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As a performer and instructor of 30 years, I have helped students from around the world learn the language of blues harmonica both virtually and in person. I built BadAss Harmonica from the ground up, which not only restores and sells vintage microphones and amplifiers, but offers webinars, lessons, jam tracks, and much more!
Currently touring and recording with the Nick Moss Band (on Alligator Records).
Blues Music Award - "Blues Band of the Year" (2020) Blues Music Award - "Traditional Blues Album of the Year" (2020) Blues Music Award - "Harmonica Player of the Year" (2019) SPAH “Bernie Bray Player of the Year” award (2019) "Best Modern Blues Harmonica Player" - 3 years in a row/Real Blues Magazine
That element and GA-40 Amp rig......wow, right up there with the "Tigerman" Tone! (Even though that was a GA-90) BUT......as good as it gets for full blues tone. Nice!
@@DennisGruenling I can see why! I once had a GA90, Good tone but not a practical amp for gigging on stages. The GA6 I had sounded good but that GA-40 is very muscular and thick toned. Nice. Nice ceramic for somebody.
@@ikust007 for me it’s a “newer” one, as I haven’t played one in many years. Got this last year and really surprised with how well it plays and feels. I still prefer wooden comb Marine Bands personally, but it’s a nice harp overall.
I love it!!! Not only is it a good lick, but it’s rooted in a foundation of rhythm and scales. It’s a natural extension of the boogie woogie patterns you teach on your site and a great demo of how to apply that same approach to a solo. NOT just a random selection of notes to be memorized. Thanks!! ❤
@@mgraci1 thank you!! I try to pick some licks here that are important for one reason or another… but it’s always fun for me to figure out my own stuff too 😂🎶
@@1977palvarez the comment was indeed silly however, the question was legit. i confuse sad hours and blue midnight on occasion. it was obvious by the applause the band sounded great. were you there ?
@@sharkair2839 Sad Hours is my favorite and two things to distinguish it come to mind - it starts out with 12 bars without the harmonica, featuring that descending bass line, and also it is not as slow as people think, it’s a little more uptempo than his other “slow blues” numbers 👍
@@boydross in the caption, you will see link for info on my website membership. I just loaded new content for this month, including several lessons, a couple webinars and other study materials… Membership costs less than one lesson per month and you have 24/7 access to different content that I curate each month to study with, listen to, watch, learn from… and most importantly learn WHY behind these things which helps you learn better and faster 👍
"Play it clean" Different licks sometimes takes a little different technique to execute cleanly. By slowing it down, and maybe looping that phrase, you're able to listen and figure out what it takes to play it cleanly. Thanks Dennis....wise words indeed. And the phrases you're teaching are killer! 👍👍
@@harpbaby1 thank you! Many times, when working on fast phrases, players get them wrong because either A) they can’t really hear or tell all the notes and sounds being played, and/or B) they just don’t have the control or technique to do them as someone else does. So the key really is to slow them down and do them piece by piece by piece, clean and clear, then build up speed. You don’t necessarily have to clean up the “dirt” in a phrase if it is deliberate, but even slowing down and figuring out how a “dirty” sound is played will help you be able to play it fast once you learn it correctly 👍
Ceramic elements are my fav Dennis they have more low end to them and you usually don't have to worry about leaving them out in the cold or heat. Sounds great !!
yo Dennis,,I was over at curtis salgado's basement the other day,he said he bought his mic from you do you happen to have that same mic,in stock..for sale??spike from Vancouver Washington.
As always Dennis your absolute awesome technic and your wealth of knowledge a master player that I always enjoy to watch and learn thank you so much for sharing your craft your a inspiration to all harp players !
Of course. I started out not blocking like most people. All are welcome here, just keep in mind that T-blocking will help in all areas of playing (breath control, tone, and all types of sounds and techniques available)…and honestly it is not as difficult as people think it is. But I am aware not everyone does it. Many of the sounds, textures and techniques you hear me play come from blocking however…thanks for sticking around!
Dennis I really admire you breaking these licks down I know it's not easy that's why I don't teach. Fantastic job! ALL HAIL FEARLESS FRIDAY !!! Austin- 3:18
Thank you Dennis. I do like to tongue block. My biggest problem is not being able to bend on hole 3. Players say it will come at some point. They say do not stop tongue blocking. I am trying to hang with it. You are a true inspiration.
Thank you so much! It will come, but let me help. I often get students blocking and starting to bend in the first lesson. The trick to bending is it all depends on controlling your airflow, whether you are blocking or not. Choke off the airstream towards the back of your throat to get the most common bends on 2-3 on the common key harps
Dennis- Fearless Fridays are gonna be awesome! To me the magic of this is not so much laying out the notes but giving your thought process of what you were trying to do with the lick in context. THANK YOU!
I can get more into that as well… that is what I do with most of my teaching… it is the WHY behind everything that means the most⚡️ Not so much my thoughts process when I play because it’s immediate (not really a conscious thought in the moment) but there is a reasoning to why I go places and how/why it all works 👍
The way you phrase the notes together and the spacing is SO important, it makes the difference between just "playing notes" and "saying something"...thanks! I actually talk about this specific point in the VIP lesson this month.
@DennisGruenling cool, it's completely true Denis. For me, it's the difference between a professional and a beginner. That's why I love the way you play. And something more to me is the groove, feeling and emotion you give to all your notes. Thank you for that, it's a gift for my ears....kinds regards from Belgium 🇧🇪 😀
Hi, Dennis! It’s great to see you again. I miss Tunesday :). The time you take to do this for us is really appreciated. Regards from Spain. PS: If you have ‘problems’ breaking down your licks - imagine how we feel!😂 Cheers man✌️
Thank you very much! Haha, well I know the WAY I play, but I always improvise, so the timing and phrasing and ideas always change...this is really when the music happens I think! Thank you
Wow Dennis, that is so generous of you... Whenever I need to hone my blues chops, I spend time with ANY of your videos. And now you break it down for us? Kudos amigo. You're creating a whole generation of players. And as one of them, thank you.
