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Join Joe Filisko again for his latest insight... the Exhale Push and Nose Push lesson.

Here are the common ways in which to articulate a chord on the harmonica. Keep in mind that these articulations are not embouchure-specific. In other words, these are articulations that both pucker and tongue block players can use when playing a chord, such as draw or blow holes 1 2 3 (as seen in Ex. 1.2 of Solo Harmonica Study 1 on the site).

1) HA - Not a true articulation (you have to close off the airstream momentarily to be a articulation), but is one way in which we create differentiation between a stream of similar pitches (think Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha....) continue reading...

Here's how I'd change the lick that we've been looking at...

D Harmonica (2nd Position): 3' 3" 2 2" 2 = Even more bluesy now (2" is the flat-7th... a bluesy note) and keeps all the notes in a draw (good for speed)

G Harmonica (3rd Position): 5 5+ 4 4+ 4 = More bluesy and WAY easier to play... you can also play a two-hole split (octaves for some) the entire time

A Harmonica (1st Position): messes this lick up... sorry 1st Position, you're out of contention for this lick!

Let's now talk about your new lick in for position...

D Harmonica (2nd Position): 3' 3" 2 1 2 = This is a very doable lick... standard bluesy bending on the harmonica... using all draw notes to achieve maximum bluesy potential with bending... your skill level in bending needs to be high though, so it may not be the right choice. continue reading...