What is Music Theory? What Are Scales? Chords? Arpeggios? WHY?

[@HendersonvilleChiro]

I am a hard core cat with limited understanding of what you are saying. But I am a Pitbull for the love of this instrument. Thanks you for being you and giving of your time and talent!

[@jasonricci]

Thank YOU Doc!

[@jamesmares4206]

I've discovered this myself just through playing. I get better tone, speed and accuracy. Thanks for stating this out front. You are master and I am grateful for the lessons and the commentary

[@jasonricci]

Thank YOU ❤️

[@jamessmith9962]

Dude I absolutely got mad love for you and your flawless way of teaching; I'm really impressed big Dawg. God bless you J.

[@jasonricci]

God bless you and thank you ❤️! Mad love Back!!!

[@jdfolbre]

Good stuff. Everybody says knowing music theory isn't important, but it's essential.

[@jdfolbre]

I now understand what an arpeggio is and how much I don't know but it gives me a direction to go.

[@marybethhempel9101]

Yay!! I am one of your "hard core cats" :-)!! This is an awesome video Jason!! Perfect!! Thank you!! :-) Joined your Patron! I appreciate you Jason!! Thank you again!! :-)

[@Mossy-G]

I had a couple of harmonicas sitting in a drawer for a few years and then, this year, I went to The Upton Blues Festival in England, and heard a harmonica player accompanying a band. I later met and talked to him, his name is Trevor ‘BAM’ Bamford - he inspired me. I now know who you are - and I continue to be inspired - I’m practicing every day as it’s my new passion (at 67 years old). I’m proud to say I’m one of the listeners who doesn’t understand most of what you’re talking about BUT I’M STILL LISTENING. Thank you so much for being you and doing what you do.

[@jasonricci]

Thank you. That makes me happy you'll get it all that stuff later!!!!

[@lynnwintercorn8585]

Your demonstration of playing the scales over a backing track was really helpful too!

[@bighardbooks770]

Thanks, mate. Music _is_ a language; indeed, and you explain it elegantly.

[@patrickreninger5044]

I play by ear and have a feel for playing changes but I never heard anyone articulate the process without the fog settling in my brain. Thanks for sharing this.

[@lynnwintercorn8585]

I watched the whole video - it was so interesting and fascinating! You have a way of communicating complicated concepts that makes it easy to understand. It's amazing how you do it in such a great way. Thank you for your generosity and kindness in all of your explanations in your vids. You never make me feel stupid even when I'm still in beginning learning mode 😻

[@saschaschmidt1121]

No other human being on this Planet could explain this (very important) Stuff like YOU, Mr. J. That is the Masterkey for understand the language of Music, given by a musical Genius! Thank you so much!!! 🙏😎

[@DDubyah17]

That analogy about speaking English whether you know the names of the grammatical rules or not - genius! What a great way to put it, and very empowering. Good work sir.

[@ArtofDreaming1]

You can bet this HELPED

[@Oddestmoose19]

You explain this stuff with such kindness and of course expertise. Thanks Jason for sharing who you are with so many people. In a way the Harp is just the medium for you sharing your genuine kindness with an audience. Keep it up my man!

[@jasonricci]

Awe bro nicest comment ever!!!

[@williamhoughton1484]

You know Jason you are so brilliant , I’ve always wanted to understand what I am playing on harmonica theory wise . Admittedly it is quite hard to understand but I am going to listen to this video till I comprehend it . Great stuff Jas 🤘 rock on

[@spoofsters]

What a fantastic talk, Jason. I can't explain why I loved it so much since I only understood about 25% of it...LOL 🤣 but at least I know (generally) how much knowledge I'm lacking. Luv ya dude, and everything you're about.

[@JesseTheProfit]

may as well have been speaking German, but I watched it all. Week 5 and counting, playing every day.

[@glennloucks7885]

Mr. Ricci you speak the lingo that can teach the people.👍

[@Ironman-harmonica]

I think this exactly what alot of harp players need. I've been playing harp for 40 years but for the most part I don't speak music sort like the German fellow doesn't speak English. Great job Jason. I know I'm rewatching this one.

