Rhythm riff lesson for harmonica

[tnysteph]

Ronnie that was great. Do you offer any downloads on rhythm riffs? Thanks Tony

[jammygamer]

Robert Downey Jr? Playing the harmonica?...AWESOME

[345tennis]

You call yourself a harmonica player. Can you teach me how to play the Solo Harmonica part of Mountain of Love by Johnny Rivers. Thanks man

[Bhenzjabo]

Waw

[curly0038]

man thats a great blues lick its fun to play

[EpifanoEntertainment]

you shouldn't use an Ab harmonica

[bladesaint21]

Excellant! tHANKS SO MUCH!

[AkaKaraEnglish]

good

[dcalstring]

hey ron. Good one. I'm having a 48 hole c harp man. But i'm not able to play it bluesy. Is it that i need more practice or would it make any difference if i buy a 10hole c diatonic ? Pls help. When i try bending a not the sound breaks in between. N i get like only a quarter or half not flat.

[SmokeDrinkDream]

Hey Ronnie! Thanx for great lessons, when it comes to harmonica on u tube - you're the MAN!

Peace, from Sweden!

[SHIMMYshookmybone]

Hi Ronnie!

Thanx for sharing!! Quite helpful!!

How long have you been playing??

[mdomin1894]

Thanks for the info. Just started playing.

[mokujin25]

lovin it bro. following closely. feels real natural to me. :)

[1woodnut]

Thank you. This really helps me to keep the interest level high. I am really loving your teaching method. 

[hummerking6]

This rythym is sweet!

You're a great player!

Greetings from The Netherlands

[Thundance]

You are right, its time to get one but I don't blame the guy who made the comment about the Ab because it cleared things up for me. I wasn't even knowing which key it is and tried the C. Kinda works but yours sounds really dirty. Importent for me to figure these details out. BTW I am 47 was a total novice 10 month ago. Was lucky and found some guitarists to play with, which got me going after 30 years of only wanting to play harp. Your vidoes are a great help. Especially w/ that bluesy sound THX

[dougmanification]

Hey Ronnie don't let the people busting your ball bother you. You rock brother. Take it from me ,a guy whose played for 27 years.

[Qwaybabii]

so when u do that initial 123 slide is it a draw or blow then draw

[oc33n]

Have i told you that you look like George Clooney?

[mdmccat]

Tab: 3=Draw, 3b=Blow, 3w=whole step bend, 123b=chord Blow

1 3w 3 2 2b 1 2b 2 2b 2

Variation: 1 3w 3 2 2b 1 2b 2 2b 123b

Pretty sure this is right...

[cherrykissesxo94]

Great lesson anyone ever tell you you look like Robert downing jr.?

[sammcj2000]

Awesome thanks bro!

[Airia54]

Ronnie Thanks so much for posting these free lesson videos. I picked up my first harp this summer and have been practicing and searching riffs almost to an obsessive level. I really hadn't made too much progress untill I found your links. For me, it really helps the way you break it all down. Thanks

[ArtofDreaming1]

For those of us that own an Aflat this was nice

[ArtofDreaming1]

for those of us that own an Aflat harp this was nice to have some one do something I could jam along with in my A flat Love the sound of the Aflat Thank you

[dieseldevine80]

You might wanna mention what key harmonica your using

[steamrollinstan]

The songs called 'chicken reel" and the various versions are on YT.

'

[TonyOnTheRise]

Thank you Ronnie for breaking this stuff down for us. You are immensely helpful. Also, you are one of the very, few guys on here that should be giving lessons. Unfortunately, there are lots of guys on here that are really more harmful than helpful.

[cedrowy112]

can somebody tab it?

[cedrowy112]

can somebody tab this???

[beachbreakdave1]

Ronnie, that's a real cool lick, but I can't quite figure out the first part; are you sliding from 1d bent to 2d bent to 3d bent and then doing a straight 3d 'ta'? The following 2d bend is confusing, almost sounds like two notes. Can't figure how you're getting it also. Any help? Thanks, BeachbreakDave1

[christophemillertime]

yeah Bb was the third harmonica I bought, I love the flats more than the Majors. Minor Flats are just a whole other expeirience.

[internetsurger]

Thank you is in order:)

[kacashing]

Thanks for the help from a novice!

[kacashing]

@kacashing (me being the novice)

[doofrick]

do you get a lot of ladies by playing harmonica? haha.... but seriously

[SdCllns]

Good enough to get you to pay attention, brah.

