Playing Octaves
A technique which is particularly effective when playing in third position is the use of two notes an octave apart (known as "playing octaves"). This involves covering four holes (e.g. 1, 2, 3 and 4) but blocking the middle two (2 and 3) with the tongue.
This allows only the two outside notes (1 and 4) to sound. These notes are an octave apart. This is demonstrated in the following example. Listen to the CD to hear the effect it produces and then try playing along. Space has been left for you to play it by yourself on the repeat.
This technique can take some time to master. Most people can either get three or one notes to sound together at first but not two. Be patient with it and practice it for a short time each day. After a few weeks you will start to gain control of it.
Here is a riff using octaves in third position. Once again, space has been left on the recording for you to play it when the example repeats.
Here is a Blues solo using octaves in third position. It is a simplification of the style of Chicago Blues great Junior Wells, the all time master of third position playing.
To finish our study of third position playing, here is a solo using ideas from the playing of two great Australian harp players Ron King of the Foreday Riders and "Continental" Robert Susz of the Mighty Reapers and also Continental Blues Party. Both these players have studied the third position playing of Junior Wells.
