The Campfire Harmonica Method : Cowboy Songs
For players of all ages and levels: from those new to the harmonica and those with more experience wanting to learn some new tunes and tricks and how to turn any tune into a campfire classic! We will be focusing on skills to play basic melodies with solid rhythm. Then we will learn a variety of special effects and techniques that bring each arrangement to life and make them fun to play! These essential skills will transfer well to folk, blues, americana, country and singer- songwriter styles. Kids and adults are welcome. Participants need to be able to read and follow song lyrics and harmonica notation numbers 1-10. Reading standard music notation is not needed.
Thad Beach
Tuesdays, September 30- November 18, 7:00 to 7:50 pm
Minimum 3; Maximum 25
Ability to read written song lyrics and corresponding harmonica notation numbers 1-10. Musical note reading ability not required.
You will need: a ten hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C. There are student models in the $10 - 20 range. Generally the more you pay they are sturdier and easier to play. The $40 - $60 range harmonicas are better quality. Hohner and Lee Oskar harmonicas are available locally at SM Hanson Music. Other reliable brands include Suzuki, Seydel, Eastop and Fender.
You will get: Handouts and focused practice audio files each week. A welcome introductory email will include prep materials and an audio file to get you started.
The Campfire Harmonica Method : Cowboy Songs
Class Outline: Main songs and skills
The Old Chisolm Trail : A toe tapping and spur jingling arrangement to get familiar with the harmonica and learn some special effects and essential tecniques..We’ll play In first position key of C and then a version in 2nd postion key of G both using a C harmonica.
Get along little dogies: A peppy melody in 3/4 time, common to many old time cowboy and folk songs. We will learn a solid basic version then explore bringing it to life with double notes, chords, octaves, and other special effects used in our first song.
On the Lone Prairie : A sad and lonesome minor key song great for adding wails, trills, flutters, harmony notes and octave tongue blocking. Learn to play in the key of D minor using a C harmonica!
After we learn these three “ Campfire Classics ” other songs and skills can be introduced
