General Discussion

Question of Curiosity....

As you go through your study songs, are you working to commit the songs to memory, without tabs in front of you?

Or even some of your favorite examples from other parts of study?

I've been through LOA3 and admittedly could not go back and play material without song sheets in front of me. Right now I am focusing on BUFFET LINE and really working on memorizing as I learn the choruses.

I'd love to hear how you tackle your studies.

Thanks in advance, Peter

Around the world, the first day of May has a lot of significance. Not least of which is because it's Little Walter's birthday! (1930)

In celebration, post what Little Walter means to your harmonica journey.

Hello,

I´d like to learn more about Blues and Harmonica History, could you advice me for some books ?

Big books, novels, photos etc... any format would be interesting.

Thank you

Hi as a female blues harp player on this website I would love to see an interview with the amazing Indiara Sfair, or Rachel Plas -can only see Annie Raines-surely there are others? 

https://youtu.be/J8KKGZyLXCw?si=s-JIm8aPDKmj4nC5

Hi, I just watched the Billy Boy Arnold interview. He said he plays on the oppisite side of the harp. It looks like Paul Butterfield played the same way. Are they turning the harp upside down and blowing 2nd position instead of drawing on the harp or did they do something with reed plates? Thanks

Multi-part question to all. I have completed L3 in the LOA progression. I am looking forward to spending more time playing, as I really enjoy it!

When it comes to improvising, do you:

* Feel comfortable making up riffs to backing tracks?

* Have you played out at Blues Jams?

* If yes, at what level did you start to feel comfortable doing so?

* Is your improvising consisting of mostly "memorized riffs," or more spontaneous, based on principles you've learned?

I appreciate hearing any of your feedback here! Thank you.

Dear All,

I play in a small group where we have 4 people who sing vocalas, a pianist (primary instrument) and myself on harmonica (secondary). When we have to perform, I walk up to the pianist and ask for the key of the song each time. I have been looking for ways to avoid asking the key of the song. Can anyone advise me how you all go about identifying the key of the song in a band or a set. 

Greetings!

I am helping RJ Mischo organize a harp workshop while he is in Northern California. This event would be geared towards RJ's specialties like groove, tone and dynamics. It would be held on the afternoon of Saturday, May 25 at The Monkey House Theatre near downtown Berkeley. It would be open to beginner through advanced players.

We are considering a roughly 2.5-hour workshop (two hours with one break). We will likely offer a package deal for the workshop and gig happening later that night in the theatre. continue reading...

Hi harmonica fellows!I wanted to know the harmonic and rhythmic differences between Chicago blues and Texas blues. I find that Chicago blues is more simmilar to the jazz swing feel and the Texas variation I think is more rock with the shuffle feel Any thoughts? 

Im working on one of my weaknesses and that is accompaniment and fills. So I want to start actively listening to harmonica accompaniments. Any suggestions for songs with some good easy to hear harmonica comping?

Also if you have any advice or suggestions on comping that would also be appreciated