Is there one song that encompasses most of the techniques you need to master blues harmonica? One that, if mastered, will show you can do bends, tongue slaps, octaves, vibrato, etc?
I would think the obvious option is 'Whammer Jammer' which was composed by Magic Dick purely to put all the techniques he knew into one piece. I'm sure there's gotta be more than that though.
thing thats cool about whammer is u have to understand 12 bar blues to really get it------ I think its the 6th 7th 8th and 9th 12 bar go arounds the band comes back in on the four chord---- after the first 4 measures on the one are silent for the band I had to explain to a bass player n guitarist
any way I completely broke this song down may sell it someday [the breakdown that is] its harder to remember which lick is in which 12 bar than to learn the lick--thats why I broke it down to 10 [12 bar deals and named them- I think this song put harp on the map
Last Edited by snowman on Jul 12, 2017 7:38 PM
One song....I would be pressed. So many talented artists. Whammer Jammer is an awesome choice, for sure.
Songs with great multiple techniques....for me, if I could learn ANYTHING...dead on tie but both from the same artist. "Take a Walk On the Wild Side" and "My True Love is a Dope Whore". Jason Ricci poured a ton of talent into both.
There are techniques you hear...and subtle things most people don't hear but give that sound....so there is what I know I need to master but also what I DONT KNOW I need to master.....all right there.
This has been a work in progress for me, one of my favorite Ricci solos. It has the bends,tongue slaps, octaves, vibrato, passion and lots of etc! Jason says he's mostly switching between and sometimes combining the Aeolian mode and the regular ole' blues scale. (Simple?-It Ain't!)
Last Edited by Harp2swing on Jul 12, 2017 11:21 PM
Surprised that no one said "Juke". As far as blues melodic lines, long ideas, variations on the main theme as well as technique, it is the gold standard.
For beginners, I use the Jerry Portnoy original version of "Blues in a Dream". Accessible, slow, and very cool. ---------- The Iceman
I think we've gotten away from the main point of the thread.
The original question was about ONE song that encompasses many different harmonica techniques. The original question was not about what is the most essential blues harmonica standard.
They are different questions. In answer to the OP: I would say that either "Whammer Jammer" or Cotton's "Creeper" require a high degree of technical skill and a good variety of techniques.
The other question, about harmonica standards: around here, a "good" harmonica player should be ready to play "Juke" or "Walter's Boogie" at any time. ---------- Marc Graci YouTube Channel
I don't have the CD handy to tell you what song it is,but I believe it is the 3rd song and the first instrumental on Kim Wilson's "Smokin' Joint". If you can master all the techniques on that cut,you will be a good player.
