Re: [Harp-L] All Blues

[icemanle@xxxxxxx]

Yes, this is how that 3.6% of us "real" musicians share our creative process with each other. (Just poking fun, not trying to raise any hackles).
 
My approach is to simplify and find common tones between the chord changes and base melodic lines on them as a foundation. When I feel the foundation is rock solid, I'll start using passing tones, chromatic tones, etc., to extend the lines. This also helps one understand the notes and how they relate to each other when chords change beneath them.
 
One of my favorite concepts is to play a simple line, for instance, over the I chord, using the major 3rd. Over the IV chord, I'll play the same line, but change that major 3rd to a minor 3rd. It creates interest, continuity, and leads to more ideas.
 
The following description is based on playing "All Blues" in 2nd position on a "C" harmonica.
 
On "All Blues", when the V chord moves up that 1/2 step for a moment, I like to use the 3rd, 5th, 6th and dominant 7th of the Eb chord. In second position, this translates to 2 inhale, 3 inhale first bend, 4 exhale and 4 inhale bend. Guess what - this is simply the first 4 notes of the blues scale played in cross harp position. 
 
The Iceman
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Emile D'Amico <edamico@xxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wed, 12 Apr 2006 20:36:16 -0400
Subject: [Harp-L] All Blues


This is a very interesting thread.
Seeing everyones process is a great look
into peoples creative process.

  First i always  switch to chromatic for this one.
  in the melody i always like to corner switch the
  b to d it just sound smoother to me.

  As far as the improv the first thought is to look at it
 as a blues. I like to use the blues scale and weave it
between a modal approach.
  Sometimes I treat the G7 and C7 with their respective
Mixolydian scales.
   The D7 to Eb7 i like to use a Chromatic scale for tension
and release.
    Since the tune rich in dominant chords you could consider
the diminished scale for a more out or colorful sound

   Thanks for reading this is just another way  not the only way
Emile Diggs D'Amico

    

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