Sonny Boy / Big Walter Harmonica Lick Lesson

If you like blues harmonica you’re going to love this lesson from me and Joe Filisko.

It’s a classic harmonica rhythm/lead lick that was made famous by Sonny Boy Williamson I and popularized by Big Walter Horton.

I’m rating it beginner to intermediate level because even though there are no bends, the transition from single notes to double notes can take some skill.

If you’re a beginner, you’ll need to be patient to develop this technique (and if you want to play the rhythm at the speed Joe does then you’ll eventually want to learn how to tongue block).

I really love the way Joe teaches and it was a total honor to do this with him (so I hope you get a lot out of it).

I’m warning you ahead it’s more challenging than it sounds (but if you can learn this lick, it will be well worth the effort).

Although this riff doesn’t require bending, I consider it challenging because some of the transitions are pretty awkward at first.

Lead Harmonica With Dirt

For an easier lesson you can also check out the lesson Joe and I did that teaches a simple lead harmonica riff that sounds great click here.

Will you let me know in the comments section below if you would like more lessons of this nature or is there something else you’d rather learn. Thanks again for checking out this lesson and I hope you enjoy it.

You’re harmonica buddy,
jp

P.S.
If you want to learn how to really CRUSH the blues, check out Breakthrough Blues.