Figuring out harmonica tunes by ear.
I would like to supplement the great lessons on this site by learning some harmonica tunes by ear. I was wondering if you had any tips on what tunes to start with? Would it be a good idea for a novice to transcribing, to try and pick out the harp on Muddy tunes? Or is there a better way of going about this? I've already figured out most of "Easy" by Big Walter, but I was attracted to the tune mostly 'cuz of it's name being that I am a beginner when it comes to transcribing!
Thanks for the info! I have figured out most of Easy, but I can't play it quite fluidly yet ( Iam using Transcribe which has been a big help)! The Muddy tunes came up 'cuz I'd like to be more of an accompaniment player (I know that sounds strange) off the bat 'cuz I think that I'd be able to fit in with players I know around town a lot easier. Seems to me that when I go to jams around town (I just observe right now), there are some harp players that can solo ok, but nobody seems to be able to back anyone up at all (they just stop playing or try to chug chords)? I'd personally rather be good at backing people up than being able to rip a solo at this point. So I thought that the Muddy tunes might be a good reference? I'll work on Easy a little longer (might be a little while!) and send it to ya. Thanks for the help!
I LOVE accompaniment playing, and you're right, you're the man at the jam if you know how to support other players. You know I wrote a book on this, right (one of my best books)? http://www.harmonicamasterclass.com/accompaniment.htm
The book was ordered for me for as a birthday gift and I can't wait to get it!
Nice!... good timing ;-)
Yes, start with songs that are more melodic. Easy is a great tune to transcribe for this reason. Muddy Waters songs are a poor choice (Little Walter played most of the cuts on Muddy's tunes and he's one the most difficult players to transcribe). Start by working Easy again (make sure it's as strong as you can get it) and email me a scan and I'll send you MY transcription as a reference. Then try Sharp Harp by George Harmonica Smith. Juke would make sense at that point... that song will be a good challenge.