This lesson introduces you to a different form of blues known as a one chord blues. As its name suggests there is just one chord. This is the I chord.
The example of a one chord blues that I am looking at is “On the Road Again” by Canned Heat.
The original version of this song uses an A harmonica in 2nd position (key of E). However, for the purposes of this lesson I will be showing you how to play it on a C harmonica in 2nd position (key of G).
In order to play this song you will need to be able to bend the 2 hole draw a whole step. The way to do this is imagined that the clean note is an “Ah” sound and the bent note is a “car” sound. Really make sure that the harmonica is very deep inside your mouth. This will help getting the bend.
Sitting on the 2 draw
Because this is a one chord blues you will be emphasising the root note of the one chord. So, you will be sitting on the 2 hole draw.
You are also accentuating the offbeat. This means playing in between the beats. If you are not sure how to do this check out my lesson on – offbeat and rhythm chugging for beginners
On the Road Again
You should definitely check out the original song by Canned Heat. It is a classic harmonica tune. You can hear it by clicking this link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRKNw477onU
Thank you so much for taking part in this lesson. I hope it was useful for you. If you enjoyed it please feel free to share it with your friends on Facebook and/or Twitter.
Happy harping and see you next Wednesday for the next lesson!
Are the tabs for “On the Road Again ” available?
Thank you so much for all the lessons and videos! Your help is an enormous boon!
HI Rustin, I’m afraid I don’t have any tabs for “On the Road Again”. I will do a lesson on it soon though 🙂
when Tomlin when ???? 🙂
Hi Bob, it is on the list but as I’m sure you can imagine there are quite a lot of lesson requests 🙂