Something I'm often asked by harmonica students is "How do you fit in with a non-blues band as a harmonica player? Or "How do you know what to play on songs where you wouldn't ordinarily hear a harmonica?" I'm currently touring with New York Singer-Songwriter Rachael Sage, filling in for her violin player, so this is something I've been doing a lot of the last couple of weeks. So I thought I would make a video lesson to give my thoughts and a few tips on the subject. FREE COURSE: www.willwildeharmonicamasterclass.com/p/will-wilde-s-harmonica-masterclass ULTIMATE BLUES HARMONICA SOLOIST COURSE: www.willwildeharmonicamasterclass.com/p/ultimate-blues-soloist-course
I've only been playing for 10 years (started at age 65) and I seem to have understood this approach from the start. Fill the gaps... Play less... listen to the singer and do not step on anyone..... Lay out when in doubt... My latest weapons include a set of Hohner Pentaharps and three awesome Wilde Tuned harps along with a full set of standard blues harps and a big old Chromatic. The world of music is there. Jazz, Bossa, Country, Traditional and so much more. When invited to sit in I love to see a lovely latin singer look over in surprise when I fill in a few gaps to a classic Jobim tune. Smiles all around. Will Wilde is the master. Bravo.
Great topic and very helpful ideas. You didn't mention it specifically, but I like your approach of using a swelling volume dynamic to introduce the tones in the fills during the singing. I would add that when improvising that if you find something you play that seemed to work for a part of the song, bring it back again when it comes around - like creating your own theme part like it's supposed to be there.
I’ve played with bolero, mariachis and cutting with recordings of jazz, funk , etc with the wild tuned harp It’s the easiest of all harmonicas to play of all harmonicas
Hi Will been having to do this a lot in the last 2 years, a lot of musicians seem to think it can only play 12 bar lol they look a bit shocked when you add something to a song. great subject and one that more harp players need to indulging in.
I started playing blues and country but 0:07 my band for the last 16 years plays all kinds of stuff from Steely Dan to Tom Waits to ELP.to standards. Learm melodies, so you understand where the chords change, how to improvise in those changes and how to add fills that add something to the somg in a tasteful manner. The more you know a song, the better you find the right note to place in the right spot. Think of yourself as an accordion, a saxaphone, an organ or a fiddle. That blues feeling that need to testify your truth will guide you, regardless of genre.
Excellent video. I have been thinking about the question, is the blues a gateway to getting good on harmomica? I think the answer is yes, at least for me, as it is the root of so many genres. How about doubling or replacing backing vocals. I was asked to sit in with "All about the Bass" but with no back up singers. Doing the melodies from the backing vocals was a blast!
Cool! That's what I've been doing with a few bands for the past 16 years, including solos, like on "Rock N Roll is King" and "Proud Mary." I'm the only member of the band who has to "figure it out", and I love a challenge, especially when it comes to music. Thanks again, Will!
Thank you will for that non conventional video. I find it very difficult to fit in with non blues or rock band / jams and i'll try to learn from these advice to get more confortable playing in these situations! Cheers for all your work and lessons !
Absolutely, the more tunings you have available, the more options you have. I suppose the minor keys I tend to use the most are A minor, D minor and B minor.
Something I'm often asked by harmonica students is "How do you fit in with a non-blues band as a harmonica player? Or "How do you know what to play on songs where you wouldn't ordinarily hear a harmonica?" I'm currently touring with New York Singer-Songwriter Rachael Sage, filling in for her violin player, so this is something I've been doing a lot of the last couple of weeks. So I thought I would make a video lesson to give my thoughts and a few tips on the subject.
FREE COURSE: www.willwildeharmonicamasterclass.com/p/will-wilde-s-harmonica-masterclass
ULTIMATE BLUES HARMONICA SOLOIST COURSE: www.willwildeharmonicamasterclass.com/p/ultimate-blues-soloist-course
And one of the most important lessons..."when in doubt, lay out!"
I've only been playing for 10 years (started at age 65) and I seem to have understood this approach from the start. Fill the gaps... Play less... listen to the singer and do not step on anyone..... Lay out when in doubt... My latest weapons include a set of Hohner Pentaharps and three awesome Wilde Tuned harps along with a full set of standard blues harps and a big old Chromatic. The world of music is there. Jazz, Bossa, Country, Traditional and so much more. When invited to sit in I love to see a lovely latin singer look over in surprise when I fill in a few gaps to a classic Jobim tune. Smiles all around. Will Wilde is the master. Bravo.
