Tuesday, December 18, 2018

What Did You Miss This Week (Week 550 #596)

Melodies.

Two people played the Girl from Ipanema last night, which brought melody playing to mind and Joe shared some thoughts.

First off, if you're playing a melodic song and play a chord tone - one of the notes in the chord the band is playing with you - a half step off, that is not going to sound good. In a blues tune, that sort of dissonance can often work; in melodic and jazz tunes, not so much.

This means your bending needs to be impeccable. And in the spirit of the holidays, Joe made that point that one great way to work on your bending and ear training skill is to play melodies you know well. Your ear knows things like God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman, so you will know whether you hit the bends correctly or not. On that tune, by the way, practice it three ways - starting on the 6 draw, on the one draw and also on the 2 blow. These will exercise your bending chops.

Class Notes

  • See you tonight - Joe's Harlem Harp Party, 8pm start and featuring a set from Harmonicology.
  • This is the last newsletter of 2018. Be sure to get signed up for classes - use discount code LetsPlay19 for $15 off - and we'll see you in January!
- Grant Kessler, B1 Blues Crew