Three Position Hand to Mouth Blues
Solos 21a, 21b, and 21c each demonstrate the use of more complex hand technique with, respectively, simple Cross (using notes 2i, 1e, and 1i), Third (using notes 4i, 6e and 6i), and First Position (using note 1e and 4e, 5i, and 6e) blues.
Many different rhythmic patterns are applied to the hand wah technique in each of these three solos. You may wish to practice some of the most common of them, using any note or chord. These include such patterns as:
Continuous fast hand wahs for a number of beats:
A single hand wah for each beat:
A wah for one beat, followed by two wahs in one beat, followed by one more wah for one beat, then a silent beat:
Two wahs in one beat, followed by two wahs for one beat each, then a silent beat:
A wah for one-and-a-half beats, followed by a wah for one-half beat, followed by a wah for one beat, then a silent beat:
A wah for one-half beat, followed by a wah for one beat, followed by a wah for one-half beat, followed by a wah for one beat, then a silent beat:
An eight beat rhythmic pattern beginning with four sets of two wahs per beat, followed by three wahs for one beat each, then a silent beat. This pattern is often used at the end of a verse:
Although it is not necessary to be able to play each of these solos with exactly the same hand techniques as demonstrated in the recordings, they will provide you with ideas on how to mix different hand wah timings in a single verse.
Review the basic instructions for playing simple Cross Position (such as solos 2, 3, and 4), First Position (solo 6), and Third Position (solo 7) blues. Then practice hand technique rhythm patterns of your own.
