Blues Harmonica Secrets Revealed (Gussow.014)

Adam Gussow (of Satan and Adam) explains the blues scale and offers practice tips and inspiration to the harp player in search of self-transformation.

If you'd like to purchase a copy of my new solo album, KICK AND STOMP (2010), please hit the following link. Only $10 for 14 tracks of harp-powered one-man band music, all for instant download. Liner notes included!:

http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/kick_and_stomp.html


For a series of skill-graded video tutorials and tabs focusing on classic blues harmonica repertoire by Sonny Terry, Little Walter, Paul Butterfield, and others, please visit:

http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• blues
• harmonica
• harp
• lessons
• Satan
• Adam
• Gussow

[KudzuRunner]

Thanks! I'm glad we were there for you. Mr. Satan sure has the mojo--the "mother mojo," as he calls it.

[christianisgroovy]

Aren't 2 draw and 3 blow the same thing?

So can't do 3, blue third, 4, 4 draw...etc as the scale instead?

[KudzuRunner]

They're the same note but not the same thing. The tonal qualities of 2 draw are better; you can play the note much louder and slide into it from the bent note. Plus 2 draw lets you alternate with blow chords; 3 blow IS a blow chord, or part of one, and won't let you do that. I'm a missionary about 2 draw over 3 blow; trust me on this one. The only time I use 3 draw is 1) as part of a chord, or 2) as a passing done. I never hang on it very long, for the reasons above.

[billy218]

Hi adam,

thanks alot for the lessons you're absolutely the best teacher out there!

Im actually havin trouble getting a clear blue third note, my 4 bend is ok, but the 3 is kinda hard,

any tips?

[KudzuRunner]

Sure. Download my $5 video on "bending the three draw" at Modern Blues Harmonica (the store...scroll down the page).

[NotSoUniversal]

cant we just start with 3 blow? its the same as 2 draw...maybe its not the same on all harps tho, i duno

[KudzuRunner]

3 blow and 2 draw are indeed the same note, but pretty much every professional blues player I know uses the 2 draw whenever possible, reserving the 3 blow as a transition or passing note. The tone you get on 2 draw is better, better vibrato, and you can approach it from below in various ways using the 2 draw bend.

[jochemkraanen]

hi adam, first of all thanks for the great lessons

. I have a question. is this the same for a c harmonica?

[freshoffmymind]

thanks to you i love my harmonica..

BTW press 7 over and over

[jasperhamann]

hi adam, i just wanted to say thanks for your great lessons, ive been practising for 2 months now and startin to get that blues sound for which this lesson is great! and i must say your missisipi front porch slow blues is my inspiration :)

[bbeddick]

Mr Gussow

I have a quick question for you if you don't mind. I cant seem to get any sort of good sound on a 2 draw. I have heard little things here and there about the 2 draw being hard, but I feel the only way to get sound on my harp is to be loud as HELL. It is a hand-me-down hohner so i feel it might be something wrong with the reed and i shouldn't worry about it 2 much. But im just not sure, sry for the long post. I would love any help you could give me...Thank you

"a drunken hearted boy"

[kpls72]

Adam and all: Nice lesson. I have a LOT of time over the years with this type exercise. I learned the scale via tablature, but what made it come to life was realizing that Butterfield's take on THE WORK SONG on the 2nd BBB lp was a good place to "get it". It helped me a lot, and might help you all. Thanks again Adam 4 the lessons. Between you and Jerry Portnoy's CD set, I am learning a LOT. Adam, you broke it down in the best manner I've ever seen/heard. THANKS. Tom

[calebwastaken]

You'll need a D

[dawgphoto]

Isnt the 3 blow the same as the 3 dr....oh nevermind. .. The 3 draw bend is a definite struggle for me... it makes my head vibrate.... i think im gonna break open the piggy bank and get that vid.. great stuff . I learn alot from your videos.

[MyManDan]

hey man, i only have a G harp right now, but i want to play blues in the key of A, what key harmonica do i need to buy??

[Geetar2112]

Spooky! I feel this is a personalised lesson just for me.......I was enjoying yet another great lesson and you made me jump..........at 8:11 you said "Doug that´s the blue scale". Made me jump man!

Regards from - guess who:)

[PayoFyah]

adam i cant get the sounn you made on 4:42...is it bended or natural note...im playing a big river hohner harp...thanks for the lessons by the way