So I finally decided it was time to play the 12 bar blues and downloaded a background track from wikiloops I am honestly not sure if this is how its supposed to sound I am gladly awaiting feedback :)
not sure if i should take that as a compliment :D i guess i will do so
i actually am kinda scared to put all my stuff on the net but honestly even if its bad the worst thing that can happen is constructive criticism at least on a serious site like this one
i wouldnt dare to post it to reddit or something like that as i am rather certain id get shat all over there^^
There are some spots where the vocal and harp parts don't work together (some where they do). I'm heading out the door right now, but I'll comment more later. I like this one. I noticed sometimes the harp part ended like you'd planned it to end there, but a couple places it just seemed to run out of steam and taper off. The riffs that seemed to be complete thoughts worked well. They weren't terribly bluesy notes, but they worked with the backing.
It takes time to create stuff that is at a high level. Listening and singing along with licks helps get the language of the music inside you. Tone and groove go a long way in this style of music to express emotion. The 2 draw bent to not bent can be is good place to start exploring. This tune has some of that in it.
I can't put my finger on it, but before 1:13 or so, even although you were playing over the vocals, the harp was working. After that it started interfering with the vocal.
Your tone is a little thin, particularly compared to the vocal.
Okay, here is a question for the hardcore theory guys- I mentioned crossing melodies in one of my other posts. My ears aren't fast enough- there are times that harp and vocals work together, and times they don't. Is it maybe a crossing parts issue? I know you are generally told to stick to chugging if you insist on playing under a vocal. (I sometimes echo the vocal, but that would avoid crossing too.)
I think you need to find a better backing track and there are plenty on the net for free. The one you used is terrible. I have fairly good ears, but I can't even tell what key its in.
If you really can't tell if that's how blues are 'supposed' to sound, then you need to listen to a lot more blues. You need to develop your ear so you can improve your pitch, both in singing and playing.
Learn songs, and take lessons. Improvising is a pretty advanced skill for most people, and most likely not something that you'll be able to do well straight away.
If you want it to be 12 bar blues, you need to understand or at least have a feel for the chord progressions, and follow the changes. ---------- Lucky Lester
If you have a problem with 12 bar blues,spend some time with modal 1 chord groove blues ,that's where it started.you don`t have to think about chord changes,just get into a good groove and let it go !that's how too learn the language blues.playing along chords you need to harmonize and go along with the changes.playing modal you can play any note and go any where you want ,just come back in for a landing on your mode now and then...assimilate the masters,I,spent a lot of time learning the three voices in blues harp,for me ,Sonny Terry, Sonny Boy2 and Little Walter.
Last Edited by nowmon on Apr 17, 2015 12:27 AM
I have a selection of good BT's too if you are interested.
It's a good start, and good on you for being brave enough to post. I can't agree more with the comment above about listening to a lot of good blues harp tracks and letting them shape your playing. I suspect it's the same with a lot of players here, but that's all I did in the beginning (lessons were unheard of!); just listened and listened.
---------- My YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2_8CnjaiNLcPke4gWQ65A
I thought this sounded ok – kind of reminded be a bit of Low Rider – however not especially bluesy. If you're aim is to play blues then you need to start focusing in where the "blue" notes are (Check out Adams video on the blues scale below).
If you want to sing too then learn some actual blues songs by other people first, rather than making it up, this will give you a sense of the notes and phrasing that also makes blues blues.
And as others have said listen, listen, listen to as much blues as possible. You need to get used to the musical language. There are loads of great artists but if you're having trouble choosing one, start with Muddy Waters.
didjcripey, I actually thought the backing track was pretty cool; it has nice bounce, although I can see why it might not be a great track for practicing 12 bar over.
I keep trying to figure out who this sounds like. It reminds me of someone, but I'm drawing a blank.
I guess since im not that much into blues it should be my first goal to tackle if i get better at music styles im not too familiar with i can get more inspiration for what i like and thus i can get better at that
I guess it sounds dumb but honestly it cant hurt to learn it right? :)
if you're not that much in to blues, maybe you should leave it alone. Stick to what you are in to. I don't think its good to do things half arsed. ---------- Lucky Lester
@10BIT ; Do whatever you want, dunno what age you are but, explore all musical genres if you want and draw a little something from each that's what artists/musicians do. Whatever made you think of that song title and those lyrics, I have no idea! It's not very bluesy but hey that's how you might hear it. When I listen to someone like Tom Waits I can hear blues and all sorts of other stuff going on and sometimes I just scratch my head, but love what he does, others hate him and he is of course considered a musical genius!
@10BIT; I've added this much later on. I have to ask, what blues artists are you listening to that inspired you to play and sing like that?
Last Edited by marine1896 on Apr 18, 2015 12:35 PM
I agree with the previous posters. You need to listen more before you try to make music. At least if you want to play a genre that you are unfamiliar with. You say that you know your scales but believe me: you don't. Back to basic and learn them!
But on the other hand. If you keep listening to the blues and play those ten holes every day you will learn to play. Soon. Because Learning an instrument is like learning a language: you have to talk it everyday but you also have to hear the natives speak it too... ---------- Pistolkatt - Pistolkatts youtube
well the blues artist i listened to most was likely jason ricci I just enjoy his music a lot Ray charles is great some clapton and hendrix is in the mix as well jason is pretty much the only harper i listen to honestly
the thing is i can play the scales but i cant convert them into a song i just kinda slip out at times I guess it comes with time and much more playing :/
These guys are people you need to know about as harmonica players but also as blues musicians. See who you like and start by trying to copy some of their licks. Use the blues scale as a starting point.
