101 Blues Riffs For Diatonic Harmonica In The Style Of The Walters Sonnyboy: A Comprehensive Guide to Essential Blues Harmonica Techniques

The diatonic harmonica is a versatile and expressive instrument that is perfectly suited for playing blues music. In the hands of a skilled player, the harmonica can produce a wide range of sounds, from sweet and soulful to raucous and gritty. One of the most important elements of blues harmonica playing is the riff, which is a short, repeated melodic phrase that forms the foundation of a blues song.

Walter "Sonnyboy" Jacobs was one of the most influential blues harmonica players of all time. His unique style, which combined elements of traditional blues with jazz and swing, helped to shape the sound of modern blues music. Jacobs was a master of the harmonica riff, and his playing was characterized by its infectious energy and melodic invention.

101 Blues Riffs for Harmonica Vol.6: 101 blues riffs for diatonic harmonica in C, in the style of The Walters, Sonnyboy II, Sonny Terry, Levy, Clarke, ... and mo (The Ben Hewlett Harmonica Course)

by Ken Saul

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	71785 KB
Print length	:	40 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Hardcover	:	534 pages
Item Weight	:	1.65 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.83 x 1.19 x 8.27 inches

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This article provides a comprehensive guide to 101 essential blues riffs for the diatonic harmonica, inspired by the playing of Walter "Sonnyboy" Jacobs. These riffs cover a wide range of blues styles, from traditional to contemporary, and are essential for any aspiring blues harmonica player.

Getting Started

Before you start learning the riffs in this article, it is important to have a basic understanding of the diatonic harmonica. The diatonic harmonica is a 10-hole instrument, with each hole producing two notes: a blow note and a draw note. The blow notes are played by blowing into the harmonica, while the draw notes are played by drawing air in.

The diatonic harmonica is typically played in second position, which means that the root note of the harmonica is the second note of the major scale. For example, if you are playing on a C harmonica, the root note is D. This is the note that you will use to play most of the riffs in this article.

The Basic Blues Riff

The basic blues riff is a simple but effective pattern that can be used to play a wide variety of blues songs. The riff is played in 12/8 time, and consists of the following notes:

Blow 4 Draw 4 Blow 5 Draw 5 Blow 6 Draw 4 Blow 4

The basic blues riff can be played in any key, by simply changing the root note. For example, to play the riff in the key of G, you would play the following notes:

Blow 6 Draw 6 Blow 7 Draw 7 Blow 8 Draw 6 Blow 6

Variations on the Basic Blues Riff

The basic blues riff can be varied in a number of ways to create different sounds and effects. One common variation is to add a "turnaround" at the end of the riff. A turnaround is a short, melodic phrase that leads back to the beginning of the riff. For example, the following turnaround can be added to the basic blues riff:

Blow 4 Draw 4 Blow 5 Draw 5 Blow 6 Draw 4 Blow 4 Blow 3 Draw 2

Another common variation is to add a "fill" between the notes of the riff. A fill is a short, improvised melodic phrase that is used to fill in the space between the notes of the riff. For example, the following fill can be added to the basic blues riff:

Blow 4 Draw 4 Blow 5 Draw 5 Blow 6 Draw 4 Blow 4 Blow 3 Draw 2 Blow 4 Draw 4 Blow 5

Other Essential Blues Riffs

In addition to the basic blues riff, there are a number of other essential blues riffs that every harmonica player should know. These riffs include:

• The shuffle riff
• The boogaloo riff
• The train riff
• The minor blues riff
• The major blues riff

These riffs can be used to create a wide variety of blues songs, and are essential for any aspiring blues harmonica player.

The harmonica is a powerful and versatile instrument that is perfect for playing blues music. The riffs in this article provide a comprehensive guide to the essential techniques of blues harmonica playing, and will help you to develop your own unique style. So grab your harmonica and start playing the blues!

Additional Resources

• HarpTabs: A website with a large collection of harmonica tabs and lessons.
• Harmonica Lessons: A website with a comprehensive collection of harmonica lessons for all levels.
• Blues Harmonica: A website dedicated to the art of blues harmonica playing.

101 Blues Riffs for Harmonica Vol.6: 101 blues riffs for diatonic harmonica in C, in the style of The Walters, Sonnyboy II, Sonny Terry, Levy, Clarke, ... and mo (The Ben Hewlett Harmonica Course)

by Ken Saul

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	71785 KB
Print length	:	40 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Hardcover	:	534 pages
Item Weight	:	1.65 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.83 x 1.19 x 8.27 inches

FREE