INTRODUCing the "Mini's"
Turning CORE Melodies into Instrumentals $2.00
After you have at least one of the four melodies in the "Level I Beginning Chicago Blues Harmonica" memorized, the "Level 2 Mini-Instrumentals" will guide you in taking those ideas and turn them into four instrumentals that are three choruses long. They will start and end with the same blues melody idea. You will be creating a full-blown instrumental.
Each mini-instrumental title has its own series (ex. 5-Hole, 5-Hole, S, 5-Hole, X) that starts and ends with the same melodic idea, has a guitar solo, and a melodic variation that is similar to the first and last chorus.
Introduction to Level 2
Level 2 CORE Instrumentals $5.00
All the Level 2 material is part of the CORE curriculum.
It will be advantageous to have first memorized at least one of the four “Level 2 Mini-instrumentals” to help meet the recommended qualifications for Level 2:
- have two to twelve months of playing experience.
- are familiar with the twelve-bar blues structure, the shuffle rhythm, and can play through one or more of the Level 2 mini-instrumentals that are three choruses long.
- are working towards playing clean single notes consistently, with tongue blocking.
The previously memorized 3-chorus instrumentals are now four choruses long.
4 titles (each CORE melody has a Level 2 study)
Introduction to Level 2s
Level 2 CORE Instrumentals - "S" Versions $5
The “s” versions have a harp solo. Since it is the most active melodically, loud in terms of its dynamics, and does have more breathing challenges, it is likely the hardest thing you will encounter in the Level 2 material. You should assume that the solo will take you the longest to play convincingly. In the 2s versions you will continue to develop the fundamental skills acquired in the Level 1 and Level 2 “mini” songs.
3 titles (three CORE melodies have a 2s study. ("Bird" does not.))
Introduction to Level 2x
Level 2 CORE Instrumentals "X" Versions $5
The “X” version combines the basic version and the “S” version, giving it a fifth chorus. The goal of this Level 2x instrumental is to continue to develop the fundamental skills acquired in the Level 1 and Level 2 “mini” songs. I suggest 4 months of experience before attempting this.
4 titles (each CORE melody has a 2X study)