Memorizing licks
Hi there, im finding learning new licks and memorizing them a real challenge. Can anyone give me any tips on how i can build up harp vocab or point me in the right direction. i've been learning chorus forms, but im getting a little bit bored of playing the same licks. I really can't see myself having lots of licks stored that i can pull out.Does anyone know of any good blues licks books/ebooks, as im eager to learn.
thanks.
Mark
Hi Mark
It is a real challange. Here's what I do when I come across a lick that "I can't live without learning,"
1) Isolate the lick on The Amazing Slowdowner & play it over and over and over and over again.
2) Write out the lick -- quarter notes, rests, dotted half notes, etc. so it's captured
3) Then do a three step: play it on the Slowdowner / hum it 3 to 4 times / play it on the harp once. Repeat this cycle until I'm dizzy.
I did this for Improvising Study 4: V-IV-I Transitions and worked with just one lick per month.
If you can't sing it, you won't be able to play it.
Hi Mark,
I've been listening to blues music as much as possible. Not only harmonica players, because I can learn a new licks from guitar, saxophone etc. And when I like a phrase, which doesn't seem to be too difficult, I learn it by ear, play it a couple of times and either write sheet music, or just record it on my phone.
This works for me quite fine.