Rick Estrin

Lesson >


Mr. Lee's Mambo


Groove and Simple Chord Pattern

In this initial lesson of the latin beat piece, "Mr. Lee's Mambo" - we're going to focus primarily on the groove and on the simple chord pattern that drives the song. We'll also include the first lick of song so you can see how it lays in the groove. At times when we're not actually, physically playing the chord pattern, we'll still be feeling it and keeping it going - silently, in our heads. Either way, we're going to maintain this feel throughout the song. Once you have this simple rhythm in your head, you'll be on your way to becoming a mambo king!

Rick Estrin

 

 

 

Topics and/or subjects covered in this lesson:
Groove
key of E
A Harp
Rick Estrin
Mr. Lee's Mambo
Mambo

Backing Track

Print Print Chords & Tab

A Harp in the Key of E.

Loop 0:00 Introduction to the Mr. Lee's Mambo

Loop 2:00 Main Groove

Loop 3:28 First Riff

Loop 7:50 Second Riff on I Chord

Loop 8:57 Rhythm Breakdown

Loop 9:48 Closing Thoughts

 

 

 

 

Comments

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Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant May 05, 2018

This is a great song! A real "slam dunk"!!

Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin May 05, 2018

Thanks! I’m glad you dig it. If your hoop work ethic transfers over to learning the harp, you’ll be the best in the world in no time! 😜

Boyd R
Boyd R Dec 19, 2016

what's the difference in the marine band and marine cross over

Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin Dec 19, 2016

The Crossover is a deluxe version of the Marine Band. It's a great harp. It has a sealed bamboo wood comb which is more airtight and water resistant than the standard pearwood comb that comes with a regular Marine Band. Consequently Crossovers are a little louder with a slightly brighter tone. 

Boyd R
Boyd R Dec 19, 2016

I've been with Lee Osker harmonica. Too me it's sounds good, But maybe there is a better kind. What do you play? thanks. And are able to clean it and haw?

Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin Dec 19, 2016

Hi Boyd - I play Hohner Marine Band harmonicas. It's just a matter of personal preference. A lot of people use Lee Oskar harmonicas and are very happy with them. My feeling was, if Little Walter, Sonnyboy, Cotton and Big Walter played 'em, that was what I wanted to sound like, so that was what I wanted to play.

andre Loiselle
andre Loiselle Oct 07, 2016

Hi Rick !! I d like to have your toughts ....

 

Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin Oct 10, 2016

Hey Andre - That's really great! I can tell you're feeling those chords - They're right where they belong - with the right touch too!

Bill Blatner
Bill Blatner Sep 14, 2016

That makes sense.  Thanks.

Bill

Boyd R
Boyd R Sep 13, 2016

I have question. Out of the music you musians play, do you write your music down or memorize it all and just keep it in your head?

Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin Sep 14, 2016

Hi Boyd - Like a lot of blues-type musicians, I play strictly by ear, so I'm often just playing whatever I'm feeling at the time. When I come up with something I need to remember, I generally just play it over and over and hope it sticks. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. Once in a while I cheat and use the "voice memo" app on my phone.

Bill Blatner
Bill Blatner Sep 12, 2016

Hey Rick,

A little off topic but could you give an example of a tear dropper and a straight beat?

thanks,

Bill

Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin Sep 13, 2016

What I would call a straight beat would be something like "Got My Mojo Working" by Muddy or "You Know It Ain't Right" by Little Walter. A tear dropper is the name my friend John "Blues" Boyd calls a slow blues.

Paul W
Paul W Sep 12, 2016

Rick, I'm enjoying this one.  I like the contrasts in this lesson...nice and upbeat contrasting with the blues notes & some shock & awe!  

Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin Oct 10, 2016

Hey! Thanks Paul! Sorry I didn't reply sooner. I just saw this. Keep me updated on your progress and feel free to ask for clarification anytime.

Boyd R
Boyd R Sep 12, 2016

Great song I love it. Can we have a backing track

Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin Sep 12, 2016

Don't worry, Boyd - There's a backing track on the way.

andre Loiselle
andre Loiselle Sep 10, 2016

Deal !!

Terry Church
Terry Church Sep 10, 2016

"Buoyant" is the word I've been looking for!  Thank you for heading me in a direction I want to go.

Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin Sep 10, 2016

Thank you for telling me! Helping people get where they want to go on the harp is what I hope to do here.

Terry Church
Terry Church Sep 09, 2016

I really appreciate this detailed review of the use of the ghost chord........

Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin Sep 10, 2016

Thanks Terry - I find using ghost notes and ghost chords one of the most helpful and useful tools for keeping the groove buoyant. To me, they really help the music to feel alive.

Boyd R
Boyd R Sep 09, 2016

Really nice

 

Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin Sep 10, 2016

Thanks Boyd - Have fun with it!

andre Loiselle
andre Loiselle Sep 09, 2016

So Cool man !!!  the groove ...

 

Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin Sep 10, 2016

Thanks Andre - I want to hear this one next time I see you!

 
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