How To Play A Harmonica Solo On Folsom Prison Blues

Today I'd like to show you how to play a harmonica solo on Folsom Prison Blues. This is an iconic Johnny Cash song that most everyone is familiar with. What I love about the song is it's simplicity and that it gets right to the point. A big part of the brilliance of this song is Luther Perkins and his guitar playing. His guitar solo on Folsom Prison Blues is brilliant and memorable.
In this video I break down Luther Perkins' guitar solo and transfer the essence of it over to the harmonica. It's not exactly like the guitar solo but when you play it everyone will know what song you are playing. enjoy!
I'm available for harmonica lessons over Skype. Simply send me an email to: [e-mail] and we can get it scheduled! Lessons are important especially if you are just starting out so you don't learn habits that will make it harder to play down the road. I can help you with bending notes, playing single notes, playing in different positions, music theory, blues licks, songs you are trying to learn and much more! Some people only take a lesson or two when they feel the need and others prefer an on going schedule. Let me know your needs and we can come up with a schedule that works for you!
website: harmonicajoe.com
In this video I'm playing a Hohner Crossover harmonica in the key of A.
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Website: www.harmonicajoe.com
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In this video harmonicajoe.com teaches how to play a harmonica solo on Folsom Prison Blues.

[@andydunn5673]

Absolutely brilliant lesson
My wife is learning this on piano so I think I will join her for a solo
Nicely explained and thanks for posting

[@HarmonicaJoecom]

Thanks! That will be fun to play with the piano

[@oliverstieglitz]

Great lesson. Thanks a lot Joe. You are a great teacher.

[@HarmonicaJoecom]

Oliver Stieglitz Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@sparkx251]

It also needs to be said that this harp solo suits the song so much better than the comparatively week electric guitar solo. . . Sorry Johnny. ...OK, perhaps there is room for both. Great work.

[@HarmonicaJoecom]

I think there is room for both. I still like the guitar solo

[@OnceTheyNamedMeiWasnt]

You are a king!

[@HarmonicaJoecom]

HaHa thanks! tell that to the guys in my band!

[@kdon8497]

Hey harjoe don’t comment much but good job and great explanation, keep going

[@HarmonicaJoecom]

Thanks!

[@berrygirl8998]

Hey HJ,
Where can I get the actual written numbers with the minis and all? I am a beginner but I’m also a quick study.

[@gonzalojauregui4899]

Could you recommend something with a C harmonica?

[@HarmonicaJoecom]

Not sure what you mean, a song that uses the C harp or a particular brand harmonica?

[@mrjoegilmour]

Fantastic tutorial, thank you. But can't find the tab on your website?

[@HarmonicaJoecom]

Yea sorry, my website needs updating in a big way. Check back in a month or so and it should be up and running again.

[@CPerreault]

Hi Joe, would you have the tabs for this tutorial?

[@HarmonicaJoecom]

I don’t think I ever tabbed that out. However it’s not hard if you follow my explanation on the video.

[@CPerreault]

@@HarmonicaJoecom Ok thanks. I'll have to learn it. Great job!

[@kekokash1581]

Newbie question.. Why if the song is in the key of E you need a harmonica in the key of A (instead of one in the key of E)? Thanks!

[@kekokash1581]

Ok I just read what cross harp is... but I suppose you can also play it in the key of E, right?

[@HarmonicaJoecom]

Keko Kash Yes 2nd position (cross harp) is the key to playing this song. By playing in the crossharp position, you are playing in the key of E on your A harmonica. You are playing the notes from the E scale by starting your scale on the hole 2 draw. I know it’s hard to wrap your mind around it at first!

[@CPerreault]

@@kekokash1581 To add to what Joe answered, each position starts the scale on a different hole (position) on the harmonica. Each position has a root note starting at a different hole. The root note is the in the key the song is in, hence the "root". Each position adds a different flavour to the song. 95% of all blues and country use second position (or cross harp). Learn the blues scale and major pentatonic scale in 2nd position and you will be able to play most blues and country songs. It takes time to get those bends right so it's bending gymnastics that will get you there. This is every harmonica player's rite of passage. A quick search on the internet will show you what I mean.