Learning how to play the harmonica and want to understand the blues harmonica scale?
The blues scale is one of the most important scales for playing authentic blues harmonica. It is the foundation of many blues solos and it can be used to make a variety of bluesy sounds. So let's answer the question: how do you play the blues scale on harmonica?
In this free lesson we cover:
The blues harmonica scale - what it is and why it matters
How to play the blues scale on harmonica in 2nd position 🎉 BONUS - tips for practising the blues harp scale!
❓ Prefer to watch a video? Check out my free video teaching you how to play the blues harmonica scale! In the video we look at the blues harmonica scale in 1st, 2nd and 3rd position.
The Blues Harmonica Scale - What It Is and Why It Matters
The blues scale is a six-note scale that consists of the root, minor third, flat fifth, major fifth, minor seventh, and octave. It is used by harmonica players to play a variety of different blues licks and riffs.
The blues harmonica scale matters because it is an essential tool for any harmonica player who wants to play authentic blues.
👉 With a little practice, you will be able to use the blues scale to create your own unique blues sound.
How to Play the Blues Scale on Harmonica in 2nd Position
You can play the blues scale on harmonica in any position. Yet, the most common way to play the blues scale on harmonica is using 2nd position (e.g. key of G on a C harmonica). The vast majority of blues songs are played in 2nd position. I recommend that when you're learning the blues scale for the first time this is the position you use.
As you know, harmonica tabs tell you the hole number and the direction of airflow. Positive numbers are blow (exhale) notes, negative numbers are draw (inhale) notes. We do also use other symbols for more advanced techniques but if you're a beginner don't worry about these yet.
✋ Want a refresher on harmonica tabs (harmonica notation). Click here for my free harmonica for beginners guide to harmonica tabs.
Here are the tabs for the harmonica blues scale in 2nd position:
-2 -3/ 4 -4/ -4 -5 6
You can also play the blues scale in 2nd position up an octave but it involves an overblow and an overdraw:
6 6* 7 -7* -8 -9 9
✋ Want to learn more about positions? Click here for my free lesson on harmonica postions (essentially positions are the key to understanding how to play the harmonica!)
🎉 BONUS - Tips for Practising the Blues Harp Scale!
Play the blues scale very slowly to begin with, up and down all the notes, trying to get them all sounding with the same tone and volume.
Once you've got the notes, try playing a blues solo using only the notes of the blues scale. Use a jam track and you'll quickly get into the groove.
⭐ Do you want 145 pro blues jam tracks? I've got you covered - click here for details!
Harmonica players often build entire solos out of familiar patterns. To improve your playing and really master the harmonica, you have to break these habits and put familar patterns aside. Once you notice yourself playing the notes in a certain order quite a lot, try to flip them or add/take away a note.
The lowest holes of the instrument are extremely expressive so it's important to get the most out of them. Try extending the blues scale in 2nd position down using these notes:
-2 -2// -1 -1/ 1
🎉 DOUBLE BONUS - More Tips for Practising the Blues Harp Scale!
Here are a few additional tips for playing the blues scale on harmonica:
Practice regularly. Consistency is key here and a little goes a long way. 5-10 minutes every day is much better than an ad hoc 30 minutes now and again. The consistency means you are building up muscle memory. It's that muscle memory that will make the blues scale easier to play
Start slowly. Focus on playing the notes correctly, especially the bends. If you try and rush ahead you'll not master the basics and it is the basics that form a solid foundation for mastery.
Listen to other harmonica players. Watch the video lesson below and see if your notes sound like mine.
I hope this lesson has helped you learn how to play the blues scale on harmonica.
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