note is 5 Draw?
F

Harmonica Note Layout
What note is 6 Draw?
A

12 Bar Blues
What are the notes of the I Chord?
G B D

12 Bar Blues
What are the notes of the IV Chord?
C E G

12 Bar Blues
What are the notes of the V Chord?
D F♯ A

12 Bar Blues
What is the ROOT note of each chord within the 12 Bar Blues?
I Chord = G
IV Chord = C
V Chord = D

12 Bar Blues
What is the 3RD of each chord within the 12 Bar Blues?
I Chord = B
IV Chord = E
V Chord = F♯

12 Bar Blues
What is the 5TH of each chord within the 12 Bar Blues?
I Chord = D
IV Chord = G
V Chord = A

12 Bar Blues
What is the order of chords in the 12 Bar Blues Progression?
I I I I
IV IV I I
V IV I V

12 Bar Blues
What chord is BAR 1 in the 12 Bar Blues Progression?
I

12 Bar Blues
What chord is BAR 5 in the 12 Bar Blues Progression?
IV

12 Bar Blues
What chord is BAR 7 in the 12 Bar Blues Progression?
I

12 Bar Blues
What chord is BAR 9 in the 12 Bar Blues Progression?
V

12 Bar Blues
What chord is BAR 10 in the 12 Bar Blues Progression?
IV

12 Bar Blues
What chord is BAR 11 in the 12 Bar Blues Progression?
I

12 Bar Blues
What chord is at the end of BAR 12 (~last two beats) in the 12 Bar Blues Progression?
V

***Interleaved Practice Deck***

Scales (L1)
Play the C Major Scale from 4+ to 7+, ascending and descending
4+ 4 5+ 5 6+ 6 7 7+

Tremolo (L1)
Set your metronome to 80bpm and alternate between a blow tremolo for one bar (4 beats) and a blow tremolo for one bar. Stop before you get lightheaded.

Tongue Block Study 1 Exercise (L1)
Play 4+ 4 5+ 5 6+ 5 5+ 4 4+ with a metronome set to 80bpm, holding each note for 2 beats

Tongue Block Study 1 Exercise (L1)
Play 4+ 4 5+ 5 6+ 5 5+ 4 4+ with a metronome set to 80bpm, holding each note for 1 beat

Tongue Block Study 1 Exercise (L1)
Play 4+ 4 5+ 5 6+ 5 5+ 4 4+ with a metronome set to 80bpm, holding each note for half beat (two notes of the pattern per beat)

Shake Exercise (L1)
Play 4+ 4 5+ 5 6+ 5 5+ 4 4+ in shakes with a metronome set to 80bpm, holding each shake for 2 beats

Tongue Block Study 2 Slap Exercise (L2)
Play 4+ 4 5+ 5 6+ 5 5+ 4 4+ with a metronome set to 80bpm, holding each note for 2 beats, performing a slap on each note

Tongue Block Study 2 Slap Exercise (L2)
Play 4+ 4 5+ 5 6+ 5 5+ 4 4+ with a metronome set to 80bpm, holding each note for 1 beat, performing a slap on each note

12 Bar Blues (L2)
Play ROOT NOTES with the Charleston Rhythm to a 12 Bar Blues jam track
Reference: Accompaniment Study 2: “Charleston Rhythm” playing Example 1.12 (Longer Hold for V-IV-I and Turnaround) to “I Want You with Me” Jam Track

12 Bar Blues (L3)
Play the 3RD of each chord with the Charleston Rhythm to a 12 Bar Blues jam track

12 Bar Blues (L3)
Play the 5TH of each chord with the Charleston Rhythm to a 12 Bar Blues jam track

Hole Changes (L3)
Play to a 12 Bar Blues jam track (“Temperature” or “I Want You with Me” are good choices), restricting yourself to HOLE 1. Play a note that matches each chord as they come.
Reference: Accompaniment Study 2, Ex. 2.1

