How To Build a Blues Harmonica Solo Part II

In this one of my harmonica lessons, "How To Build a Blues Harmonica Solo Pt. 2" we continue exploring some ideas of how to create and build a great modern blues harmonica solo. I'm on a Lee Oskar C harp, playing cross-harp (2nd position) over a 12-bar blues in the key of G.
Sorry it's been so long! It's been almost a year since I shot this video! So much has changed. I've been so busy producing original music. Here is my first single, in case you haven't heard it yet: • Leave Me by Nowelo
And more music from my blues rock rap duo, Nowelo, is on it's way! Thanks for your support!
Before I laboriously transcribe and tab this video out, let me just say that I'd venture to guess that less than 1% of what I play on the harmonica I learned from reading tabs. Music is about listening, so remember to always use your ears. Keep them wide open! Practice listening well.
If you know how to play the blues scale, then I'd recommend going thru this video pausing often and learning by ear. There are so many nuances that could never be communicated through the crude tabs presented here. Also, an app like the Amazing Slower Downer can help immensely in learning your favorite music on your own, by slowing it down.
Having said that, here are the harmonica tabs in c:
Opening lick of the video: 1- 2- 3-(h) 4+ 4- 4-(h) 3- 2- 2-
Simple phrase: 1- 2- 1- 2- 2- 1- 2- 3-(h) 2-
4(h)- 4- 4-(h) 3(h) 2- 2-
Trill: 4- 5- (bending down and releasing) 4-(h) 3-(h) 2- 2- 2-(W) 2-
2- 3-(h) 2- 3-(h) 4+ 3+ 4+ 4-(h) 3+ 4-(h) 4- 4-(h) 3-(h) 2- 1- 1+ 1- 2-3-
talking about climax and space and whatnot
1- 2+ 2- 1- 2+ 2- 2- 1- 2+ 2- 2+ 2-
The next 2 licks I'm bending into the note on every draw 4:
slide up 4- 4- 4- 4- 4- 4- 4- 4- 4-(h) 4- 4-(h) 3- 2-
4- 4- 4- 4- 4-(h) 3- 2- 2-
slide up to 5- 4- 4-(h) 3- 2- 2- (i play this lick several times)
5-5-5- 5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5- 5- 4- 4-(h) 3- 2- 2-
trill 4-5- 6- 6- 6- 6- 6+ 5- 4- 4-(h) 3- 2- 2-(w) 2-
I believe this was actually the video I was intending to reference.
• Harmonica Bascis XX - ...
The "Breaking Out of the Box" video explores a James Cotton lick that centers around the 8 hole. Here it is anyway:
www.youtube.co...
Here is the lick demonstrating using the 6- to build intensity from a trill.
Trilling on -4-5 with a crescendo (meaning getting louder) and saying "oi oi oi"
6-(h) 6- 6-(h) 6- 6-(h) 6- 6-(h) 6- 6-(h) 6- 6+ 5- 4- 4+ 5-(h) 5- 5-(h) 3- 4-
2-3- 2-3- 2+3+ 4-5- trill (oi oi oi) 4- 4-(h) 3-(h) 2-
6- (oi) 5- 4- 4- 4-(h) 4- 4-(h) 3-(h) 2- 2-
Principles of building a solo:
1. Make a statement (or ask a question?)
2. Leave space
3. Embellish the statement (or answer the question.)
4. Ideas for embellishment/motivic development:
-state the phrase higher or lower (starting on a different note, but following the same intervallic pattern.)
-add a note(s) or remove a note(s) to or from the phrase
-change the rhythm of the phrase by what beat you start it on
-change the rhythmic relationship of the notes (play the phrase faster or slower.)
2-(W) 2- 2-
in a 12/8 groove like this, consider there are 12 different places you can start a phrase. Counting like this:
1-trip-let 2-trip-let 3-trip-let 4-trip-let
(You can start a 3 note phrase on the downbeats 1,2,3,4, or you can start the phrase on a "trip" or a "let" of any of those beats.)
2- 2-(W) 2- 2- 2-(W) now adding note- 2-(W) 2- 3-(h) 2- 2-
2-(W) 2- 3-(h) 2- 2- 3-(h) Trill 4-5- 5- 5-(h) 3- 4- 4-(W) 3-(h) 2- 2- (oi)
If you don't understand what I mean by going to the IV chord, or don't feel like you've complete mastered and internalized the 12 bar form, watch this video: • Harmonica Basics XIV -...
1- 1- 4+ 4- 3-(h) 2- 1- 1- 1- 4+ 4- 3-(h) 2-
5- 4- 4-(h) 3-(h) 2- 2-
4- 4-(h) 3-(h)
4- 4-(h) 4- 4-(h) 3-(h)
3- 4+ 4- 4-(h) (i repeat this a lot) 3- 4+ 4- 4-(h) 3-(h) 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2-(w) 1-
If you have any further questions, leave a comment for the video or connect with me via
My website: ww.true-lp.com
Facebook: / playatharmonica
Instagram: / truth_musiq
Twitter: / funkyharp

[@rickalexander1792]

This has been extremely helpful. Thank you for making these videos, you do a great job teaching as well as playing harp.