[@AbcAbc-zn8uo]

Great lesson. I learned how to play every single note on harmonica except 9 overdraw. But I realised that I don't know how to use those notes... This lesson is really helpful for me, thanks.

[@heiko6983]

Ohh man, I do really not know what I love more: Your music or Your talk about it. Thanks Bro😀

[@jasonricci]

Awe!!!

[@bill6579]

The clip of you playing onstage somewhere at the beginning of the video, is some mighty fine playing!

[@rechmbrs]

Amen! You are a great person for sharing the real story. 🙃

[@ikust007]

What a debut!!

[@wamplerrl]

This is the most informative lesson I have EVERY EVERY listen to thank you very much.

[@patrikduller8449]

I already knew most of this but it was still helpful because there is always a different approach to explain the same thing which can eventually open me up for something new. I've reached quite an elavated level now (though I will probably never reach yours) and you played a BIIIG part in it! I cannot express with words what that means to me! Love you! :)

[@norman-gregory]

Hi. My ability (is limited at the moment), but I really feel this video is something that is alive and breathes Life relating to understanding music. Some "very very" sound fundamentals, that can only benefit all of us whom need to hear these "nuggets of Gold". To Jason...thank you for your Kindness. If I may send my Brotherly Kindness from Australia. Cheers.

[@erkbizco]

Jason you are amazing! I would always come to see you when you played at Callahn's in Auburn Hills MI. I sure miss those performances.....thanks for all you do.

[@dirtworshiper2800]

Fuckin amazing lesson bro. I have learned a ton from you in just the past 2 weeks. From playing only 2 holes and 3 notes to working all the different scales. I'm hearing stuff differently. Sending some dough your way. Blessings.

[@jasonricci]

Thank you!!!

[@alexeylempert5181]

This is awesome!!! Now I finally get it. Never could quite undrestand why they sounded to the point while improvising compared to my play. It was the matter of choosing the right notes out of the whole bunch in the scale. That's the basics and one can develop further on this basement. What's the most important thing here is I could use this finding right away and it works. That's the way you explained that did the trick! THANKS A LOT!!!

[@saschaschmidt1121]

YEEEEESSSSS! WAITING FOR THIS!!! 💚

[@dirkh.8238]

Awesome. Never heard somebody explain music theory that entertaining. Great to know that I’m a hardcore cat, since I did it to the end of the video. I even think about watching once again :-))

[@JohnintheUK1]

Something just happened and it's blown my mind. I've just realised that the flatted 3rd in the key of G is Bb. This might seem like nothing to you but if I hadn't watched this video it would never have clicked. Thanks Jason, you're doing a fantastic job. All the best from John in the UK.

[@jasonricci]

I GET that!!!!

[@jasonricci]

G=1 , A=2, B=3 flat that B = Bb, Dun dun dahhh! b3rd ! You just learned the Nashville numbering system! Congratulations 🎉 ❤️!

[@peteraustin6599]

Wow looks i was using arpeggios and didn't even know it. Thanks Jason I'll be more prepared to play with my Jazz friends !!

[@k.rock1016]

Thanks J ! Much Love !

[@aleX_k_punkt]

I love that one! Haha I‘m also workin‘ on that issue. I‘d like to pick that up partly in german in a future video …

[@DjoCottard]

Bonjour, exellente video , merci beaucoup pout toute ces vidéos. Si riche.

[@vinsamson8061]

Amazing video Jason👌yes I will re-visit this and grab a bit more every time.. love the white cat at the end👌🤣

[@stevefallon2677]

Great stuff Jason, This has explained a lot to me. I was thinking that a 1 chord had to end in 2 draw and 4 chord in a 4 blow or 1 blow etc: and was wondering why many 12 bar blues songs did not fit into this category. I get it now, thanks mate!

[@christopaulo6717]

Great video, I’ve been playing for a while (4years) but I have never put time into this stuff- I really want to learn it now , thanks for teaching 😊me

[@grahamrawlings937]

Now that was a brilliant lesson 👏 Thankyou x

[@A_Laughing_Matter]

Thanks your words of wisdom have helped me beyond measure.

[@jasonricci]

So glad to hear that and thanks for your kind words and time!