Hole Changes (L3)
Play to a 12 Bar Blues jam track (“Temperature” or “I Want You with Me” are good choices), restricting yourself to HOLE 2. Play a note that matches each chord as they come. If a note is not available for a particular chord, move up or down one hole, and then come back.
Reference: Accompaniment Study 2, Ex. 2.1

Hole Changes (L3)
Play to a 12 Bar Blues jam track (“Temperature” or “I Want You with Me” are good choices), restricting yourself to HOLE 3. Play a note that matches each chord as they come. If a note is not available for a particular chord, move up or down one hole, and then come back.
Reference: Accompaniment Study 2, Ex. 2.1

Hole Changes (L3)
Play to a 12 Bar Blues jam track (“Temperature” or “I Want You with Me” are good choices), restricting yourself to HOLE 4. Play a note that matches each chord as they come.
Reference: Accompaniment Study 2, Ex. 2.1

Hole Changes (L3)
Play to a 12 Bar Blues jam track (“Temperature” or “I Want You with Me” are good choices), restricting yourself to HOLE 5. Play a note that matches each chord as they come. If a note is not available for a particular chord, move up or down one hole, and then come back.
Reference: Accompaniment Study 2, Ex. 2.1

Hole Changes (L3)
Play to a 12 Bar Blues jam track (“Temperature” or “I Want You with Me” are good choices), restricting yourself to HOLE 6. Play a note that matches each chord as they come.
Reference: Accompaniment Study 2, Ex. 2.1

Bending (L3)
3 Draw Bend
1) SLIDE SLOWLY from 3 to 3” and back up
2) GO DIRECTLY TO EACH BEND playing 3 3’ 3” 3’ 3
Use HarpNinja (or similar app) to VISUALLY confirm your bend accuracy.
Remember to hump more of the front of your tongue (further forward in your mouth) for the 3’ and hump more of the back of your tongue (further back in your mouth) for the 3”

Bending (L3)
3 Draw Bend
1) SLIDE SLOWLY from 3 to 3” and back up
2) GO DIRECTLY TO EACH BEND playing 3 3’ 3” 3’ 3
Use a piano or any pitch-generating app to AUDIBLY confirm your bend accuracy.
Remember to hump more of the front of your tongue (further forward in your mouth) for the 3’ and hump more of the back of your tongue (further back in your mouth) for the 3”

Bending (L3)
2 Draw Bend
1) SLIDE SLOWLY from 2 to 2” and back up
2) GO DIRECTLY TO EACH BEND playing 2 2’ 2” 2’ 2
Use HarpNinja (or similar app) to VISUALLY confirm your bend accuracy.
Remember to hump more of the front of your tongue (further forward in your mouth) for the 2’ and hump more of the back of your tongue (further back in your mouth) for the 2”. Some players find it helpful to drop the jaw

Bending (L3)
2 Draw Bend
1) SLIDE SLOWLY from 2 to 2” and back up
2) GO DIRECTLY TO EACH BEND playing 2 2’ 2” 2’ 2
Use a piano or any pitch-generating app to AUDIBLY confirm your bend accuracy.
Remember to hump more of the front of your tongue (further forward in your mouth) for the 3’ and hump more of the back of your tongue (further back in your mouth) for the 3”

Bending (L3)
1 Draw Bend
1) SLIDE SLOWLY from 1 to 1’ and back up
2) GO DIRECTLY TO THE BEND playing 1 1’ 1 without slurring
Use HarpNinja (or similar app) to VISUALLY confirm your bend accuracy.
Remember to hump more of the front of your tongue (further forward in your mouth) for the 3’ and hump more of the back of your tongue (further back in your mouth) for the 3”

Bending (L3)
4 Draw Bend
1) SLIDE SLOWLY from 4 to 4’ and back up
2) GO DIRECTLY TO THE BEND playing 4 4’ 4 without slurring
Use HarpNinja (or similar app) to VISUALLY confirm your bend accuracy.
Remember to hump more of the front of your tongue (further forward in your mouth) for the 3’ and hump more of the back of your tongue (further back in your mouth) for the 3”

