What's New!

In Improvising Study 1 you learned how to use repetition to create memorable solos and instrumentals. In Improvising Study 2 you learned the art of Focus Notes, Textures and Rhythm. In Improvising Study 3 we focused on the most important and most underused element in conveying emotion... dynamics. In this study we develop your V-IV-I lick vocabulary by building up your chord knowledge and studying almost a 100 licks from great players of the past and present. continue reading...

Joe Filisko is off the road and contributing again to bluesharmonica.com! In this lesson he talks about what skills and approaches are needed to play low-tuned diatonic harmonicas. Joe also speaks of the new Hohner Marine Band Thunderbird Harmonica.

James Harman is one of our great multi-instrumentalists and songwriters of today. In his instrumental "Skeet-A-Little Taste" James gives us a fun taste of playing the Low-F Harmonica in a super-cool shuffle groove. Bending and tongue blocking are at a minimal speed, so this is a perfect study for our intermediate players. continue reading...

Joe continues his song writing study in Lesson 23. In this lesson we work through V-IV-I Transition, Turnaround & Ending licks to use for his instrumental.

- Checking in after Lesson 22
- Lesson 23 - Welcome Back & Getting Started
- Introduction to V-IV-I & Turnaround Licks
- V-IV-I Transition Licks - Part 1
- V-IV-I Transition Licks - Part 2
- Turnaround Licks
- Ending Licks
- Final Thoughts for Lesson 23

Gary Smith continues his insight into songwriting with his blues harmonica instrumental on the Blues for Mr. B CD, "Blues for Mr. B"

In this Improvising Study we dig into the two most important elements of instrumental song writing-the Head and Hook. I also share with you how bridges, hooks and soloing themes can be used to help keep an instrumental interesting, even in the most basic of grooves. This study is for all skill levels, though it is recommended that you have completed up to Bending and Tongue Blocking Studies 2. No harmonica is needed for this study. continue reading...

Gary Smith continues his insight into songwriting with his blues harmonica instrumental on the Blues for Mr. B CD, "South Bay Beatdown."

I'm off to Japan to visit family. I'll check in as I can... have a great week.

Gary Smith continues his insight into songwriting with his blues harmonica instrumental "Just Blew Into Your Town" on the Mountain Top West Coast Blues Session Vol. 1 - Be Careful What You Wish For CD.

Harp player, take a few moments to participate in a poll about the amp you use http://tinyurl.com/3vtc73t provided by Rick Davis, The Blues Harp Amps Blog