Harmonica Fundamentals with Joe Filisko - Riffs, Licks, Hooks and Songs
Aug 2, 2020
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Harmonica expert Joe Filisko joins Lee Sankey to discuss the fundamentals of playing the harmonica, focusing on riffs, licks, hooks, and songs. They explore the significance of these elements in blues harmonica playing, the boogie plus technique, chord tones, the box shuffle, and different grooves and iconic riffs on the harmonica.
Learning riffs, licks, hooks, and songs is essential for blues harmonica players to gain confidence, collaborate with other musicians, and contribute effectively during performances.
Mastering iconic harmonica riffs and songs, such as 'Hoochie Coochie Man' and 'I'm a Man,' showcases musical skill, enhances harmonica players' repertoire, and leaves a powerful impact on the audience.
Deep dives
The importance of learning riffs, hooks, licks, and songs
In the final episode of The Read Plate series on harmonica playing fundamentals, Joe Felisco explores the significance of learning riffs, hooks, licks, and songs. He emphasizes that these elements are inseparable from the harmonica's role in blues music, and every blues harmonica player should be familiar with them. By knowing these iconic phrases, players gain confidence and mastery, enabling them to participate in jam sessions and collaborate with other musicians. Joe stresses the importance of being more than just a filler during performances, and highlights the harmonica's potential to contribute to the rhythm section and serve as a key part of the band's sound.
The power of the boogie plus, rumba, and box grooves
Joe discusses three specific grooves: the boogie plus, rumba, and box. The boogie plus groove, composed of notes 1, 3, 5, and 6 of the major scale, provides a strong foundation for playing the blues. Joe emphasizes that these simple triadic patterns can be sequenced over both the one and four chords, offering players an extensive range of possibilities. Similarly, the rumba groove, characterized by its straight eighth feel, evokes the spirit of blues music and enhances a player's ability to connect with other musicians. Lastly, the box groove combines the blues scale's minor pentatonic sound with chords to create a distinct bluesy feel, creating an opportunity for players to develop their improvisation skills.
Iconic harmonica riffs and songs
Joe highlights the importance of learning and mastering iconic harmonica riffs and songs. He describes the inclusion of these riffs in blues harmonica playing as a sign of confidence and competence. Songs like 'Hoochie Coochie Man,' 'I'm a Man,' and 'Manish Boy' have become synonymous with harmonica playing and serve as benchmarks for blues harmonica players. Joe emphasizes that knowing and being able to play these riffs not only demonstrates musical skill, but also enables harmonica players to contribute effectively during jam sessions and performances. By incorporating these memorable riffs and hooks into their repertoire, players can showcase their understanding of blues music and make a powerful impact on their audience.
Exploring diverse grooves: the tramp and cha-cha-cha
Joe introduces the tramp groove, which is a variation of the boogie shuffle with a driving and hard sound. He explains that the tramp groove, consisting of notes 1, 5, and flat 7, is perfect for expressing blues scale tones and creating a distinct bluesy mood. Additionally, Joe discusses the cha-cha-cha groove, which varies from typical blues grooves by incorporating a Latin feel with a straight eighth rhythm. He emphasizes that introducing different grooves, like the tramp and cha-cha-cha, provides a refreshing change from traditional swing shuffles, allowing harmonica players to explore new musical territories and showcase their versatility.
Lee Sankey and Joe Filisko discuss the last of Joe's fundamentals of playing the harmonica - Riffs, Licks, Hooks and Songs. Joe provides a detailed breakdown of the eight things blues harmonica players should know how to play.
SPECIAL LIVE EVENT - On September 26th 2020 Joe and I will be hosting The Reedplate live where you can ask your questions about this series on harmonica fundamentals. To hear about how to get tickets to take part subscribe to my newsletter at leeesankey.com or follow my Facebook page.
Get in touch with your suggestion, ideas and comments - info@leesankey.com