Hello and welcome to this week’s lesson, where I will be showing you an idea for how to develop a harmonica solo using different parts of the instruments.
I am using a harmonica in the key of C and will be playing in 2nd position in the key of G but you can apply this idea to any key.
Gradually increase the energy
A great way to keep your harmonica solos interesting is to ration how much of the harmonica you use.
Start at the bottom
At the beginning of your solo you could use the lower notes, maybe holes 1,2 and 3. Don’t go above them until the middle of the solo.
Add in the 4 hole
All too often we head straight for the 4 hole draw at the beginning of a solo because it is such a strong sound but then we don’t have any strong notes left. With this in mind I recommend you gradually add it into your solo around the midpoint.
Head up to the 6 hole
In the final part of your solo you can open your harmonica all the way up to the 6 hole and increase the energy.
A beginning, middle and an end
Think of all your solos as being a story with a beginning, a middle and an end. Try to gradually increase the energy so that you finish with a big explosion!
Improvisation strategies
If you want some more ideas for improvising then click here.
Thank you
If you have any questions just send me a wee email.
