David's Tip of the Day: Driving Wheel - Blues Standards

It's always a good idea to include a Jr. Parker tune in a set... he was the man, both on vocals and harp. This song was chosen due to its hook-driven nature, which is the main reason why a song is chosen in a set. Hook-driven songs are unique, helping your set to not get old. The hook of this song is also very playable on the harmonica. Below is the hook on your G Harmonica in 2nd Position.

I7 = 2 2 3 4 5+ 5 5 5+ 4

IV7 = 1+ 1+ 2+ 2 3" 3' 3' 3" 2

V7 = 1 1 2' 3" 3 4+ 4+ 3 3"

When a hook is present it's challenging to play anything other than the hook. Being that it's the main theme, anything other that you play must not get in the way of the hook. Experiment with other things to play, like a 4 draw/5 draw shake under the vocals or playing fills. Experiment and see what works best for you. I personally like to play this bass line, playing softly and cupping the mic well to present a very bassy sounds to match the bass.