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 :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

shuffle

5 replies [Last post]
Wed, 12/28/2011 - 20:48
neckeharp
neckeharp's picture
Offline
Joined: 12/26/2011

many times i heard the word "shuffle" in blues but what really defines a shuffle...why not say simple a blues...or is diferent...can anybody tell me why? and somebody explains his estructure. Thanks!!! very nice videos david.
NIcolas

Top
Wed, 12/28/2011 - 21:25
#1
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

Go to Lessons > Performance Training: Groove > Shuffle

Top
Wed, 12/28/2011 - 21:57
#2
neckeharp
neckeharp's picture
Offline
Joined: 12/26/2011
thanks david...quick

thanks david...quick answer...

Top
Wed, 12/28/2011 - 22:24
#3
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Comment

Sure... watch the whole Performance Training series, you'll find it very enlightening.

Top
Thu, 12/29/2011 - 10:27
#4
neckeharp
neckeharp's picture
Offline
Joined: 12/26/2011
thanks....i already see

thanks....i already see "Performance Training: Groove > Shuffle" and understanding the concept, but how i play a shuffle without a band? i see many videos from people on youtube titles say "shuffle" and is only one guy and his harmonica and some blues pattern. i hope you dont be offend for my many questions. and sorry for my english is not so good haha...

nicolas.

Top
Thu, 12/29/2011 - 11:14
#5
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

No worries, I'm here to help. To understand how a Shuffle can work with one person, we should understand how it works with a band.

There are two eighth notes per beat... one gets the first half (50%) of the beat and the other eighth the second half of the beat (50%). This is how eighth notes are treated in a Rock Beat, Rhumba, Funk, Tramp, Mojo Beat, etc.

What's called swing-eighths is where the downbeat (when your foot is on the floor) is worth 2/3 of the beat (66%) and the upbeat (you guessed it, when your foot is up in the air) is slightly later in time and worth 1/3 of a beat (33%). This is what's used for slow blues, shuffles and swings. A Shuffle is generally medium in tempo... not too slow and not too fast.

So, a general definition is that a shuffle is medium in tempo and uses swing eighths. Examples 2.1 through 2.3 in the Solo Harmonica Study 1 are good examples of something a harmonica player would call a "shuffle" groove... in this case playing a bass line, though generally speaking, it can be any medium-tempo'd groove that uses swing eighths.

Top

Sign me up!

The low monthly subscription of $16.95 gives you full access! We accept major credit cards and PayPal.

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 - 2022 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com