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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

scales,patterns, & bending exercises #2

1 reply [Last post]
Wed, 04/18/2012 - 20:03
Tommy Hutch
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Joined: 09/26/2010

......David...Recently purchased this Mel Bay Book and am having problems trying to make a study plan that is beneficial to my improvising goals. Any suggestions at creating study with the Major Pentatonic Scales?

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Wed, 04/18/2012 - 22:22
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

The Major Pentatonic Scale is one of the two scales I have my students memorize... a great scale. Memorize it, playing up and down the harmonica at whole note speed (4 beats), half note speed (2 beats), quarter note speed (1 beat), eighth note speed (1/2 beat) and triplets (1/3 beat). For improvising, work the first three holes for a couple weeks... then the first four holes... then holes 4 to 6... then 1 to 6... then 6 to 10... then the entire range. Focus on the 2nd Position scale first, then you can experiment with 1st, then 3rd.

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