Lesson One: Simple Chord Rhythm

Introduction
Hello! In this lesson, we're going to explore a simple chord rhythm. It's a classic blues technique that fits perfectly throughout a blues song in the right key.

Key Information

• Harmonica Key: C
• Guitar Key: G

Now, don't worry, I'm not going to blind you with science! Each diatonic harmonica has a blues scale, and for a C harmonica, that scale is in the key of G. This is why the guitar plays in G while we use a C harmonica. This method is referred to as second position or cross harp, depending on who you talk to.

Chord Rhythm Steps
This initial chord rhythm involves just the first three holes on the harmonica: holes one, two, and three.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Breathe In:

   • Focus on holes 1, 2, and 3.
   • Drop your chin and hold the harmonica between your fingers and thumb.
   • Bring it up to your mouth and breathe in 1, 2, and 3.

   Example: I'll hold the harmonica here so you can see what's going on.

2. Breathe Out:

   • Blow into holes 1, 2, and 3.

3. Breathe In Again:

   • This time, only focus on holes 1 and 2.
   • To achieve this, slightly move your head to your left.

4. Blow Again:

   • Blow into holes 1, 2, and 3 once more.

Summary of Steps:

• Breathe in holes 1, 2, and 3
• Blow holes 1, 2, and 3
• Breathe in holes 1 and 2
• Blow holes 1, 2, and 3 again

It should sound like this: (play the rhythm)
Let's try that four times in a row. After a count of four:

Adding Articulations

Next, we're going to add what's called articulations. This means talking into your harmonica without using your voice box to break up the airflow. You want to use your tongue to say consonants or syllables that will break up the air, allowing for notes of different lengths.

• The easiest one to start with is to say "D."
• It's like saying "D," but without any sound from your voice box.

When I add these articulations to the chord rhythm, I say "duh, duh" every time I breathe.

Without the harmonica, it sounds like this: (demonstrate)

• Gently say "duh, duh."
• Remember, this is still a long breath in and a long breath out.

Practice

• Breathe in holes 1, 2, and 3.
• Blow 1, 2, and 3.
• Breathe in holes 1 and 2.
• Blow 1, 2, and 3 again.

But this time, every time you breathe, your tongue is going "D, D" on the roof of your mouth.

Let's try that four times in a row. After a count of four:

Demonstration with Guitar

I've just grabbed my guitar because I'll demonstrate that the chord rhythm fits all the way through a 12-bar blues in the key of G.

• The guitar plays a 12-bar blues in G.
• We can play the chord rhythm with our C harmonicas without sounding out of tune.

This apparatus here is called a harmonica harness, which allows you to play the harmonica and guitar simultaneously.

Let's try the chord rhythm with the guitar after a count of four:

Extra Tip: It's always nice to finish on an extra little draw chord to round it off nicely.

Simple Blues Solo

Now, I'm going to show you the world's simplest blues solo. All you need to do is breathe in holes 4 and 5 at the same time while saying "duh, duh."

• Locate holes 4 and 5 on your harmonica.
• Stick them both in your mouth, breathe in, and while breathing in, say "duh, duh" with the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
• When breathing out, try to do it through your nose.

This will help you control your breathing without having to take the harmonica out of your mouth.

Let's practice this. After 4 counts:

If you want to try any of these techniques with a good backing track, you can find solid backing tracks in the key of G on the site along with this course. They are better than my guitar playing, trust me!