How to play great riffs on a diatonic harp without bending ?<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s have a look at the example below, based on a 12 bar blues progression.<\/p>\n
The chords are F7, Bb7, D7, G7, C7. We\u2019re going to look for shared notes, using the myxolidian mode, commonly used on 7th chords. Intervals between pitches are : tone, tone, semitone, tone, tone, semitone.<\/p>\n
So, for each chord :<\/p>\n
F7 : F, G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb.<\/p>\n
Bb7 : Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab.<\/p>\n
D7\u00a0: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C .<\/p>\n
G7: G, A, B, C, D, E, F.<\/p>\n
C7\u00a0: C, D, E, F, G, A, Bb.<\/p>\n
F is common to every chord, except D7.<\/p>\n
G is common to every chord.<\/p>\n
A is common to every chord, except Bb7.<\/p>\n
Bb is common to F7, Bb7 and C7 chords, but we don\u2019t want any bend.<\/p>\n
C is common to every chord.<\/p>\n
D is common to every chord.<\/p>\n
E is common to D7, G7 and C7 chords.<\/p>\n
Eb is common to F7 and Bb7 chords, but we don\u2019t want any bend.<\/p>\n
F# is in the D7 chord, but we don\u2019t want any bend.<\/p>\n
Ab is in the Bb7 chord, but we don\u2019t want any bend.<\/p>\n
In summary, you can use notes G, C and D on every chord, and even F, which acts as the \u00ab\u00a0blue note\u00a0\u00bb on the D7 chord.<\/p>\n
So, the goal is to play a phrase or riff, repeated all along the 12 bars.<\/p>\n
Then, we can make the riff longer, add notes\u2026<\/p>\n
Tempo is 116, eight notes are played swing style, not exactly as written. See the difference below :<\/p>\n
Eight notes played as is :<\/p>\n\n