[@61horton]

Thank You for such a simple and clear lesson. I especially enjoyed the samples😊.Rreason to grab my harp again!

[@mosfet51]

You are awesome. This'll help in my musical education

[@MegaBoomer666]

Hello Mr. Ricci This is exactly what the harp world brings Should you write a book about scales? Chords? Arpeggios but also in German

[@howardfrison4924]

Absolutely loved this, be watching it again for sure!

[@jasonricci]

Thank YOU ❤️

[@1eddybee]

What a wonderful well explained breakdown, great insight! The special nugget for me was when you played the Arpeggios by isolating the 1st, 2nd,etc... notes in a given scale, definitely will add to my practice.Kudos!, the harmonica puzzle is coming together.

[@marybethhempel9101]

Magical! Love it!! :-)

[@jebbierogers5699]

Man this is pretty good stuff. It’s funny, I always find myself asking “Why did that sound and feel so good?” Thanks for putting some language to the feeling.

[@jasonricci]

That's it!!!

[@CyberMediaBroadcast]

Thanks a lot Jason! Great video!

[@greasemonkeymobile]

Thank you! Awesome video!

[@jplpagan]

love your approach to this, Jason!

[@billroy2780]

Awesome video Jason! Thanks so much

[@amanjyaku]

🏆 Amazing how many of your videos I watch again and again, getting a little bit more every time.

[@jasonricci]

I appreciate it bro I'll keep em coming!

[@toppa_t]

Jason, thank you veeery much! I guess this was the sixth time l have watched this video and again I picked up another pice of the puzzle. I will be back 😁👍

[@jasonricci]

Thank YOU ❤️

[@rustyharp2020]

Such a great lesson Mooncat. I'm going to focus on figuring out the 3rd and 5th of the 1,4, and 5 chords. I know the root notes of each chord and have a tendency to lean too hard on them for the chord change. Emphasizing the 3rd or 5th would open up so many doors to my lick library. Thank you so much for this food for thought. Keep on keeping on Mooncat!

[@jasonricci]

That is like the PERFECT thing to do after watching this!!!

[@warrenfloyd1484]

Damnit I missed the live, you are an inspiration, no shit,you play blues like I do fuck scales,or chords,a harmonica can go anywhere!!!

[@christopherpurcell8131]

thanks for making this vid man! just starting to learn some harp playing and your channel rocks. seen ya a couple times at a little club in harrisburg pa. killer shows

[@Ghostface30303]

too much love in this video

[@JessiBerks-u3j]

For example in a C13 I believe the only difference between that cord are appreciated and a scale would be the 11th is left out?

[@evandavies4049]

Brilliant how can you not watch this to me learnt so much thanks broth nearly gave up but just make it grove love to have a lesson on my hero Alan Wilson burning he'll thanks jason

[@kotoznanikonistanezna8678]

Who provide this classes and glasses...Great lessons...tnx.

[@threedogracing]

This reminds me of a golf joke. 3 guys are playing with the club pro. The 1st guy tees off and slices the ball. The pro says LOFT. The 2nd guy tees off and hooks the ball, the pro says LOFT. The 3rd tees off and tops the ball, the pro says LOFT! The 1st guy looks at the pro and says: all 3 of us did something differently wrong, how can it all be LOFT?" The pro looks at them and says Lack Of Friggin Talent. So I grasp a lot of what you say but possibly I suffer from LOFT. 🤣

[@rodneyange1046]

Still listening and taking notes, but finding my way little by little.I am going on internet checking the simple do ri me scale the flat 7 flat 3rd and saying what the hell.loving it though. Thanks and you keep it interesting,keep it up.

[@jasonricci]

You're going to get this!!! Took forever for mee too for it to sink in. Biggest barrier of all was ME THINKING: "I can't learn this".

[@rodneyange1046]

@@jasonricci thanks for hitting me back.that in itself helps 👍🏻

[@JessiBerks-u3j]

Cords and arpeggios come from mathematical theory called the Tursian Theory Which is the basic building blocks of chords that repeat successively in thirds built upon each other. The only difference between the cord an arpeggio is you play arpeggio’s successively or broken apart.

[@jasonricci]

Yes!

