classic recordings muddy waters and little walter harp harmonica

Your speech...
1) Key of "E"
2) "Swing" ...with ii-V-I if they ask...
3) "From the I" (One Chord)

Make sure to listen to the song in your head for a moment before counting the band in... otherwise you'll most likely count in too fast. continue reading...

His use of dynamics in this chorus is really great. Note the punctuated 2 draws at the end of the first line. The rhythm after the ii7 chord (going into the 10th measure) can be tricky. Also note that most of the 3 draws use dips… a technique often overlooked.

Transcription: http://www.bluesharmonica.com/sites/bluesharmonica.com/files/rocker_-_li...

The rhythmic breathing used between the three draws here will have a large part to do with your success of learning this line. Rhythmic breathing helps to keep your playing in time and promotes good placement of syncopated notes (notes on the upbeat). Note that all blow notes are on the downbeat… this is key. This is an excellent example of Little Walter’s rhythmic playing on the low end of the harmonica.

Transcription: http://www.bluesharmonica.com/sites/bluesharmonica.com/files/rocker_-_li...

The biggest challenge in this chorus will be the rhythm. Note that the first lick starts on the second beat (David Waldman speaks of this in his interview)… resist the urge to start on the downbeat. Note the rhythmic breathing between the main licks, play these softly. Generally speaking, slap the notes found on the 4th hole and above (minus the 16th notes… listen to the recording and use your ears to tell you where he slaps). The sixteenth notes used in these first two licks are similar to glissandos, so play them fast, focusing on where each start and end point is. continue reading...

The time you spent working on pulls for the first chorus (or pucker-pulls) will pay off here as well. Note the jumping from note to note… the disjunct nature of this chorus is killer and thus very challenging. Look at the notation carefully and make note of the use of pulls, rhythmic breathing, shakes and glissandos. Using a program like the Amazing Slow Downer or Transcribe to slow the music down will be extremely helpful here.

Transcription: http://www.bluesharmonica.com/sites/bluesharmonica.com/files/rocker_-_li...

Now that you've had some time to dig into the multiple versions of "Rocker," here's the transcription of the original by Little Walter for you. Enjoy your time studying this, it's a fantastic example of his rhythmic work on the lower holes of the harmonica. File: http://www.bluesharmonica.com/sites/bluesharmonica.com/files/rocker_-_li...

Little Walter set the standard for how to accompany guitar and vocals. His best work was with Muddy Waters.

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