How To Build A Blues Harmonica Solo

In this harmonica lesson, I address how to build a great blues solo. The basic concepts are using space, dynamics, and rhythmic creativity. Here are harmonica tabs in C for the 3 ideas for building the solo:
1.) 2- 3- 4+ 4- (oi)
2.) 4- 4-(h) 3- 2-
3.) 4-5- (trill back and forth)

[@tonyweaver8139]

You are naturally cool. Please keep sharing the language of music... Men like you can share your creative gifts and make the world a better place :-)

[@kennethlance8524]

Tony Weaver wow you sure are limited

[@iamme3329]

Kenneth Lance Why would you even say some negative shit to somebody else showing love to somebody else?

[@fljetgator1833]

Kenneth Lance ...k.l... YOU showed the world that YOU sure are a JACKASS

[@paulcook68]

@@fljetgator1833 did he ever.

[@bassguitarmalta]

This guy is naturally charismatic and makes him a great teacher. Thanks for these vids man.

[@walterscanlon7960]

I've been working on the diatonic for years, but your two lessons on improvising are spot on and are the single most small collection of ideas and suggestions are entertaining, not difficult to understand and easy implement immediately. Thanks.

[@lancelotrozario5749]

Your talent is not only in playing but certainly also in teaching.

[@guzuse7199]

Right

[@morganburke2466]

Me: sees video of guy with dark background. Brain: floating head

[@chadsnowball6550]

"Loopa shoopa doopa loopa doopa shoopa la" 😂

[@2696ize]

I actually say this at least once a month.

[@eichelkase1852]

Hey yeah, i wanna LOOPA SHOOPA DOOPA DOOPA LAH baby

[@stever8913]

i just found out your channel. i just started studying harmonica.your videos helped me a lot.. i hope you continue on making harmonica videos.

[@FunkyHarp]

Thanks Steve! For sure. I'm doing vids for Harmonica.com too, so def subscribe over there if you haven't already. Aloha, Luke

[@jelmervanlenteren773]

Cannot hold this bad daddtyish joke so here cokes trouble: it's quite a good thing B.B. King losing that thrill was so harsh on him it made the sound even better. They say artists should suffer in order to excell and that is one of many ways to me, still only the worst of the worst makes the utmost best blues. Not advocating against happy blues of course!

[@RedRooster5881]

what makes this video one of the best is the emphasis of silence and simplicity. the Victor Wooten reference was great. I remember him saying "you speak more when you say less" in one of his videos. this lesson has helped me. thanks.

[@SuperTonytoes]

your a good tutor..............its not what you play its what you dont play thats importent

[@Johann757]

The most space you can leave is not playing at all ;). JK, cool and useful vid, thanks!

[@timtim-hf3ut]

It's so great young guys are keeping this art going..great lesson by the way

[@Hapax007]

I love playing harmonica but I think I'm too self-conscious to play in a band setting ( too insecure maybe ? )

[@kyivline]

Wow! That's just amazing lesson!!! I love it so much I can't tell you!

[@FunkyHarp]

Sweet! Glad you like!

[@garyschraa7947]

that was fuh king cool as fuk . rich man very rich

[@grahampaterson3944]

PATOThank you for the help ,I appreciate it so much.From bonnie Scotland.

[@FunkyHarp]

+Graham Paterson Thanks for the note of appreciation. Aloha from Hawaii. I'm 1/8 Scottish, and have always dreamed of visiting your country.

[@glennmcdaniel4486]

Come on to Alabama man!! We will go on the river boat and you can sit in with some friends who jam the blues.

[@FunkyHarp]

Sounds great! I need to get back down to the South, man! Been too long...

[@jackcrider4469]

man was filming in dark mode before it was cool lmao

[@FunkyHarp]

lol

[@feiming1095]

i suscribe to the channel just because of this video 🎼🎶🎵

[@jerryvan6153]

Don't feel bad :) I did the same thing before even reading the comments. Almost positive this is the first I have seen from this guy. First taste tells me this guy is as valuable as Adam, Jason, Tomlin, Will and Jon.

[@normandube546]

Fei Ming me too!

