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
Thank you
Thank you so much for participating in this lesson. As always, if you have any questions just leave a comment or drop me an e-mail.
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.
Both videos are the same for me?
Hi, sorry about that. I think Ive fixed it now. Thank you for letting me know 🙂
Tomlin. Nice lesson, I love this song but do not play that well on the higher notes.Will make the effort. Thanks Mike
Brilliant lesson. Been wanting to get going on the high end of the harp as I normally avoid it when jamming along to backing tracks but this will really help. Thanks
Hi Tomlin, Thanks for the lesson…love the tune but it is still a bit beyond me. Only my second week playing the harmonica, so would appreciate more begginers lesseon. Also, I only have a “C” Hohner Blues harp. I will buy another, please advise which key my next one should be ( to fit in with the progression of your lessons) Thanks for your website and all the utube lessons as well.
Regards
Liell
Thanks
Liell
Hi Liell, most of my lessons are in C but the next useful key to get would be A and then D. Cheers, Tomlin