In this post I talk about the style of John Lee (Sonny Boy) Williamson and why his style is the foundation of blues harmonica playing. I’ll show you one of his basic riffs and a few variations of it. In future posts we’ll go over his other basic riffs, and learn how they fit together.
C Harp in the Key of G.
Topics and/or subjects covered in this lesson:Blues
Jerry Portnoy
Sonny Boy I
John Lee Williamson
C Harp
Key of G
Print Chords & Tab
C Harp in the Key of G.
The sequence of the riff is
- 3 4 draw
- 4 5 blow
- 3 4 draw
- 3 4 blow
- 3 4 draw
- 4 5 blow
- 3 4 draw
- 4 5 blow
- 3 4 draw
- 3 4 blow
- 2 3 draw
OK, hope you enjoyed the post and looking forward to hearing your thoughts and comments.
Comments
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Hi Dariusz,
Thank you for your kind words. I no longer live in Chicago and, now, only perform on rare occasions. I'm so pleased that you ordered my book and I'm sure that you will enjoy it! Unfortunately, there is not an easy way for me to sign your copy. Keep that harmonica in your mouth!
Hi Mr Portnoy !!!
Nice to see you back again. I have seen your YT video with Joe Filisko and Eric Noden advertising your book
" Dancing with Muddy" .
I am getting your book on Amazon today. I will be visiting my brother in law in Chicago on 19 -24 November . Is there any chance to see you in Chicago - performing or not to receive you signature in your book , sir ?
I have been playing harmonica over 13 years and Sonic Junction was my first source of blues . Now I am back here to learn from Yourself and others.
Would you please advise which harmonica model is your favourite ?
Thank you very much for all your care , knowledge , wonderful stories with historic meaning and your one of its kind BLUES !!!
Best Regards !!!
Dariusz " Harpmaniac" in social media :) from Poland .
love sonnyboy 1
Greetings how much practice time do you recommend acoutic and electric?
One important thing about practice is doing it several times a day. So, for instance, if you have an hour a day to practice, it's better to do three 20 minute sessions than one 60 minute session. This will help instilling muscle memory. Always have a goal in mind when you practice. Also, there is no point in practicing with an amp. Good tone is about you and the harp. If you have a great acoustic tone then you'll have good amplified tone. It's never about the electronics.
Nice, I need this!
I just have to say that this is a wonderful experience to have Mr. Portnoy giving me a lesson after hearing him on so many songs over the years. I have cheated and faked my way for so long because I wanted quick results and did not want to learn tongue blocking and many other fundamentals. So now I have a chance to try and actually learn something real and sound like maybe I know what I'm blowing!
Thanks to this site and all involved. C.C.
This is the first Sonny Boy right? Looking for the music.
Good day misterPortnoy,
Have you lessons gratuites? Marylne
Hi Maryln --- we offer two free lessons to try the service. After that you can join with either a monthly or yearly subscription. You can see our Sign Up page for the details
http://www.sonicjunction.com/signup
Thanks and please feel free to use our Contact Us page if you have any further questions.
Hi Jarko .. you're correct. My mistake. Jerry's playing a C Harp in the Key of G. My apologies for the error.
Hi Jerry ! In this video You play on C Harp .
Jerry are you using a "A" harp in most of these lessons? I'm new and can't always figure them out?