The "Exploring" series of books within the Harmonica Masterclass Lesson Series walks you through each of the most commonly played positions on the ten-hole diatonic harmonica. This volume for 1st Position focuses on the basic principles of what makes 1st Position work, scales that help maneuverability and speed within 1st Position, and interactive jamming with David Barrett and the David Barrett Blues Band. The book contains the most extensive catalog of 1st Position blues licks and phrases ever written. The carefully sequenced lessons will walk you through both modern licks and classic licks and solos in the style of great masters of 1st Position playing like Sonny Boy Williamson II and Jimmy Reed. This book and audio is a must for the dedicated blues harmonica player! Difficulty level is intermediate to advance. Written in notation and harmonica tablature. Includes access to online audio.

A Word from the Author

Section 1 - Notation
Harmonica Tablature
Rhythm
Notation Specific to Harmonica (Ex. 1.1-1.8)

Section 2 - What is Blues?
Construction of the Major Scale (Ex. 2.1)
Chord Construction (Ex. 2.2)
12 Bar Blues Progression (Ex. 2.3)
1st Position Chord Chart
12 Bar & 8 Bar Blues Chart (2.4 & 2.5)

Section 3 - Solo Construction Guidelines
The Approach
What 1st Position Is Known For
Technique & Phrasing
Notes Used for Soloing (Ex. 3.1-3.3)
Verse Forms
AAA Verse Form (Ex. 3.6)
AAB Verse Form (Ex. 3.7)
AAA or AAB Verse Form with Tails (Ex.3.8)
AA1A2 Verse Form (Ex. 3.9)
A B/A C Verse Form (Ex. 3.10)
ABC Verse Form (Ex. 3.11)
Verse Form Study

Section 4 - Movement Exercises & Soloing, 1st Through 7th Hole C Blues Scale
1st Through 4th Hole C Blues Scale Exercises & Licks (Ex. 4.1-4.25)
4th Through 7th Hole C Blues Scale Exercises & Licks (Ex. 4.26-4.29)

Section 5 - Movement Exercises & Soloing, 7th Through 10th Hole C Blues Scale
7th Through 10th Hole C Blues Scale Exercises & Licks (Ex. 5.1-5.20)
Position Substitution (ex. 5.21-5.25B)
Full Song Example (Ex. 5.26)

Section 6 - Study Exercises