[@CrazyKanuckk]

Great follow up on the first one!!! Thanks for putting the Tabs in the description. You're awesome man! Keep up the amazing work!

[@goldtoothcat4578]

Hey there good to see you back playa t .love this type of lesson .keep on trucking brother

[@rica6132]

dude, this is by far the best vid i've seen. Being on the beginners side, i've been around most of the vids, and i feel that sticking to this one will help any beginner to do the leap from noise to a meaningful playing. thanks a lot

[@AviAdir]

Thanks a lot! My favorite blues harmonica lesson! Perfect!

[@knuckandfenn]

This is hard to explain, I just LOVE the blues! However for some reason I have an awful time remembering the melody.If I listen to say an Elton John song the melody stays in my head.If though I learn a blues rift, I have to hear it played, before I remember it again.It so frustrating and I'd love to know why.I love this guy he's brought me to a place where I can actually build a simple blues solo.Cant tell you how happy it's made me..so a big thank you.

[@R-E-D-E-M-P-T-I-O-N]

man your really good, makes it sound so easy.

[@angelinacanales7649]

I play gospel music, so I want to learn to bend on this type of music.:-)

[@mcvilllain]

You make it sound so damn easy but this instrument is so damn hard

[@williamrunte2542]

this is great stuff and what I need to work on. Thanks!!

[@ShampooWow]

Nice video! I like it

[@johnweaver6904]

Nice 1 mate 👍

[@patrickmills8412]

Thank you Luke, I really appreciate your help with learning the harmonica blues scale,the blues expression with the unique music instrument is awesome

[@BOCHO8901]

Thank my friend you're kind guy....I' ve learned about you many solos

[@doniwidiantono1175]

Thank you for the lessons.. you make me feel like a pro.. good on you..

[@ThomasHaggerty-q3w]

Very helpful. Good method of getting your message across. Thanks Tam.

[@surajdubey730]

Thank you so much for these lessons. I spent a lot of time learning the scales, the bends, blow bend and such techniques. But learning the techniques didn't necessarily mean I could make good music. To do that you need to understand how music works, which I got from this vid. This has been an an eye opener to me. Thanks again with love from India.

[@amedeebelfodil428]

Thanks a lot for this lesson which is for me one of the best received on the net. Please do not stop your idea !!

[@patrickmills8412]

Very helpful to know what it takes to build a solo and understanding how to tell a story with playing

[@harrymatschat4853]

Hello Lucas, your videos are really great, especially this one. Could you tell me which backing track you used. Greetings from Germany

[@ALP19471966]

So, so cool, thanks simplified and very understandable 1 & 2 video

[@rocketgirllise]

‘Repetition… I can’t repeat it enough’ 😂😂😂❤

[@lwinlwin8995]

I have wish to create blues playing on harmonica. I needs practices to play blues on harmonica

[@nbextremebotting]

holy shi, that's a good lesson! You really got things down

[@christianbernard3797]

Hello Luke, Christian from Canada again. Could tell me the lesson in which you mentioned Victor Wooten as a story teller??? Thank you

[@24HrBusinessFromHome]

Subbed! Thanks for your continued videos!

[@danwilliams8695]

Like your style of teaching. Thanks 🙏

[@enjoyharmonica]

Great lesson, many thanks.

[@FunkyHarp]

Right on, right on!

[@Brykk]

Hey luke, you still around?

[@FunkyHarp]

Hey 02 cents. Yes I am, sir.

[@Brykk]

Cool man. Hope all is well. Just found you a week or so ago and really enjoy your videos. Havent gotten too far yet but i saw you hadnt put anything up in a while and wanted to check. All the best and i really dig the layout of your lessons. I was trying to follow adam gussow and just wasnt connecting with his style. Between you and tomlin leckie, you guys have helped me stay motivated.

[@enriqueiniestaaleman1610]

Cooool!! and useful!

[@jaysewall1]

Great stuff. You're a fine teacher man! (I've been playing and teaching for decades...but always great to get other ideas, or mine from another mouth Lol.)

[@FunkyHarp]

Thanks Jay - have you checked out my single? kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4TbnXhsma53a6M

[@ecalzo]

followed you from harmoica.com to here to learn ..

[@robertbrunston5406]

I like your approach! Thank you.

