Posted Thu, 09/15/2011 - 09:25 by David Barrett Admin
In this final improvising lesson I review the concepts taught in Improvising Studies 1-9 and go into detail about: theory; chorus forms versus free-form soloing; memorized versus improvised solos; perspective for each level of player on improvising; perspective for other styles; recommendations on how to organizing your licks and transcribing.
This is for students who have finished all or for those who like to read the last page of a book first ;-). No harmonica is needed for study... just me japin' continue reading...
Posted Tue, 09/06/2011 - 07:40 by David Barrett Admin
You've learned that many options for articulation exist. Which articulation is correct? That is an answer only history or you can answer. As your instructor at BluesHarmonica.com I will share which articulations work best for a given passage when it's appropriate (I feel it performs the job best or is what a given artist used for an Artist Study for example), otherwise, when I say, "articulate this or that note or chords," I am leaving it up to you on what articulation feels and sounds best for YOU personally... just get the job done.
Posted Thu, 09/01/2011 - 09:23 by David Barrett Admin
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...
Posted Mon, 08/22/2011 - 21:57 by David Barrett Admin
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.