Great Will😀 especially the fiddle in Your harp 💙🎻
Great topic and very helpful ideas. You didn't mention it specifically, but I like your approach of using a swelling volume dynamic to introduce the tones in the fills during the singing. I would add that when improvising that if you find something you play that seemed to work for a part of the song, bring it back again when it comes around - like creating your own theme part like it's supposed to be there.
Great video. I'm a chromatic player but I love your sound and style.
Very good advice . Playing the bass line or just some notes from it is also very useful.
I’ve played with bolero, mariachis and cutting with recordings of jazz, funk , etc with the wild tuned harp
It’s the easiest of all harmonicas to play of all harmonicas
Don't a lot of the central/south American music genre's favor tremolo harps? What adjustments do you have to make to sub in a wilde tuned diatonic?
Hi Will been having to do this a lot in the last 2 years, a lot of musicians seem to think it can only play 12 bar lol they look a bit shocked when you add something to a song. great subject and one that more harp players need to indulging in.
I started playing blues and country but 0:07 my band for the last 16 years plays all kinds of stuff from Steely Dan to Tom Waits to ELP.to standards. Learm melodies, so you understand where the chords change, how to improvise in those changes and how to add fills that add something to the somg in a tasteful manner. The more you know a song, the better you find the right note to place in the right spot. Think of yourself as an accordion, a saxaphone, an organ or a fiddle. That blues feeling that need to testify your truth will guide you, regardless of genre.
Watched 3 vids that's enough to get my sub as a fellow harper
The Wilde tuned harp diatonic is better than standard diatonic than this for playing melodies
Leman Russ taking time off his busy crusading schedule to teach us about music. blessed
I like to think of what the big band horn section added and try to fill with that style ( very blues brothers) shout out to Elwood
Thank you for this talk. I feel affirmed in trusting my ear.
Great lesson Will! It's always good to think outside the "blues" box. And remember: in these scenarios less is more! Keep on harping folks ❤❤
Excellent video. I have been thinking about the question, is the blues a gateway to getting good on harmomica? I think the answer is yes, at least for me, as it is the root of so many genres.
How about doubling or replacing backing vocals. I was asked to sit in with "All about the Bass" but with no back up singers. Doing the melodies from the backing vocals was a blast!
😍🤙🤙❤🤙❤🤩
Cool! That's what I've been doing with a few bands for the past 16 years, including solos, like on "Rock N Roll is King" and "Proud Mary." I'm the only member of the band who has to "figure it out", and I love a challenge, especially when it comes to music. Thanks again, Will!
Presumably, if you can figure out or are told the chords, something with the root notes would be the simplest?
Nice lesson Will ! This is where i use my effects to copy other instruments. It's good to have a octive generator of some sort. Have a good tour !!
Good lesson Will. I play in multiple genres every time. I have a hard time explaining to people this. Thanks 😊
Thank you will for that non conventional video. I find it very difficult to fit in with non blues or rock band / jams and i'll try to learn from these advice to get more confortable playing in these situations!
Cheers for all your work and lessons !
Damn you sound like a violin!! 😮
Or...you can just go into Freebird!
lol
Great video Will, is it A harmonica you're playing this video ?
It's an A on 'Spark' I think I may have picked up another harp at some point in the video, I can't remember
@@willharmonicawilde It's ok, Thank you so much .
I've watched so many videos on how to play the blues that UA-cam has recommended me a video on how not to play the blues. Maybe I have a problem... 🤔
😆
Do you think it would be a good idea to have a few minor key harps in this situation...if so what keys would you recommend Will?..Thanks
Absolutely, the more tunings you have available, the more options you have. I suppose the minor keys I tend to use the most are A minor, D minor and B minor.
Cool thanks Will
Also third position.
melodymaker too. pop fits great , try it out❤
Excellent point! I use minor key harps on songs that I didn't think would call for them, but they work...when you know what to play, of course. ;-)
" Lulu " to sir with love ?
Yes, that's her :) She's a big star here in the UK
@willharmonicawilde wow I didn't realize she was still alive . You mentioned " support " is she OK ?
She sounds better than ever actually at 75 yrs old, she's an inspiration! And she's totally fine, "support act" is another term for "opening act"
Далеко не все розумію що ти кажеш але граеш добре . Придбав сам гармоіку , вчусь ...