In this lesson I will share with you the “Super Simple Blues” and the first of JP's five basic hand techniques.

JP's Super Simple Blues Scale

This scale can be used as a simple way to begin learning to improvise over blues progressions. It will also act as a stepping-stone to learning the complete Blues Scale (which I first address in Level 5).

I first recommend you play the scale like this:

In the upcoming video clip I will show you a simple way you can use the “Super Simple Blues Scale” while playing along with the guitar. This clip was extracted from my downloadable DVD:

"Blues Harmonica: How to play Blues, Rock, Funk and Country Harmonica:
Part 1 of a 3 Part Series“

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The Two-Handed Grip

Now the moment we've all been waiting for... THE TWO-HANDED GRIP!!!!

The two-handed grip is usually tricky at first, so please approach it joyfully and patiently. I know you'll get it with practice! By the way, I've seen ton's of variations to the hand techniques so feel free to use my suggestions as a starting point and then adapt your hands so that you feel relaxed and comfortable.

The two-handed grip I will be showing you is considered a right-handed orientation. I generally recommend that left-handed people also use the right-handed grip. This is because I believe the right-handed grip can produce a very slightly deeper “Wah Wah” sound on the low notes. The difference is very slight so if you have a strong preference to play with a left-handed grip, I encourage you to go for it.

The Right-Handed Grip

Step 1. Make a "C" shape with your left hand, keeping fingers horizontal and connected. Notice how the thumb and first finger of the left hand line up.

Step 2. Grasp the harp as far back in your left hand as possible, securing it in the web between your thumb and forefinger.

Step 3. Bring the pinky edges of both hands together so that the tip of the left pinky lines up with the top crease of the right pinky.

Step 4. Cup the hands together, attempting to seal the air the inside.

If you have small hands extend your fingers

Larger hands can wrap around the right thumb and fingers.

Step 5. Notice that closed hands that are tightly sealed produce a muted tone and open hands produce a bright tone.

Closed Hands = Muted Tone

Open Hands = Bright Tone

(Notice in the picture on the right that my thumb is wrapped around the front of the harp. I do this because it helps my control and enables me to more effectively seal my hands together. Even though the picture on the left doesn't show it, I often do this with both closed hands and open hands. I find it easy to quickly move my thumb out of the way when I play the high notes.)

Hand Technique #1 Opening with the Fingers

I have identified 5 basic hand techniques that I commonly do. The first I recommend you practice involves opening and closing with the fingers.

Notice in the above picture how I am extending my fingers to open the hands. Please view the below video for more clarity about “Opening with the Fingers”.

Exercise for Applying Hand Technique

Try using this Hand Technique #1 on the following exercise.

The Next Lesson:  In the next lesson I will give you the opportunity to practice your hand technique over my favorite "Chugging Train-Time Rhythms."
 

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My DVD lessons will:

Show you the tricks to playing single notes with a sweet soulful tone.

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ACCELERATE your progress. Many students tell me that the DVD's are a lot more fun and easy than working off this website. The DVD's will show you over 50 simple ways to play the harmonica musically and sound great.
 

If you have any concerns or need additional clarity feel free to
Contact JP at (808) 639-1086
or jp@jpallen.com