Dec 6, 20202 min read

4 blues harp V-IV-I licks from beginner to advanced

Updated: Oct 22, 2021

Today I'll be showing you four V-IV-I licks from beginner to advanced which you can use in your own blues harp solos.

You will need a diatonic harmonica in the key of C. We will be playing in 2nd position in the key of G.

What does V-IV-I mean?

This term means the last four bars of a 12 bar blues: the V chord lasts for one bar, then the IV chord for one bar and I chord for two bars. (There is also often a turnaround in the final bar but we don't need to worry about that right now.) Here's a full explanation of the theory behind all this:

Beginner V-IV-I blues licks

This lesson is for beginners who can't bend. I'll be giving you an easy V-IV-I lick to help you get comfortable with the format. You can start adding it to your solos right away!

Intermediate V-IV-I blues licks

This lesson covers an intermediate V-I-IV blues lick. We'll be using some draw bends so make sure you're warmed up!

Advanced intermediate V-IV-I blues licks

In this advanced intermediate lesson we'll be looking at a really juicy lick using some draw bends again and some cool rhythmic and textural features. Enjoy!

Advanced V-IV-I licks

In the final V-IV-I lesson of this series, we'll be trying a really tricky lick for advanced players. There are loads of notes in this one so it takes some practice. Good luck!

I hope these lessons help you to improve your soloing and expand the range of directions you can take them. Let me know what you think in the comments!