[@martinhale2894]

A VERY HELPFUL TUTORIAL.

[@rickashton5462]

Man thanks again. You are a great teacher.

[@landztranz]

I love your videos, Lucas! Thank you! Does all this apply to fast blues as well?

[@FunkyHarp]

Aloha. Ah, yes, it applies to fast blues, but, of course, a "long" rest goes by more quickly at a fast tempo. Here's a secret: the faster the tempo, the slower you want to feel the pulse. For example: A slow 12/8 blues you might want to feel the 8th Note (i.e. triplet) pulse. At a quick tempo, you might want to feel the 1/4 note pulse (4 beats/measure) At a fast tempo, you might feel a ½ note pule. (Beats 1 & 3, or, better yet, 2 & 4) At the fastest tempos (300 bpm and up, anyone?) it's helpful to just feel beat 1 of each measure. You'll find if you "feel" the slower pulse, you can play lines in a more relaxed and effortless way with better phrasing. Another good thing to do is take a lick you like and play it as slowly as you can and feel every note and then gradually speed it up and see how fast you can play it. This is good for working on speed, but also has good application in slow and fast blues. People respond to the excitement as you state an idea and then play it faster and faster. Finally, to increase speed, I recommend playing patterns through scales WITH a metronome. The metronome reveals everything.

[@ianpyman5003]

G,day Lucas, great videos, set at a good pace for a beginner like me, really enjoying it. One small question. Are your backing tracks, particularly on your building solo vids avail or are they your own recordings? Can't find them anywhere. All the best from Australia. Ian.

[@FunkyHarp]

Hey Ian - sorry for the delay. Yeah, I actually just played acoustic guitar into a looper pedal for the videos. I could probably make some backing tracks at some point though....

[@JoshuaMurdockSEO]

FunkyHarp wish you would. I’d love to have that loop you where playing. Love your channel brother

[@fatdog_vx]

good vids, where can i get the tabs for some licks like this?

[@FunkyHarp]

The tabs are in the info under the video.

[@B836784]

Finally someone to describe the feelings, makes way more sense!

[@FunkyHarp]

Rock on Jonathan!

[@robertgrey2537]

Thanks!

[@jjmorris1946]

Great lesson.Very insightful. I’ve watched KZbin for years, but this is the first time I ever felt I had to comment.Bravo!!!!!!

[@carneirock]

Muito bom.

[@neakoalves4449]

Merci 🙏🏾

[@LeeAnnClarkRealtor]

The videos are great. By the way if you have a link to purchase the backing track that is on each video I bet you people would buy them, I would buy the backing track to something I wanted to play

[@mathanweinberg9293]

Hi Lucas. Great vid! But how did you play that little trill (on the 4 draw?) in the opening lick? I just can't figure it out.

[@jarrahgilmour86]

Epic video! Really good music theory that isn't shown by other you tubers. Love the space idea. Also stoked that you've broken it all down in the comments section.

[@telecommunicationkev]

Nice work man, appreciate you sharing. Im an advanced player, and cant tell you how much I love lee Oskar! never fails me.

[@oliverstieglitz]

Great lesson, great teacher. Thanks Luke and greetings from Germany.

[@derek6541]

You rock. I love your videos and the style you play. Have tried others but their style hasnt been as swesome. Please keep making videos. Please keep making videos. I have enjoyed the songs you put up but also the theory.

[@dmast3276]

I'm just starting out and I want to know what songs that you can play on the harmonica, or if you're not limited at all. I would also like to know how to play along with other people playing different instruments, looking forward to seeing more of your vids

[@eclecticmusicfan7566]

What is the track you are playing with?

[@FunkyHarp]

I just looped myself playing the guitar...

[@yriysemenov6974]

👍

[@meucapacetemeutemplomyhelm6760]

Lucas, thank you very much for the lessons, there is no more noble profession than that of a teacher! Congratulations on your gift and willingness to help! Hello from Brazil!

[@FunkyHarp]

God bless you.

[@budkilberg9728]

wow, you are special, thanks so much

[@jphrmn]

😇, Lucas, how do you hold your harmonica,

[@jphrmn]

Caleb, how do you hold the harmonica?

[@eljefe8883]

Great lessons,thank you from Germany 😎😎

[@FunkyHarp]

Right on Marlo. Thanks for the note. Glad you liked it! Aloha, from Hawaii.

[@eljefe8883]

@@FunkyHarp Have a nice day! 👍🏻🤗🤗🤗

[@bethmurphy6761]

phenomenal teacher! Thanks so much!

[@RedEagle4Y]

Thanks Lucas, it really helped me a lot. Keep giving these explanations on You Tube. Greatings from Holland.