[@TheHarmonicaBarge]

Excellent description of music as conversation. This is so true and is such a useful analogy when it comes to the art of improvisation.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Like the advice on being 'you' but using the motifs that others have used - we're all different but the same! Keep up the good work :)

[@truthmusiq4000]

Thanks brother. Amen. Unity, not uniformity. You’re THE MAN; You keep up the good work too. You’re such a badass on the harp, and I look forward to meeting you in person some time in the hopefully not too distant future.

[@ikust007]

Loved it . Miss those style of videos from you

[@john-di1mz]

I'm basically a harp learner. I've watched a lot of tutes and there are some true masters out there ...but this one takes the cake for me. You got right down to the very basics of it all and mentioned things I've not heard before. I love the call and answer thing...I was doing that on guitar decades ago and it's really effective, never crossed my mind to try it on the harp though...WTF not l have no idea 🤣 The space is another....l've been trying to jam every possible note into a solo and you're absolutely right....less is more....definitely less is more!! I even found myself laughing along with you...man that's what a teacher should do...have his students hanging on his every word!!! So thank you....and very well done indeed. I'm subscribed now...will come back to this tute again and again.... and will follow you more closely

[@FunkyHarp]

Right on John! thank you so much for the heartfelt note. You're obviously very passionate about your playing and "on the path." Keep up the great work. All the best!

[@MRIBEIROSAX]

It was a great lesson man. I thing in the same way about improvisation. Best wishes!

[@joenguyen9955]

'' EXCELLENT HARMONICA MUSIC TEACHER. THANKS YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR WONDERFUL LESSON . MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ''. FROM JOE NGUYEN, TKTQSVN. WED. 19/4/2017.

[@bensmith8737]

Where is your mic set up? I can't figure out how it picks up your softer notes

[@jecarsoniv]

Your teaching style brought me to tears, man. Fan for life!

[@FunkyHarp]

+Joseph Carson sounds like you're on the true path then, my friend. May God bless and prosper you on the journey! Being an artist is a revolutionary act.

[@lise-annedore8935]

FunkyHarp Passion for the music to move you. Thank you for sharing the stategy on how to let music/ notes grow uncluttered and, come alive by using dynamics , rythym, and simplicity. I've so much to learn and am glad to have one like you to help. 'Can't wait til I can consistently jam well :)

[@indymalee778]

I love the way you teach.

[@christianbernard3797]

OH boy, you are Lucas !! sorry , !! called you Luke on my last note !!

[@truthmusiq4000]

Christian Bernard Luke, Lucas, Truth, Playa T, Harmonica Guy, Ill answer to any of these! Lol...

[@human-connections]

A great music lesson in general. Thankyou honest musician!

[@dfcii8149]

Very good instruction. This is exactly the type of information I feel I need to build the solo I want to be able to play.

[@SzyGrz]

Best harmonica advices ever heard.

[@bradwarrington9307]

You made it all so logical ... Two thumbs up from HCMC.

[@1eddybee]

Good video and from the heart. "The restraint is where the power is ", I like that concept.

[@sunjamrblues]

After watching this, I was so inspired I immediately put on a jamtrack and started playing. And guess what - I was already 100% better than before. Thanks!

[@FunkyHarp]

Woo hoo! That's what I'm talking about. You got this already!

[@philcoyle8746]

Love you videos very informative but simple for me as a beginner 👍

[@NateMyton]

Really awesome man, thanks for sharing. Great explanations, great playing, and just a really friendly and approachable personality.

[@mountainbushcraftersallian8654]

Glad I've followed ya, I'm for sure a Newbie, and you're helping me understand....appreciate it

[@robertandjanchartrand707]

I'm part way on my blues journey and find myself coming back to this video every once in a while. Absolutely fabulous - kind of an all-around lesson. Thanks my friend.

[@FunkyHarp]

Nice. You're very welcome. Rock on!!

[@poolboy0071000]

Fucking awesome lesson!! You included the most important elements of creative playing that others leave out completely! Bravo!!

[@dreadfulldimitri]

Luke is everywhere 😂 But its good actually! Thank you for your efforts and vids 👍

[@MrSkyzzik]

Great as always! glad to have you back!

