Modern Blues Harmonica - First Position 3 (Gussow.073)

Third in a four-part series on first-position playing. Harpist Adam Gussow (from Satan and Adam) talks about the high notes and tells a story about asking James Cotton for a lesson after a gig one night.

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
• lesson
• Satan
• Adam
• Gussow

[Thelofis]

FYI For any beginners out there: I personally spent about 1hr/day for about 1 month to learn 8,9,10blow bendS. Tongue way forward in the mouth. Create tiny cavity. Like whistling highest pitch. Blow "down" on thee reed. If it doesn't go down squeeze your mouth down more on the harp. Presently I'm learning the overblows. Hole 6 is coming. Any tips on how it's done?

[KudzuRunner]

I think you've offered an excellent guide to blow bending. For overblows, visit overblow (dot) com. Also, put "harmonica" and "overblow" in the YT search engine. I'm sure that Jason Ricci and Chris Michalek have covered this topic.

[synapsebomb1]

hey adam, thanks, your lessons are invaluable- i've been playing quite a long time but have picked up some great tips from you.. i know you touched on it with 'thunky fing', but how about a couple of lessons devoted to third position playing?

[KudzuRunner]

I was just thinking about that myself this afternoon. That's what I'll do next--in the car, too. Stay tuned.

[aseifert57]

Thanks so much for "giving it all away" I'm a 50 year old musician. Playing music for 41 years (drums, bass and guitar) but harmonica for only 6 months. Thanks a good part to you and your great teaching I am now playing out on blues harp with some local blues musicians. I found a voice in me that has been silent for 50 years. It has much to say. Thanks again.

Pinewolf

[KudzuRunner]

PW: That's the nicest compliment a guy like me can get. I'm glad to have helped out in that way.

[joshshuffman]

I'm a firm believer in leveraging the knowledge that you have...

[Geetar2112]

Man, I just love to sit back with a cold one on a Sunday evening and watch your old videos. It really gets me in the mood to play harp!!

[celticjim17]

Adam, Hondo here from MBH. I am trying real hard to learn rhythm to keep a groove going and would like any help you can give on time 8:12 from this lesson. What is your rhythm tab on that?

[gussowclone]

gm adam

[elfbeard]

I'm moved by Adam's story about meeting James Cotton and asking for a lesson. How cool!

[rentonk2]

did you have a lesson about the james cottonsong or piece of song than you played???

[Iforgotmyusername123]

I don't really know what it is but I too seem to be spending most of my lick copying time listening to Cotton. Either him or Butterfield. I guess I just think that he is probably the "bluesiest" player I've heard. But anyway, did you have your lesson with Cotton?

[toamille]

Thanks for the hel on the blow bend. I'm also taking notes on music theory. Flat 3rd on 8 blow bend...