[ultrakool]

ronnie, you're a gifted teacher. all meat and no pretentious filler. unlike that attention whore gussow. lol. thx and keep 'em comin'

[ripgutmaori]

@ultrakool hahaha lol

[lovecakes44]

@ultrakool you damn right gussow blows ass

[tippa2kk]

he is playing in a "c" iv only just started playing the harmonica and i can tell that!

[lovecakes44]

@tippa2kk hes playing A flat you stupid fucktard

[mmhmmlala]

you mean ab flat

[cyberfan5]

Good job, thanks.

[Helmut83]

Great, but whhy don' you use a more standard harmonica (for example "A") for next lesson, so we can copy you better?

[NICKFROMESSEX]

Greeting from your Newest subcriber. I have a request. Do more videos on rythum harp. it is the best sounding.

best wishes

Nick .U.K

[koenig62]

did you start on whole 1 drawing or blowing? thx

[ForkandSpoonD]

dude ! whats key r u in ,, Duh ? thats what makes the blues sound that people want.. Tell them is a E"

[slingger3]

Great sounds. Are you using an A or an A Flatt? And where can I get one of these Chris Reynolds Specials???

[oinei]

some of us dummys that never know what key it's in would like you to announce the key before playing . that will give us a better chance to learn faster. Thanks

[vexer101]

He did in the More Info section. Honest mistake I'm sure. Ab.

[bazthornton]

I WISH.

[2doorblues]

Ronnie, thanks so much for sharing. Developing players around the world who don't have a local harp master to learn from really appreciate your vids. These little riffs, jams and ideas go a long way. Please keep it up.

[sisumatom]

Whatta Guy! Nice one Ronnie, you are a natural player/teacher....buy his cd's they are very good.

P.S. Skype lessons sound good, I'll be in touch as soon as I get a minute.

[cursader7]

Ronnie,

I think you are a fine person to help people learn the harmonica. Ignor all negative comment. You deserve the best of the best. I love the way you do Amazing Grace. What key is the harmonica that you play this song? Is it possible for you to write the tabs? It's beautiful.

Thanks,

Joe P

[Krtalaz91]

Man, your still the best sounding guy on harmonica I've seen, next to Son of Dave of course xD. I gotta get an A flat so i can do this. Sounds better than my C.

[expatriot1]

yeah, his key does sound a lot better than C.

[expatriot1]

I just uploaded a video response...in the key of C, hope you like it!

[expatriot1]

Hi Ronnie...great lick, I'm trying to get it down, but how do you not stop to let out air? I can't find a convenient place to empty my lungs a bit! Any suggestions?

Thanks again!

[bartendersb]

Ronnie Shellist = harmonica god

thank you so much for all the videos.

If you ever have the chance to come to China please let me know.

[strawwoodclaw]

wow i can not believe alot of the comments that people leave on You Tube. This guy is going out of his way to help others who want to learn Blues Harmonica. some of the comments are from complete Moron's UNBELIEVABLE

[bezakor]

leave ultrakool alone, this a free information exchange. no laws, free comment. and if u just forget about it as a personal attack then i think ultrakool is pretty fucken hillarious

[1seesaw2]

Go get'em frog!

[frogafone]

ultrakool, your comments are anything BUT cool... I have met Adam a couple times, and nothing you say is even close... you are mistaking his enthusiasm for ego

I do not know who you are, but I have been playing pro and semi pro for over 45 years, from holes in the wall to Carnegie Hall, and I have played with some pompous asses, and Adam is NOT one of them.

Ronnie , this is a GREAT vid lesson,, more of a trad harmonica country chicken pickin thing,, a nice and useful change of pace thanks !

[ultrakool]

I've had some dialogue with Gussow via the comment thread on his channel. I must have hit a nerve or something, because he went apeshit. Some people can't deal with the truth.

[ultrakool]

Great lesson Ronnie. You are infinitely better than Adam Gussow. He's an egotistical, windbag who does more talking than teaching.

[slapshot4aero]

You need to respect Adam Gussow for what he is doing,just because he tells stories along the way doesn't mean he isn't any good.

I don't know you,and let's just say.

Don't judge people for they did'nt judge you,but only try to give you insigth on the instrument you choose to play.

Don't be rude.

[ultrakool]

Oh but Gussow is very judgemental, just investigate some of his comment replies. So, having said that--GO FUCK YOURSELF.

[slapshot4aero]

Ha Ha Ha you're a riot!!

Is that the best you can come up with?