[@FunkyHarp]

Right on. I'm glad to here it. Thanks for the note. I'm doing vids for Harmonica.com now. You might like this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH-2l4yYoaxkpbs

[@robertandjanchartrand707]

Fantastic. One touchstone lesson that I keep coming back to. Thanks from Canada 😊

[@FunkyHarp]

Good man, Robert. Thanks for the note. Keep fighting that good fight! Salute.

[@bladesaint21mr]

You crack yourself up! lol!

[@benzhu4874]

Teach us Blues in my Sleep,please.

[@mrlollipop7132]

Hi, I put this message on a video you did sometime ago, I would appreciate it if you get chance to respond to my questions? Hi, given the time stamp on these videos you may not respond to my message, but here goes, I really enjoyed watching your first two videos and intend to go through them all, but as I am a total beginner without any musical background I just want to ask a couple of things, I've tried using Tab music to play a tune and I almost make it, but struggle if the Tab shows (Blow represented as + & Draw as -) +234 x 3. I presume this is three continuous blows with one breath, and three draws if it indicate so? I am wondering if I need to be counting the beat like you would with a guitar? This is probably such a naff question, but I wanted to be sure. I haven't even begun to do bending or anything like that, this is my routine, so I would appreciate your opinion, I warm up by just blowing and drawing gently for 5 mins or so, then I do the scales again for about 5 mins, then finally I'll have a go at a simple tune. Anyway thanks, keep on keeping on!

[@FunkyHarp]

Hi Robert - I never use a "x3" in my tabs as far as I remember, but, yes +234 would mean blowing all 3 holes, and I'm sure X 3 would mean blowing it them 3 times. Yes, knowing where you are rhythmically is crucial. Your routine sounds great. The most important thing is to listen well. You can rewind the videos often, and keep trying to play along with until it sounds the same. That's how I learned with old Muddy Waters and Sonny Boy Williamson records. I never used tabs. The other super-important thing is to have fun!

[@mrlollipop7132]

Hi, thanks for responding to my post. I may have confused things a little. Yes I did mean x3 meaning blow three times, but here's the thing, I can play the single notes reasonably well, but when I try to put a tune together it just sounds like the individual notes and not the tune. I think I might be going wrong by not playing them quickly enough together? For example if I try playing Please, Please me...6d 6b 5d 5b 5b 4b then 6d 6b 5d 5b 5d 5b 4b it doesn't sound like the tune?

[@diegoantoniotucker9856]

FunkyHarp are you ever going to upload again?

[@mrlollipop7132]

Hi, not sure the above message was for me...I've never uploaded?

[@FunkyHarp]

Hi Robert - harmonica tabs are crude as they don't show the rhythms of what is going on. I recommend trying to use your ears as much as possible, try to play along with the video or song, pausing and going back frequently, and only looking at the tabs if you can't figure out what's going on using your ears. Your practice routine sounds very good. As far as if three articulations are on one breath or three different breaths, it depends on the song, but if say "I'm saying ka ka ka" or "ta ta ta" etc., that would indicate one breath and using some consanant for the individual articulations. Hope that helps! Happy harping!

[@akrougliak]

Thank you

[@FunkyHarp]

You're very welcome!

[@stitchem7]

Thanks, you have helped me correct a slight mistake I was making on the turn around. Peace brother.

[@FunkyHarp]

Sweet. Peace to you to man.

[@sunnyscott4876]

Cool stuff! That's coming from 70 year old lady learning to play ! Thanks for the video !

[@FunkyHarp]

Rock on Sunny!

[@ev9619]

Learned so much from this video - opened the door to a load of sounds I've been searching for. That change to the fifth is awesome. Thanks so much for sharing the knowledge mate x

[@FunkyHarp]

Right on! you're ver welcome.

[@TheKamieloslaw]

Simple true man

[@mikeanthony8368]

Have troubles on one and two bro

[@FunkyHarp]

You mean bending draw one and draw two?

[@mikeanthony8368]

Just hitting them right.. getting there

[@amarinella]

Luke, Id love to know more about Skype lessons.

[@FunkyHarp]

Hey Tony. For sure. Message me thru FB or txt me 808-936-3885

[@zeb2424]

I can't it

[@joaopaulocesar7210]

how to do overblow and overdraw?

[@FunkyHarp]

I havne't been able to learn those techniques yet. Maybe one day.....

[@joaopaulocesar7210]

@@FunkyHarp thank you

[@kevinobrien6837]

excellent

[@jrjagu11]

Please... what does it mean... (h) ?

[@FunkyHarp]

Junior Jose Carlos bend the note down a half-step

[@jrjagu11]

THANKS - OBRIGADO !!

[@shibushiryu]

Def A good teacher ! Pleasure!