?

http://www.pbs.org/theblues/

I think you might find some great artists there.

looks like they have a radio series up now:

http://www.yearoftheblues.../index.asp

Ahh. My forte.

Harmonica keys are the V of the key you're singing in.

A C harp will play blues over the key of G. So an F harp will play blues over the key of C.

Your root note is the third hole from the left. It's a serious challenge at first, but you will pick it up VERY fast if you buy about 3 harps in the main keys of blues, and leave them in your car to play along with a tape or a CD. Main keys in blues are G, E, A, and C, and D I guess. ALTHO, SRV's songs are ALL a step down, so, give it up. Don't expect to play along with no SRV. Go buy a little walter CD and you'll be set.

The initial challenges to blues harp are hitting just a single hole, and bending the notes.

Hitting just the single hole [insert joke here] is pretty easy but will wear your lips out after about 20 minutes. [insert second joke here]. Basically, you gotta make as tiny a circle with your lips. And then tinier than that.

To BEND a note, at least in the lower range (holes 4 through 6) you inhale while making your tounge say the word "you", pulling your tongue BACK. This changes the air as it goes over the reed, which causes the bend. It's a challenge at first but once you get it, you'll be the envy of all your friends... if they value decent harp playing.

For examples of lame harp playing, definitely go check out my classic tunes like SHE'S TOO RICH FOR ME or the horrific soloing of WHAT YOU GONNA DO.

You can find em all, ONLY at www.soundclick.com/ultrasound .

If you want to hear mind boggling playing, check out "HAVE MERCY" - harmonica courtesy of my harmonica mentor, Lindsey "Pimpdog" Mercer. He is the man. In this town, he is a legend.
[This message was edited Fri Oct 17 8:21:31 PDT 2003 by otan]

NF1 said:

Yeah I checked that out last time you mentioned it...I'll be sure to get the DVD boxset once it comes out!

No worries, it's all good ...I know I'm just being lazy. I'll scrutinise my copy of Hoodoo Man Blues when I get home, and see what keys Junior works with.
[This message was edited Fri Oct 17 7:57:13 PDT 2003 by MaggotBrain]

Thanks Otan...I don't have any Little Walter stuff actually (I know, it's a crime). It's also a crime just buying one harp and assuming I'd be able to get on down to most songs!

But...


...after only two days of getting it, I managed to bend some! I had printed out so many different 'explanations' from the web, and eventually sussed it! It was so funny, my first ever bend was really strained, my face was going red and was making the strangest shapes. Now it's pretty much easier...I just really need to practise the scale and licks now.

I'll check out your harmonica work some point soon...by the way I just tried accessing and it gave a 404 no page error, then redirects to the home page?!? Maybe it's just my side of the connection.

Or maybe it's me being a complete 'tardo and not noticing the cunningly placed '.'
[This message was edited Fri Oct 17 8:14:18 PDT 2003 by MaggotBrain]

MaggotBrain said:

yeah. it was the period. I edited it for the masses.

nap time.