Must of been what was repeated to you time and time again as you were trying to grow up.

Get a life.

It's a shame you have to live your life with such anger.

Nothing more needs to be said to you,as it fuels your need to be a dumbass with comments like that.

[ultrakool]

I'm not angry, what makes you think that? Just an opinion, that's all, so butt the fuck out, Aristotle.

[ultrakool]

BTW, any 46y/o man that is a groupie of Aerosmith shouldn't lecture others on getting a life. Go suck Adam and Steven's cocks.

[slapshot4aero]

Sounds like you're the one that's a little "sweet",talking about sucking cocks,and fucking yourself.

You don't like Aerosmith,that's your problem,I'm sure they have enough fans they could miss you in a crowd.

Take you own advise,

[ultrakool]

Nice try, swifty. You like that pretentious twit, Gussow and I don't, let's leave it at that. As far as Aerosmith goes, Get Your Wings was their zenith, it was all downhill from there, bibidy, bibidy, bibidy, bibidy, bo.

[theescondidoroad]

ultrakool?  More like ultra tool. Adam along with John Gindick, Ronnie and several others on YT are excellent teachers. Not only for their playing ability, but for their knowledge of what you need to know and how to impart that knowledge. Adam's one of the coolest cats out there. You on the other hand, are just an asshole.

[ultrakool]

Yeah, I heard it before, ultratool, ultrafool, ultrakook. But when it comes to Gussow, I'm ultraright. He's exposed himself as a wannabe black bluesman who moved to Mississippi to be closer to his "roots". Just a whitebread kid from the NY burbs posing. Pathetic. Now Majic Dick, that's an example of the genuine article. Either you got it or you aint. Gussow aint got it.

[strawwoodclaw]

good lesson nice riff its a shame i don't have a Ab Harp

[camilo862]

but you can still amke the riff with any harp. I´m doing it with a C harp, it migth not sound as the of the video but it kinds of looks like.I think the important of this riff it´s not the sound but the skill for "being able" to play it, wich can be done with any hap. So go on, and try it for yourself.

[strawwoodclaw]

camilo How comes your comment came to my inbox i did not realize i had commented on this clip? yeah your right you can learn any riff on any harp but you can get different sound affects with different keys + it's easier if your in the same key as the guy whos teaching you but i will try this with my C harp seen as i have not got a Ab (i guess i must of commented on this clip)

[camilo862]

yes you commented here in this video, and I amde a response to your video, that´s the eraon why it came to your Inbox. Well, good luck with the riff.

[strawwoodclaw]

Im sorry yes your right - i will give it ago in C or A

[ecirpdlanor]

Nice lesson easy to understand. Looking forward to the next one.

[396ironworker]

starting this lick, should I be blowing 1-slid-3, than draw 3, or drawing 1-slid-3, than bending 3 on the draw. THANKS. Great vid, Outstanding playing. Please, keep teaching

[danzual8]

your really goood !!!

i will follow your videos in you tube

thanks master

[mydogtube]

this is a great lick i hope someday to be as fast as you. could you continue on with this lick to make a full I IV V progression? thanks for your help

[bluizman33]

New to your sight love your lessons want more time with your licks

[jshelbyk]

Damn you are so good and clean on your notes. I appreciate the instruction--but it never sounds as good!!

[gregsbest]

Yes, I am learning and want to learn more. I like the straight forward way you describe you riffs. Will check out your site now! Please continue the vids. Cheers!

[MCHotline]

Thank you so much for uploading this! This riff is cool, and you explained how to play it really well. Please make more videos like this.

Thanks again,

Michael

[belleray2]

Among other problems,getting the bend on 3draw clean after sliding from 1draw is giving me some hair tearing moments.Thanks from baldy.

[nazareth4372]

ok brothers. i will be posting my first vid soon thanks to brother ronnie.

i have not quite got this one yet but i will not be long.

await my posting with bated breath.

untill then be good my friends.

[ballbagvw]

Wow, you're awesome dude :D

I just got my first harp today and i can get no4 on it's own, just.

What's a lick ?

[Seraphon8]

I've got some problems bending the 3 draw after that slide. Any tips?

[jonhelmkamp]

hey, one thing that helps me when bending notes is to think about dropping my tongue into the front part of my mouth, like below the inside of my bottom teeth. that's kinda how I think about bending. arch your tongue, so the tip of your tongue is down below your teeth and the arch is as high in your mouth as possible. give that a try, let me know if it helped any.

