About The Third Position
Third position blues harmonica often has a more wistful, less boisterous spirit than does the more common second position harmonica. Here is a simple third position twelve bar structure in the key of D. If you like, practice it without hand vibrato until it feels familiar, then add slow or fast hand vibrato to the notes. Clear single notes will make this twelve bar sound much better, so if you have not been practicing them, work on them as you play this piece. For more information on which key harmonica to use when playing in third position, see page 102 in the appendices. Lesson Nineteen will also help prepare you to play in third position.
About First Position
Until the technique of bending has been mastered, first position harmonica has a tendency to sound mindlessly cheerful, a sound less than fully appropriate for most blues.
Since first position blues playing requires the extremely advanced technique of bending the high exhale notes, it will not be covered extensively in this beginning blues method.
However, it is well worthwhile to practice the first position twelve bar chord structure. Here is a simple example in the key of C. This twelve bar alternates use of the lower C note 1e with the higher C note 4e. Try to jump from the one to the other quickly and accurately. For more information on which key harmonica to use when playing in first position, see page 102 in the appendices.
Progressive Blues Harmonica Licks: Volume One, Part Two
- You are now ready to begin playing the licks and twelve bar solos in Part Two of Progressive Blues Harmonica Licks Volume One book and recording.
