Lesson Seven: Exploring Fifth Position Minor

Welcome back!

In this lesson, we will continue exploring fifth position minor.

Recap of Lesson Six

In lesson six, we discussed why I chose fifth position minor as my preferred method for learning in a minor key using a major diatonic harmonica. The pentatonic scale we covered in that lesson is crucial for this session. You will find many notes from that scale useful as we play through the head of our next tune and when we work on a solo.

The Tune: Sugar

Today, we will play a tune by Stanley Tarantin which works perfectly in fifth position. I believe this is a fantastic choice for us to learn together.

• Song: Sugar
• PDF: Follow along on your PDF.

Playing Instructions

• Listen carefully to the intro and note that it has a four-beat count off, starting on beat three. You will hear two beats before we begin the melody line.
• Follow along on your PDF and listen to me play.
• After this, you will have time to practice on your own with the track that does not include the harmonica.

Observations

The head of Sugar is straightforward and logically laid out for the harmonica in fifth position.

• It features what I refer to as a stair-step melody, the way it descends in intervals makes complete sense.
• The arrangement is also logical for fifth position minor on the harmonica.

Practice

Check out the tablature in your PDF, practice diligently, and work on getting the head down solidly.

Next lesson, we will have the opportunity to create a solo with this material and tie everything together.

I'll see you in the next one!