Tomlin Harmonica Lessons

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How to play Hoodoo Man Blues by Junior Wells

Hello, today I decided to update the lesson I did on the intro to Hoodoo Man Blues by Junior Wells. It also features Buddy Guy on guitar. You will need a harmonica in the key of D played in 2nd position (A).

Lots of octaves and triplets

Almost all the phrases are made up of triplets which makes it feel very flowing. It is also quite fast!

The 1st lick is entirely made up of tongue-blocked octaves. Start practising slowly to get comfortable with moving that mouth shape around the harmonica.

2-5 draw

Strictly speaking the 2–5 draw is not an octave. In fact, it is a flat 7. This is a very bluesy interval and will sound a little bit more “crunchy” than the octave.

Lick 1

 

Slow

Lick 2

Slow

Lick 3

Slow

Silence between each lick

Each lick stops dead on their last note. This means that you don’t sustain the note at the end of each phrase. Just kill it dead.

Full Play-through

Octaves to single notes

Practice jumping from the 1-4 draw octave up to the 5 draw. This is not an easy move and eventually you will need to play it pretty fast.

Thank you for watching

Thank you for watching. You are awesome!

Now you can do a little something for me by sharing this lesson with your friends on Facebook and/or Twitter.

Many thanks,

Tomlin

Comments

  1. Trent Crook says

    Thank you so much for giving this lesson. I know I was one that requested this. Thanks to you ive finally learned to play this. This really shows your dedication to your fan/students by taking the time to actually make lessons of songs requested. Ive learned so much from you.. Thanks again.

  4. Robert says

    Thanks Tomlin you put it in prospective when referring to the blue scale ,it really takes the mystery out .

  8. Mohan says

    Hi Tom your lessons are so clear and easy to practice I have learned so many blues licks from you thanks for your classes.

  9. Christian Wasmer says

    Hi Tomlin, I think there are mistakes or at least discrepancies between what you explain and play in the Hoodoo man lesson, and what can bee seen on the tabs.
    The second triplet of lick one is 3 times 2-5 DRAW, but is noted as 2-5 BLOW on the tab of the video.
    I also noted that, on the tabs BELOW the video, the direction of the arrows have been reversed to show the correct DRAW action…. but the notes shown still are those of the 2-5 BLOW !!!

  10. Christian Wasmer says

    (continued about tab errors) : it is actually worse than what I described, as the notes shown on the tab for 2nd note of the first triplet are OK for 2-5 draw when it is actually 2-5 blow played….

  11. John Greaser says

    Hello Tomlin. PLEASE clarify. YOUR EXPLANATION OF THE THIRD TRIPLET IN LICK ONE AND WHAT IS PRINTED DO NOT SUPPORT EACH OTHER. for EXAMPLE IS THE 14 A DRAW OR BLOW.

    THANKS.
    JOHN

  12. Rick BASAROWICH says

    Hi Tomlin; Your lessons are very helpful to me. I am starting to jam with a small group of musicians . We take turns singing a song then
    play for the next singer. I would some advice on what to play when someone is singing.

  15. tomlinleckie says

    Hi Christian, I’m so sorry about the mistakes. I am in the process of getting them fixed – requires the transcriber and video editor to coordinate. Please be patient with me. Many thanks, Tomlin

  16. tomlinleckie says

    Hi John, apologies there are some mistakes which I am waiting to be rectified. Thank you for you patience. T

  18. Arthur Z says

    Thank you so much for this lesson. Your lessons are so well organized that they work much bette for me than mr. Gussows.

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