Hi Harpsters of Sonic Junction! This week, as we tackle chorus 3 of “Keep The Change”, we will add some tonguing techniques and growling, to go along with the changes on 3 draw. If you are not doing so already, please make a regular routine out of practicing your half, whole, and step and a half bends on your 3 draw with a tuner. For blues purposes sometimes these notes are better when they are not exact, but as a musician you want to know where the exact notes are at least, and that will come with practice. This chorus was the first idea I had of this song, and was inspired by saxophone instrumentals from the 1950’s - Enjoy!!
- Dennis Gruenling
Topics and/or subjects covered in this lesson:
Chicago Blues
A Harp in the Key of E.
Loop 0:14 Third Chorus Acoustically
Loop 0:49 Breakdown of First 4 Bars
Loop 3:25 Breakdown of Bars 5 - 8 (IV Chord and Back to I)
Loop 6:15 Practice Loop of First 8 Bars
Loop 6:41 V Chord and Turnaround Breakdown (Bars 9 - 12)
Loop 8:21 Practice Loop of Last 4 Bars
Loop 8:53 Slow Practice Loop of 3rd Chorus
Loop 9:47 Closing Thoughts
Comments
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Just like singing. Thanks.
yes...exactly!!
Hi Dennis,
Those drawn out bends up to and down from the "target" note are a real workout on the 3-hole draw. I've kind of accidentally found that if I very conciously focus my breath into my belly I can get a smoother transition. (Actually Jerry pointed me to this idea a long time ago and I accidentally remembered :) Can you say anything about how you approach breathing and using the diaphram?
For harmonica playing, all of your breathing should be controlled, relaxed, and from your diaphragm. No breathing should be shallow or short "bursts" just from the lungs.