advanced

In Ryan's latest lesson he plays the Bending Study 5 song "Half Steppin'" for my review, learns the fine points of blow bending and we finish Accompaniment Study 9, Due playing. In our next lesson we'll dig into 1st Position playing.

In Ryan Walker’s latest lesson at BluesHarmonica.com we work on his half step bending control (Bending Study 5) and charting a John Garcia 8 bar blues song (Accompaniment Study 9, Duo Playing).

Yesterday’s long story was for the students that are reaching into the upper levels of the intermediate material or are just hitting the advanced material on the site. You’ll be working hard, wrestling with new and challenging techniques and making great progress towards your goal of becoming a great harmonica player. Your hard work will pay off by eventually being able to play these new techniques. Most likely the challenges of rhythm will keep you busy a bit longer, and this is common. continue reading...

I started sparring in martial arts tournaments as soon as I was allowed to (gold belt). I would often win my division, moving on to compete for grand champion, but always losing to the blackbelt division winner... no surprise there.

My story for you today starts with me just receiving my red belt, the second belt in the advanced ranking of belts. Though I was studying advanced material, my skill set was essentially still that of an intermediate student. My form and application were ugly, but of course I didn't know it... I was an advanced student! continue reading...