Mannish Boy / I'm A Man Harmonica Lesson
Learn how to play two great harp riffs that are very similar, Mannish Boy and I'm A Man
Mannish Boy / I'm a Man Riff Transcribed For Harmonica
Lesson Info
Difficulty: Medium
Lesson Length: 7:48
Instructor: George Goodman
Gear Used
I am using a D harmonica played in second position for this riff. This one is a Hohner Special 20.
Musical Challenges
Single notes, targeted bending and getting a big fat sound.
Playing single notes and Breathing Techniques are all covered in Harmonica Essentials - Check out the course material here: Harmonica Essentials Course
Bent Harmonica
For help with bending, check out Bent Harmonica.
eBook and Video Get You Bending Like Crazy - FREE.
* Wail Blues and Rock Riffs
* Graduate From Oh Suzanna to Sunshine of Your Love
* Enable the Warmth of the Bottom End
* Gain Confidence Soloing
BENT HARMONICA INCLUDES – Mechanics, Technique, Fine-tuning, and Exercises To Get You Bending the Heck Out of Your Harp
Video Timeline
Introduction
The riffs demonstrated in this lesson are taken from a couple of songs that are very simiilar.
Mannish Boy was recorded by Muddy Waters.
I'm A Man was recorded by Bo Diddley.
Both of these songs employ a version of this riff.
Gear Required
I'm going to demonstrate this riff in the key of A.
The harmonica part that I'm demonstrating is played in second position and so we'll use a D harmonica for this.
The Hohner Special 20 is my harmonica of choice.
D Hohner Special 20
Harmonica Tabs
The notes that make up this lick are the first 3 notes of the Blues Scale.
Some bending will be required. In particular, we need to have a target single bend on draw 3.
Bo Diddley Riff
-2 4 -3b -2
Muddy Waters Riff
-2 4 3 -3b-2
Bent Harmonica
For help with bending, check out Bent Harmonica.
eBook and Video Get You Bending Like Crazy
* Wail Blues and Rock Riffs
* Graduate From Oh Suzanna to Sunshine of Your Love
* Enable the Warmth of the Bottom End
* Gain Confidence Soloing
BENT HARMONICA INCLUDES – Mechanics, Technique, Fine-tuning, and Exercises To Get You Bending the Heck Out of Your Harp
Things To Note
This was recorded in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia in 2016.
Join the conversation - Let me know how it goes - Leave a message below.
I hope you enjoyed the video. George's Tip Jar is open.
Right on. See you in the next one.
Peace,
George
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Great Sound, Smooth Comb, Responsive to Bending - but not loose, Affordable. I play Special 20s more than any other model.
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Hohner Harmonica Holder
The Hohner Harmonica Neck Holder fits harmonicas up to 7-1/2" long, has a nickel plated finish and fits any neck shape.
I have used a similar holder for over 25 years. This no-nonsense holder will work for you.
George this is a great lesson that all blues players should know.
Hi Warren. Agreed. These riffs need to be in your bag of tricks and licks for sure.
Thanks