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Let's now work on a new lick. Play the following blues lick on the D Harmonica in Second Position...

D Harmonica (2nd Position): 3' 3" 2 1 2

Work out where this lick will happen on the G Harmonica (for 3rd Position) and the A Harmonica (for 1st Position). Which position is easier for you to play and which version sounds best to YOU?

Let's now talk about the first note for each position...

1) 1st Position: A Harp - 6+
A) Single note
B) Slap
C) Flutter
D) Octave (3+/6+)

2) 2nd Position: D Harp - 4
A) Single note
B) Dip (start bent and release quickly)
C) Addition of 5 (bluesy/dirty)
D) Shake (4/5)
E) Slap
F) Flutter
G) Octave

3) 3rd Position: G Harp - 6
A) Single note
B) Dip
C) Addition of 7 (VERY dirty)
D) Shake (6/7 VERY dissonant, but we do use it now and again)
E) Slap
F) Flutter

Transcription and MP3 recordings are now up for the new Repertoire Builder song "Take It Easy Now." If you've finished Bending and Tongue Blocking Studies 2 then give this song a try, it's a real nice slow blues in G (C Harmonica in 2nd Position) with tons of great dynamic use.

Let's look a little deeper into these position licks...

1) 1st Position Lick: A Harp - 6+ 6+ 5 5+ 4+ 4+ = 5 blows and 1 draw

2) 2nd Position Lick: D Harp - 4 4 4+ 3 2 2 = 5 draws and 1 blow

3) 3rd Position Lick: G Harp - 6 6 6+ 5 4 4 = 5 draws and 1 blow

Again, play them and ponder on the pattern as you play them...