[@johnweaver6904]

Like it

[@АлексейНагацкий-с3ы]

Aloha! I really like this word though I live in Russia) Good and very usefull lesson, thanx. And thanx for your English, it's very simple and comprehendable for a foreiner, so I can learn languge of music and practice English at once. It's a dream!)) We call it "to kill two hares with one shot". Subscribed on the channel.

[@patrickmills8412]

Luke th as nk you for this most valuable lesson on how to build a solo, once I learned to bend some , and tril, I have a ear for music notes, practicing the blues scale really help to prove my understanding of how to play,

[@andykoch7163]

Ok, so at time stamp (6:11) you say you are drawing on the four, then Bending it down… so do you mean a second Draw with a bend? … then you say sliding to the left… to the 3 and 2… again with-out indicating blow or draw… these instructions would seem helpful. Thanks

[@wendyfitzgerald1180]

Yes. I love your phrasing. I don't know much but, I always tell my grandson to play into the harmonica like he is singing the words in his head I didn't know it worked so well out side of melody.

[@aum3910]

Hi from Australia! Im stoked I've found your tutorials..I dig your charisma and clear explanations. Thankyou

[@mjbminer8381]

COMMUNICATION.... MORE PEOPLE SHOULD TRY IT,,very nice

[@ccwdeuces]

Lucas, Impressive video!! I am learning the language thanks to you!Soon I will have a story , building it with your help!

[@AREYESJORGE]

What a nice fella... THIS WAS SO GREAT! Thank you so much!

[@wahfamilyproductions5297]

Only if I could hang out with you for a day, man that would be sweet. Even if we didn’t talk harmonica you’re perspective of life is awesome

[@jmarsh746]

Awesome stuff man! Thanks! BTW I got the bending in one day thanks to you! Lol

[@ronstar8857]

Excellent advice...as well as commentary. Thanks for the great tips! Best regards, Ron

[@1muddonna]

Great ideas for any instrument, thank you! I'll be checking out your other videos in the future!

[@rodrigomichel2743]

Really really cool .... very constructive for the teaching of improvisation

[@payambehtash7124]

an awesome way for teaching harmonica although you could simply prevent the speech and boring examples in the beginning and start with the lesson

[@hanns-josefdegraaff2667]

Hi Luke I am watching your tutorials most dayly an I have to anounce they are really greate. Today I have seen this tutorial for the first time. The newer tutorials are moore professional and helpfull like this one. The tabs give moor help to deal with the lesson, so it is much easiere to reach the aim, This little 3 ideas gave me moore inspiration than all those other lessons did, but I was shurely not able to transform that technics if there werrent als those other great tutorils Go on and give us moore hopefull hannes

[@timothypatton4106]

hey man i just wanna say i just recently started playin the harmonica (its somethin ive always wanted to learn) and honestly ur videos have helped me way more than any other videos ive seen, seriously!

[@funguy4utube]

You look like you could be Richard Geere’s son! That ain’t bad! Great lesson - thanks 🙏

[@jeffreymorton2475]

Hey man, Just wanted to say well done on a great instructional video. You've presented it really well kept it informative, kept it simple and to the point. I really appreciate the way you've highlighted all the key concepts of cross harp playing. Have been looking for a good blues harmonica learning tool for quite a while and I believe you've provided a great one right here. Thank you so much for your public service.

[@ujopatostrasil]

Dear sir :) I am love blues harmonica so much. I see your videos and your good vibes and your teach style is very good and comfortable for me. Thank you a lot and a good time for you. Of course sub and like for you, sir. Thank you. (Sorry for my english :) )

[@barmud1_385]

thank you for taking the time and effort to do this for the people.. very cool

[@jojosdarkbar2594]

Makes sense to me... I must confess....

[@bodesabioxdd]

Man, I never thought about learning music that way. Thank you very much, sir. That just opened my mind.

[@hmmok.9555]

Is ornge

[@marylinethouvenin1397]

You can't build a blues harmonica solo? You speack, you speack

[@christianbernard3797]

Thank you Luke from Vancouver Canada...Very very useful for an old man who refuses to quit !! Merci mon jeune !!

[@truthmusiq4000]

Christian Bernard My Harmonica Brother - Sweet! Glad it helped you. Never stop playing that harmonica!!!

