Exploring Melodic Style Harmonica & How To Use It With Mississippi John Hurts Guitar Mastery

Name: Exploring Melodic Style Harmonica & How To Use It With Mississippi John Hurts Guitar Mastery
Start: 2024-09-14T13:00:00+10:00
Location: Miss Celie's

Schedule

Sat Sep 14 2024 at 01:00 pm

UTC+10:00

Location

Miss Celie's | Burwood, NS

In this workshop, Brother John will delve into the fingerpicking patterns, timing, and chord voicings that make Mississippi John Hurt's guitar style so unique in the realms of country and folk blues. Captain Bluetongue will explain why standard second position blues riffs can be limiting and demonstrate how to play melodically on the harmonica, offering a richer, more integrated sound in country and folk blues music.
**Mississippi John Hurt's Guitar Methods:**
Mississippi John Hurt's guitar style is renowned for its intricate fingerpicking patterns and gentle, melodic approach. His technique involves:
1. **Thumb Alternation:** Hurt's thumb consistently alternates between the bass strings, creating a steady rhythm that underpins his melodies. This thumb work often plays the role of the rhythm section, mimicking a bass line.
2. **Syncopation and Timing:** He frequently uses syncopation, where the melody is played off-beat against the steady bass line, creating a distinctive, swinging feel. His timing is precise, with each note thoughtfully placed.
3. **Hammer-ons and Pull-offs:** Hurt incorporates these techniques to add fluidity and expressiveness to his playing. These ornamentations help to create a flowing, connected sound.
4. **Chord Voicings:** He often uses open and movable chord shapes that allow for maximum resonance and harmonic richness. His chords are chosen for their melodic quality and how they interact with the bass line.
5. **Melody and Bass Integration:** Hurt seamlessly blends melody and bass lines, often playing the melody on the higher strings while maintaining the bass rhythm with his thumb. This creates a full, rich sound from a single guitar.
**Melodic Harmonica Playing vs. Second Position Blues Riffs in Country and Folk Blues:**
**Traditional Second Position Blues Riffs:**
**Positioning:** Typically played in the second position (cross-harp), where the harmonica's key is a fourth below the key of the song. For example, using a C harmonica for a song in G.
**Blues Scale Focus:** Emphasizes the blues scale, which includes flatted notes (the blue notes) that give the music its characteristic sound.
**Bending Notes:** Utilizes note bending extensively to achieve those blue notes and add expressiveness.
**Rhythmic Patterns:** Often features repetitive, rhythmic riffs that fit into the 12-bar blues structure, providing a driving force to the music.

**Melodic Harmonica Playing:**
**Position Flexibility:** May use first, third, or other positions to better suit the melody of the song rather than sticking to the traditional second position.
**Note Accuracy:** Focuses on hitting precise notes to match the melody rather than relying on the blues scale and bends.
**Expression Through Melody:** Uses vibrato, dynamics, and articulation to convey emotion and complement the song’s melody.
**Adaptation of Techniques:** Incorporates classical and jazz techniques to achieve a smoother, more melodic line that integrates seamlessly with the guitar.