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Step 1
Listen to a lot of classic blues harmonica recordings, particularly amplified Chicago blues players. Musicians like Little Walter and James Cotton defined what amplified harmonica can do. Their recordings can teach as much to rock harmonica players as to those playing the blues. Follow the link in our Resources section for a guide to classic blues harmonica players.
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Step 2
Draw inspiration from the electric guitar. The role of harmonica in a rock band is similar to lead guitar. Steal licks from guitarists you admire. They will sound fresh on the harmonica.
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Step 3
Choose the right gear for the sound you want. A small tube amp and a bullet microphone should be part of your setup.
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Step 4
Play cross harmonica. This isn't always the rule in rock harmonica, but it works more often than not. That means that a song in the key of G should be played with a C harmonica, for example.
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Step 5
Use lots of bluesy wails. Long bent notes, especially with hand vibrato or other effects, sound great in rock harmonica. They are also simple to play. A well-blown wail will sound better than a sloppy blues run.
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Step 6
Play lots of two hole shakes. Alternating rapidly between 2 and 3 draw or 3 and 4 draw will give you a great effect for rock solos. You can also bend and unbend the shake to make it sound bluesier.
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Step 7
Walk up and down your harp using 2 hole shakes. For example, you can switch from the 2 and 3 draw to the 3 and 4 draw. Do the same thing on the way back down, but play the blow notes instead of the draw ones.
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Step 8
Vamp your solos. Vamping means repeating simple melodic lines. This is a classic technique in blues harmonica, and it works well in rock as well. Take a simple 2 bar blues solo. Repeat it a few times. End with a 2 hole shake or a bend. You now have an easy, rocking solo.
