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In this newsletter (PDF link below), we dig into one of my favorite 3rd Position songs, “Telephone Blues” by George “Harmonica” Smith (this is the b-side to the transcription we looked at in the last issue). I announce the 20th Anniversary Harmonica Masterclass Workshop (hope to see you there!). I’ll also share some very cool video and audio interviews of “yours truly,” and some great new interviews at BluesHarmonica.com with two of my favorite players, Kim Wilson and Mitch Kashmar. In addition, there are links to some cool new recording and Internet finds. continue reading...

Each day I’ll talk about one chorus of Rocker. This opening chorus (head) is what really brings the listener into the instrumental. Using an AAA Chorus Form helps to solidify the theme in the listener’s mind. The upbeat pulls (many fail to notice them at this speed) and 2 draw bends will take some time to play at this tempo. Though Little Walter tongue blocked this chorus, if you’re a pucker player you can play this passage using the “pucker-pull” for the upbeat chords. continue reading...