Hello Harpsters!
This week we will start to break down my I-chord piece “Boogie On The I”. Utilizing a D Harp in the key of A we will be using mostly the Blues Scale, but really milking these bends. We want to get some dirt on these bends with some distortion, and create tension with how slowly we scoop up on some of these bends. This is an important part for the feel of this tune, especially when it is paired with this rockin’ rhythm guitar. So work on slowly scooping these distorted or dirty bends, and feeling this Boogie groove without it making you breathe too fast. If you are in control of your breath while playing Harp, you will be able to tackle anything!
Have fun with this first section and see you next week for more!
-Dennis Gruenling
Topics and/or subjects covered in this lesson:
Chicago Blues
Print Chords & Tab
D Harp in the Key of A.
Loop 0:00 Introduction to the Series
Loop 3:34 First Verse Run-Through
Loop 4:10 Breakdown of First Section
Loop 7:21 Breakdown of 2nd Section
Loop 9:34 Breakdown of 3rd Section
Loop 10:31 Practice Loop
Loop 11:06 Breakdown of Rhythmic Phrase
Loop 12:09 Practice Loop of First Verse
Loop 12:40 Closing Thoughts
Comments
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That's what I want to hear. I'm a slow-and-steady-wins-the-race kinda guy. So just to hone in on this technique, are you alternating between adjacent holes or what?
Thanks Dennis. This feedback is invaluable.
There are many ways you can vary up any technique, and a tongue trill is no different, but in this case most often I am doing 2-5 draw tongue trill. Tongue trills are usually NOT adjacent holes, which are usually done the "normal" trill way (shaking your head and/or hands), though they can be done with the tongue as well. But also keep in mind, they are also not "clean" tongue trills, so the notes 2 & 5 are not super clean and precise, meaning that I am bleeding in some of the adjacent notes to get more texture and a more chord-like sound.
Thanks. That tongue trill is gonna kill me :)
Haha...you'll be fine! Like any new technique, the trick is to start practicing it SLOWLY, and practice it often, in short practice sessions.
Nice lesson
Hi Dennis,
On the tongue trills, is it a rapid on and off or are you doing something else?
On rhythmic vamp at the end, is there any particular way you're articulating the 1-2 draw chord?
Thanks. I really love the groove. I'm looking forward to working on improvising over the backing track as well as learning what you're doing.
Bill
Hi - for clarification, a "trill" is a quick alternating of two different notes (such as the common 4-5 draw trill) so a tongue trill is not on & off (vamping a chord against a single note), a tongue trill is alternating two notes separated by your tongue...in other words, a tongue trill is a side-to-side movement, whereas a vamp would be on/off with the tongue.
Articulation of the chord is usually similar to a "tut" if you want it sharp and clear.
Thanks, I love working with this groove, and working with just a I-chord track is so important and can be LOTS of fun!!