[@GagiSvanidze]

Great 💥

[@santobrocato8012]

So here's the question, for blues do you find it more advisable to play the same scale or change the scale with the chords.

[@jasonricci]

It depends on the song but generally the latter more a Les I'm always cross referencing the chords and the notes in em HOPEFULLY too so I may just stop doing ANY scale Stuff and just arpeggiate the chord instead here or there or the whole song. In short it's all the above.

[@erasmococo5593]

Grazie !! How do you like the deck ? (-: Salute !!!

[@jasonricci]

Loving it!

[@moc1man]

Yeah, I got lost at the 16 min mark, but I know what repetition will help it sink in. 😉

[@santobrocato8012]

I've had this problem in trying to learn guitar and now piano. I want to play the whole chord. On the harp I have trouble with chords and have to play notes, but struggle finding the tasteful notes that will enhance the tune.

[@petercollins2905]

I know that this video is already a couple of years old, but if you happen to look back then consider my question: why do we flatten specific notes in the scale; i.e. 3rd's, 5th's, 7th's etc? Also you talk about modes which, I think, isn't the same as positions . What's the difference? Are playing triads less sophisticated than a chord that has 4 or 5 notes in it?

[@jasonricci]

"C Harmonica" (would be the same layout/" pattern" of blow draw bend etc on a different key) 1st Position is associated with Ionian mode/major scale but ONLY IF you stay in that mode/scale. Most Blues players don't know how. (Just Play the Major Scale of "C" or 1 blow etc.) Most people play a combination of the Blues scale (top octave) and hybrid blues/Major Pentatonic below. 2.) 3rd Position is associated with the Dorian mode/scale BUT only IF you stay in that scale. Most Blues players don't know how. Just play the C Major Scale starting on "D" or 1 draw etc.) Most people play the Blues scale or the Minor Pentatonic or a hybrid using only the bV on the bottom... pretty rare to here people use true Dorian. 3.) 5th Position is often associated with the Phrygian Mode. IF you stay in that mode. Most Blues players don't know how. (Just Play the "C" Major Scale starting on "E" , 2 blow, etc.) Most people play the Blues scale in this position not the phrygian mode. I've heard some amazing Flamenco Harmonica songs using this mode in this position and also amazing black and speed metal from Will Wild. 4.) 12th Position is associated with the Lydian Mode. IF you stay in that mode. Most Blues players don't. (Just Play the "C" Major Scale starting on "F", 2 double bend.) Most people use the Position for alternate Major Scale instead of 1st. 5.) 2nd Position (Cross harp) is only Mixolydian IF you stay in that mode. Most Blues players don't know how. (Just Play the "C" Major Scale starting on "G", 2 dra etc.) Most people use a hybrid of the Blues scale and mixolydian in this position. It's a great 7th chord scale as it's heavy duty notes easily make a dominant 7th arpeggio. Meaning it sounds naturally bluesy. Chris Michalek use to play some great bebob and jazz Blues in this position but wasn't really playing locrian. Anyone know any cool pure locrian solos? Richard Sleigh , Winslow Yerxa , James Conway , Will Wilde ? 6.) 4th position is associated with The Aeolian Mode also called the natural minor scale but only IF you stay in that mode. Most Blues players don't or dont know how. (Just Play the "C" Major Scale starting on "A" or 3 double bend etc.) I Think the Position gets used a lot to actually play it's natural minor lay out/aeolian mode 😃. 7.) 6th (I believe), is associated with the locrian mode but only IF you stay in that mode. Most Blues players don't even try this suckered 😆 including me except if im on a chord tgats root falls on a 3 draw. (Just Play the "C" Major Scale starting on "B" or 3 draw etc. Once you understand how each scale's different intervals lay out and work, where it's half steps fall and how exactlyeach one differs from the major scale or ionian mode. You can play in any mode in any position at any time. In a box with a fox 🦊 .

[@jasonricci]

Triads are the base of all the other chords. I guess it's fair to say they are less sophisticated... but not less useful. Notes are flatted to match minor keys or chords or to add tension or expression or to match chords with flatted notes. ❤️ hope tgat helps..

[@ikust007]

Ok … Will try again to understand…

[@RandoDred]

Holy crap are you gonna make me learn the intro by ear? c harp?