[@HazardSports]

Your love for music is fun to watch! Great instructor too!

[@manish91294]

Dude ! I am utterly impressed with your teaching. I indeed see eye to eye on every aspect you talked about. I had also started to play guitar solo by just listening. I understand what you are saying. Hope i get better at harmonica too. I am a newbie right now :)

[@douganderson4371]

Thanks for explaining things to where I can understand, thank you

[@peterwhite3815]

Great info for harpists at any stage of development. Thank you

[@jaciobe]

Newbie since Xmas but just cane across your personal channel

[@victoriahinton.vicsplace5141]

Hey how are you can you check out my harmonica songs and give me your opinion on it and give me any tips on how improve my skills

[@crimsonking90]

Wise and clear. Best lesson

[@nerenahd]

Such a cool chap. I'll grab my Sp20s right now.

[@vladaryanov]

Hey! What's model of harmonica used this video?

[@markholtom5822]

Thanks for this- I've been working through your 'Basic' lessons 1-20 for a number of weeks but had no idea of what to do with the skills (?) that I'm learning through you. This is just what I needed. Thank you, you're a great teacher!

[@FunkyHarp]

Nice, Mark! Good for you! Keep up the great work!

[@lalaboards]

Also as my teacher Dave Gage said “ Timing “is NOT a place I’m China

[@glennmcdaniel4486]

Damn dude!! you are awesome! LMAO... I just impressed myself. One problem I have is a short memory, trying to keep up with the hole number to blow and draw to make the music. Thanks for the videos!!

[@FunkyHarp]

Yeah, to be honest, i don't think i really ever learned things from tabs. Best approach is just listen and try to emulate...

[@victoriahinton.vicsplace5141]

But you know what your doing when you play the harmonica how old are you you look young

[@lalaboards]

Mad Cat mic from Shaker microphones great to sing through too .

[@fouKACKA]

Very useful. Thank you!

[@johnconleyrealestatesalesc9856]

I really yenoy your lessons. I would really like it if you would do a video showing how to play the notes fast. I haven't seen any body do that I yet. I am somewhat ,mystified as to hot W to play faster. Thanks again

[@FunkyHarp]

If you wanna play fast, I'd recommend working on the Blues Traveler stuff. That's about as fast it gets: kzbin.info/aero/PLyv42f0OGtPqiFe5kPrqOj5HC6ZCETpgN

[@ansiaaa]

I didn't know The Edge played the harmonica

[@scottwins2]

....makes people to want a cigarette afterwards and I am not a smoker

[@ruthcasement5844]

A man with common sense makes things simple 😊

[@kamillabrito7273]

you are charming and a great teacher! thanks and God bless.

[@rickashton5462]

Simply great stuff, thanks Luke

[@hippielongstocking2099]

Any chance you'd do a Motorhead- Whorehouse blues lesson

[@keithswale2648]

Where did you get the backing track from?..

[@garyadamsgma1495]

Great lesson! I have been missing your lessons!! :)

[@ghostwatching.u]

Wow. Thanks brother. I started in feb of this year.

[@bobnoble9442]

Love the videos! Thank you for the help.

[@MrSocko-bh1jb]

Very enlighgdning! Truly, thank you!

[@scottwins2]

Thank you man, I am a one year now and ready to get some ,meaning going.

[@lvbuckeye]

Greetings from the ninth island! Yo, I listen to a lot of jam bands. Playing one note makes it all that much more powerful, especially if it's between the call and response phrases. I hear tons of prolific soloists employ this technique, though I've never really thought about it the way you stated it. It's like taking time to consider the answer before you actually say it or something. It builds tension, and adds weight, which makes the answer so much more satisfying. Idk. I just fucking love music. Great lesson. Thanks!

[@FunkyHarp]

I'm with you 100%

[@mjbminer8381]

Hey, brother, That was the best lesson yet. From anyone !

[@dobarun1444]

I love your channel . You help me a lot . You are the man :)

[@Edbird]

You are an inspiration! I have found my channel :)

[@SzeColin]

great theories, poor examples...

[@fabianislas929]

Yay! You're finally making more videos