[Seraphon8]

My problem wasn't the actual bending, but with my technique I couldn't get my tongue in the rightt position just after the slide. It seems to work better with your technique.

[Clarky3009]

great vid! trying it now mate.

[jfgoldstein]

your a talented player, but here's some advice for giving better lessons:  Use a more common harp. I dont know how many beginners, or even intermediate players own an A flat.

[RonnieShellist]

agreed, but perhaps it's time to get one. i recorded this lesson randomly when the Ab was the only harp around. again, i agree and will use a C or A in the future.

[JoshKelly2010]

@RonnieShellist i have an Ab lol and im an intermediate player

[TheBadboysdream]

Respond to this video... Hehe so true but Ive tried this with C harmonica and stuck after first two notes:)

But still very good video and so clear to understand how to play even if it looks like so hard at first.

Thanks man!

[yan02370]

very great

[slipcheck5]

Ronnie great work, just bought myself a harp

Now the process starts. Thank you so much.

[MisterPignose]

Great short lesson! Very clear explanation. That's a great rhythm to build on.

[coctail4life]

Ronnie, witch key was itxD? i just started playing harmonica, and i love it=) please, sum1, answer me=P

[RonnieShellist]

Harmonica in the key of Ab(flat).

Always check the vid description, that's where

this info. is always posted...thanks!

[RonnieShellist]

tell ya what i'll make a vid and post it explaining that sound.

[altalanos]

Do you know people who turn the harmonica upside down (so hole one is on the right side)? Is this a technique because I saw somebody who did this and I don't know why. But I guess it depends on which way is more comfortable...

[yarhman75]

Sonny Terry played the harp like this but I don't know if this was because he was left handed or if he just learned this way. Hope that is useful even if it doesn't really answer the question. :)

[altalanos]

Is this riff sounds the same on a C harmonica?

[RonnieShellist]

not totally. a C will be higher that's it.

[altalanos]

Do you have any idea why is my 1 draw is way too lower then 2 blow it's actually not sounds good in this rhytm pattern also its just to low. Is this beacuse i'm a beginner? Sometimes i have problems with hole 1 and 2. But all of the other holes sounds good.

[RonnieShellist]

that's technique, or lack of it, that causes that to happen. you're most likely bending the notes unintentionally which explains the low notes you're getting that you don't want. relax and make sure that you're not tense anywhere (jaw, tongue, neck, face etc..) it should help.

[Bstegmann]

dude...you are so cool

[mandark24]

This song sounds just great, you can well play it in the car on roadtrips! WHat is the key of the harmonica? I have tried several keys but none of them worked out.

Thanks in advance, I'd love to play that tone!!

[RonnieShellist]

Ab harp

[emoxmasochist]

danke

[larrymail]

Hey Ronnie,

Nice to see you back and thank you for your licks CD. Great stuff.

Merry Christmas, Larry

[StevenT0]

HEY!!! thats awesome! Its been quite a while since your last post hasn't it? I always look forward to your videos man. You should post more if you ever find the time. I've been practicing a little here and there. I think i've improved a little. I'll give this tune a shot and see if i'm any good.

[Clarky3009]

nice ronnie, long time since you've posted man :D

[rayoll]

nicely explained.

[airmojo]

This is great! Try this rhythm lick as an intro to "Shortin' Bread" and jam away coming back to this lick as a "Homebase".

[RonnieShellist]

i could see that working very well, good idea.

how 'bout a post/response to this video that i can put up.

[airmojo]

I only have an old 'analog' 8mm video camera... need to get a newer model that is YouTube friendly! Maybe Santa will bring one!

[DistantSoul13]

nice lick ronnie always delivers

[evanstheframe]

Ronnie your stuff helps us all a great deal keep up the great work.Your download Blues Licks and DVD are working wonders for me. Everyone who wants to get on in big leaps I urge you to go to Ronnies site and download them. They work BIG TIME.

I stress that I am not on Ronnies pay role lol and I can only speak as I find and his downloads have been a big help to me.

Keep harping people,

Lyn

[2HoleDraw]

it's good to see you back on the Tube Ronnie! Thanks for the lesson.

[RonnieShellist]

the harmonica is in the key of A flat...the groove is played in E flat.

[Geek92]

nice! ive been workin on my improv and doing what you said its really helpin man

[Geek92]

o yea, maybe you should tab some of this stuff and put it to your site.

[rickindavis]

Harp in the key of Ab? That threw me off for a second.

Nick lick, Ronnie. Fun.

[denmyos]

nice!