How to Play the 12 Bar Blues on the Harmonica

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Written by unclebiff

Blues harmonica is definitely a favorite instrument in any blues setting. Whether your playing a cover of the great Little Walter or just sitting around having fun with friends . Whether you play folk,rock or blues the 12 bar blues is a must and is loved and known to many people as a leader in freestyle blues.

1. Hold your harmonica in which ever way is easiest for you. You should learn the proper techniques to hold the harmonica but with the basic 12 bar blues anyway will do.

2. Pucker your lips like your kissing someone and blow on the number three hole, blow on the number four hole, inhale on the number three hole and then blow on the number three hole. Each time you blow or inhale it should be counted as a beat so in total you should have four beats.

3. After the first four beats, blow on the number four hole, blow on the number four hole, inhale on the number three hole and blow on the number four hole. Four beats total.

4. After your first eight bars, blow on the number three hole, inhale on the number three hole, blow on the number four hole and inhale on the number four hole. Four beats total and that completes the 12 bar blues.

5. First four beats 3 4 3 3 Second 4 4 3 4 Third 3 3 4 4

B B I B B B I B B I B I

Tips. Find different ways to hold your harmonica to make it sound better.

Learning to bend notes and using different progressions will make this sound professional.

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Comments (3)

jswana said:

	... I'm gonna save this. I really want to learn the guitar - STILL. The harmonica sounds cool too, especially with the blues. Thanks. 5*
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