This week we are continuing the theme of first position blues with the Jimmy Reed classic “Bright Lights Big City”
You will need a harmonica in the key of A.
It uses the 1st position blues scale. If you missed that lesson just click here to go to; introduction to 1st position blues harmonica
Click here to download lesson resources
Blow bend inflections
You will notice that this tune uses a lot of inflections on the blow bends. Just like on a draw bend this means hitting the bend and quickly releasing it. In order to do this you can try saying “kwee-kwee”. Most importantly, you will need to make sure that you are keeping a nice even pressure on the hole.
Hitting those bends straight on
Lick 3 lands on an 8 hole blow bend which you then release and re-hit. Practice hitting it straight on slowly. Remember to keep the pressure even.
Hitting the 10 hole blow bend straight on
In lick 5 you are going to playing all the hardest blow bends straight on; the 9 blow and the 10 blow. Just slow this lick right down until you can play it perfectly before you attempt to speed it up.
Spot the lick from second position
A lot of you will recognise this lick as a lick I love playing in 2nd position. Starting on the 9 blow bend which you quickly release and glissando down to 7 hole.
Lick 1
Slow
Lick 2
Slow
Lick 3
Slow
Lick 4
Slow
Lick 5
Slow
Lick 6
Slow
Backing Track
Click here to download lesson resources
Learn how to improvise
If you are keen to start improvising over a 12 bar blues I will help you in my Introduction to Improvisation eCourse.
Thank you
As always, if you have any questions just leave a comment or drop me an e-mail.