[@jasonricci]

Eb in the key of Bb . 💜

[@jplpagan]

hey, technical question: when you’re playing amped in this video, are you playing through the actual amplifier? or is this direct into your computer, something like that?

[@jasonricci]

Actual amplifier just using the same mic as Im talking throug plus obviously the Jason Ricci Signature mic by Lone Wolf but ueah no adjustments or mixing...just play the backing track on my computer n blow

[@jplpagan]

@@jasonricci the level was perfect

[@musikhausortel8035]

Yeah, that was great! But I have one question: When you play the major scale in 2nd position, how do you get the big 7th? It must be an overblow on the 5th hole, right?

[@jasonricci]

Iyou definitely have to overblow to get it but knowing WHERE it is as you do is actually WAY more important.

[@musikhausortel8035]

@@jasonricci Jason, I saw video of you on overblows and you say that the overblow gets you the note a minor third above the regular blownote. The regular blownote on the 5blow is the 6th. So an overblow there would give you the octave. Sorry, been wondering about this for a long time and I don´t seem to get it...

[@person893]

I definitely don't understand theory. This makes it sound to me like you can play anything and you won't be off key, but i also know off key is a thing.

[@edmulvey9458]

Jason I hung in til the end, however as you said...you lost me way back. Still alot of fun. Hey here is an idea for a lesson(s) , vocabulary. I wrote down a number of terms/words that you used and that I do not know the meaning to. For example 6th chord the number of chords chord changes flat 7th, flat 3rd, flat 5th etc. position probably many more. The lessons that you and other provide are great but when you can't understand the language/words the lesson goes off the rails quickly Keep confusing us buddy and thanks!!

[@jasonricci]

Start by watching the videos liked below this one or other vids with the names you mentioned. Watch em one by one. Ignore the fancy names and play the tab. Pretty soon you'll understand the fancy name is just the name of what you are doing!!!

[@AdvancedLawn]

Watched to the ens

[@danielarmstrong2025]

An open mind here ! I’ll absorb ….

[@santobrocato8012]

My wife always ask me, "Did you put the stuff on that thing." I'm just there saying, Huh?

[@jasonricci]

Haaa

[@jacestephenweatherall1732]

How many tattoos do you have Jason?

[@jasonricci]

I think 13?

[@jacestephenweatherall1732]

@@jasonricci cool what was the first and last one you got?

[@mosfet51]

I'm still here.Trying osmosis to get it to sink in. 🤪

[@michaelkral]

God bless the hardcore cats that are still here 🤣

[@jasonricci]

That's right!

[@ratnikovalexander]

Привет, мой друг ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKO1dod4Zdp1m9E

[@joemazmo7981]

I want to know what an arpeggio is. I watched all the video and I still don't know. Maybe I'm just stupid!

[@jasonricci]

"An arpeggio (Italian: [arˈpeddʒo]) is a type of broken chord, in which the notes that compose a chord are played or sung in a rising or descending order." In my words: Say you got three notes in a chord .. instead of playing them all at once you play em one at a time up and down then in different orders.

[@jasonricci]

Btw your NOT stupid!

[@joemazmo7981]

@@jasonricci Wonderful. Thank you Jason.

[@joemazmo7981]

@@jasonricci Ha, I am a bit.😁

[@derweakzaeg894]

No, it's "Nein"!

[@connorgames6668]

If you can't speak English and have to use the translator. I'm interested to know how he will understand the video. A friend maybe?

[@larsnjube8198]

Hardcore cat here who didn't understand a thing! 🙋Lol😸

[@jasonricci]

My FAVORITE KIND! Keep coming BACK!

[@kotoznanikonistanezna8678]

Nothing to forgive...zero

[@detharp]

even buddha agrees totally. its just about existenz itself. tone tone😛😜🤪

[@MrSpanky2001]

This "theory" stuff is making me crazy! I'm a simple minded man unable to comprehend complexities.

[@jasonricci]

Which name in this video confused you?

[@jasonricci]

Scale? Arpeggio? Chord?

[@SteveDeHaven]

If you listen at 1.0 X speed, he's on pot. If you bump it up to 1.25 X, he's on coke!