Bending (L3)
6 Draw Bend
1) SLIDE SLOWLY from 6 to 6’ and back up
2) GO DIRECTLY TO THE BEND playing 6 6’ 6 without slurring
Use HarpNinja (or similar app) to VISUALLY confirm your bend accuracy.
Remember to hump more of the front of your tongue (further forward in your mouth) for the 3’ and hump more of the back of your tongue (further back in your mouth) for the 3”

Bending (L3)
1 Draw Bend
1) SLIDE SLOWLY from 1 to 1’ and back up
2) GO DIRECTLY TO THE BEND playing 1 1’ 1 without slurring
Use a piano or any pitch-generating app to AUDIBLY confirm your bend accuracy.
Remember to hump more of the front of your tongue (further forward in your mouth) for the 3’ and hump more of the back of your tongue (further back in your mouth) for the 3”

Bending (L3)
4 Draw Bend
1) SLIDE SLOWLY from 4 to 4’ and back up
2) GO DIRECTLY TO THE BEND playing 4 4’ 4 without slurring
Use a piano or any pitch-generating app to AUDIBLY confirm your bend accuracy.
Remember to hump more of the front of your tongue (further forward in your mouth) for the 3’ and hump more of the back of your tongue (further back in your mouth) for the 3”

Bending (L3)
6 Draw Bend
1) SLIDE SLOWLY from 6 to 6’ and back up
2) GO DIRECTLY TO THE BEND playing 6 6’ 6 without slurring
Use a piano or any pitch-generating app to AUDIBLY confirm your bend accuracy.
Remember to hump more of the front of your tongue (further forward in your mouth) for the 3’ and hump more of the back of your tongue (further back in your mouth) for the 3”

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Thu, 01/20/2022 - 22:17
#3
brshoemaker
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Joined: 05/06/2020
Thank you

David, thank you for taking the time and putting together your above response.  I didn't get that detailed with the flash cards I made.  Now I realize I should have spent more time on this.  The last 6 or 7 months I haven’t been able to touch a harmonica and I now realize I could have been working with the flashcards.  Dope slap to the back of my head.

Thank you,

Brian in Tennessee

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Thu, 01/20/2022 - 22:26
#4
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Yeah, I went pretty deep. My

Yeah, I went pretty deep. My plan is to someday set this up with a company where you can direct order actual cards to make it real easy. For now, text will do. I'm also doing an intermediate card deck if you would like it.

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Fri, 01/21/2022 - 00:28
#5
brshoemaker
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Joined: 05/06/2020
that would be great

An intermediate card deck q/a would be great at your convenience. 

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Fri, 01/21/2022 - 08:19
#6
David Barrett
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Joined: 12/20/2009
Okay... working on it now.

Okay... working on it now.

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Fri, 01/21/2022 - 20:30
#7
PJR
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Joined: 01/21/2022
WHICH harp for fundamentals?

I'm only a week into harmonica with almost no music/instrument experience.  I've been learning to tongue block etc on a 30-year old harmonica. I'm ready to get serious. New Hohner C Special 20 arrived today. First lesson on this site says "You'll need an A harmonica ..." I'm not ready to buy a new/different harmonica. Can I do it with a C instead?

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Sat, 01/22/2022 - 08:30
#8
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Welcome to the site PJR.

Welcome to the site PJR. There is an intro lesson for those with only the C Harmonica, and it's found here http://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/c_harmonica_intro_lesson. After this lesson, if you decide to continue, you'll need to pick up an A Harmonica (this C Harmonica study will keep you busy for 2-3 months, so there's no hurry). Best wishes on your studies.

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Mon, 01/24/2022 - 13:44
#9
mtnhank
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Joined: 08/18/2020
note names flash cards

Wow David, this is above and beyond the call of duty. I almost missed out on these outstanding ideas. I happened to be posting another question and caught your reponse.

Thanks so much David, now I had better get busy, huh?

Note: This would be welcomed as part of the support material in the accompaniment sections, I am sure.

Hank

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