Tip of the Day

Though Steve includes standard blues grooves in his jam tracks, where his series really excels is in their inclusion of songs that are bluesy in nature, but have elements of other musical styles. This also includes challenging keys, grooves and chord progressions. If you would like to add more diversity to your playing, or would like to start the process of learning how to deal with non-standard blues songs, this is a great series. More can be learned about the series here http://www.stevebaker.de/books_en_46.html

The Ultimate Jam Track series is another great collection of killer blues backing tracks. Like Jimi Lee's jam tracks, the musicians are steeped in the tradition of the blues and are inspiring to play with. There are three CDs available and they're all great http://www.ultijamtracks.com/blues.html

One of my favorite jam tracks with common blues grooves (designed to be generic so that they can be used with a wide range of songs) is Jimi Lee's "Every Groove a Bluesman Needs To Know." 31 tracks are included with PDF description of each groove. Download or physical CDs can be ordered here http://www.jimileeband.com/jam_tracks/

I often get asked by harmonica students if a jam track exists for a given song. Jam tracks, by design, are specific to common grooves, but intentionally vague so that they can work for many different types of songs. Some songs are famous due to their uniqueness... "Baby Scratch My Back" for example by Slim Harpo. For songs like these, specific jam tracks are needed. For these songs BluesHarpTracks.com is the place to go. If they don't have the song you're looking for, email Shoji, you may be able to pay him to make one for you.

And now for the fourth point of the 4-Point hold...

The webbing of skin between your thumb and forefinger creates a nice backstop for the left side of the harmonica. The location of where you place the corner of the harmonica depends on the size and shape of your left hand, but the general ideas is simple... allow a little bit of the rear, left-hand corner of the harmonica settle into that area at some point so that it prevents the harmonica from sliding away from your mouth as you play. continue reading...

The basic 2-Point Hold has the position of the forefinger (A) on the top and thumb (B) on the bottom, but there's nothing stopping the harmonica from pushing away from your mouth as you play. In today's picture note that the middle finger (C) is behind the harmonica, between the comb and upper cover plate. This gives you a 3-Point Hold, making for a more secure harmonica and relaxed holding hand. continue reading...

Yes, you can just pick up the harp and play, but since we're studying how to play well, why not use a hold that's more stable and minimizes fatigue? Let's start today by looking at the basic 2-Point Hold (Pic 1 - 2 Points Contact.jpg). Note the position of the forefinger (A) on the top and thumb (B) on the bottom. Look at this, and then look at your hold and study how other parts of your hand (we're only talking about your left hand right now) may assist you in this hold. continue reading...

Bluest Blast Magazine 7/23/15
Blues Harmonica Interview with Deak Harp
http://www.bluesblastmagazine.com/issue-9-30-july-23-2015/

I'll be happy to work with students at Joe Filisko's Teach-In each afternoon starting Thursday 8/13. I'll also be performing with a list of great harmonica players at the Wednesday Night Variety Show (PT Gazell, Jerry Devillier, Buzz Krantz, Brandon O. Bailey, Johnny Bishop, Will Scarlett, Dale Spalding and James Gordon) as well as the Saturday Morning Gospel & Country Seminar (Eric Noden, Phil Duncan, Mo Vint, Jimi Lee, TJ Klay and Todd Parrot).

If you would like to register, visit http://spah.org

See you all soon!

Richard Sleigh has written an article to help students of BluesHarmonica.com understand the premise behind the customization of harmonicas for overbending. You'll find it on this page, under the support material listing http://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/bending_study_8_overbend_study_1_t...