Hi there ! I have a question, when I improvise (over backing tracks) I often come across backing tracks that are labelled as “Funk” backing track or “Rock”, can I play over them with the same note selection (scales etc) ?
I except that the chord progression won’t be the same, but regardless, if the video doesn’t show the chords I just play as if everything was in the first chord (maybe someone could give me some tips on how to learn to hear chord changes ?).
Thanks in advance for the answers ! 
4 Likes
In short, yep as long as your in the right key
3 Likes
@mauraulucien yeah you can play the 2nd position blues scale kinda stuff over most Rock and Funk tracks.
Although I find that 3rd position works really well over a lot of the old Funk stuff too.
Post the specific jam tracks, and I’ll post specific answers. 
1 Like
I had these backing tracks in mind :
1 Like
For the first video (Emotional Sad Guitar) you can play most easily using 3rd position on an F harp (low F or high F). You can also use a C harp and play the 2nd position minor pentatonic or also the 2nd position minor blues scale. The choice is yours and depends on which harps you have, as well as how well you can play these scales. Other positions and harp keys are also possible, but I think the previous ones are sufficient until you progress further.
For the 2nd video (Jazz Funk) the easiest would again be 3rd position, but now using a C harp. Also very playable is to use the 2nd position minor pentatonic or 2nd position minor blues scale using a G harp. Again: The choice is yours and depends on which harps you have, as well as how well you can play these scales. Other positions and harp keys are also possible, but I think the previous ones are again sufficient until you progress further.
I did not bother to listen to the 3rd video.
Regards,
– Slim
3 Likes
@mauraulucien Yes @Slim is right the F Harp in 3rd position is good choice for the first one. And when it goes to the D7 chord, it’s satisfying to play the -1’ and/or the -4’ to outline that chord quality.
You could also really enjoy this on this on a G Natural Minor harmonica. The -2’, -3’, -6, and 9’ are the money notes here over that D7 chord.
Slim’s advice on the 2nd song is sound as well. I used to LOVE 3rd position for these kind of funk tunes, but now that I’m playing a lot of Parrott-tuned harps (-7 tuned down a half-step) and I have better control over my -3’, I’m really enjoying playing 2nd position on these. This is a VERY recent change of preference for me. EASIEST way to play this is 3rd position, middle octave.
3rd one DEFINITELY pickup a Dm Natural Minor (if Lee Oskar - Hohner, confusingly calls this a G Natural Minor.) You’ll be so happy you did!!
2 Likes
I’m about 2 weeks late to the party, but here is a really fun rock / blues rock jam track with a simple chord progression: Rock Backing Track in A Minor
Grab a D harmonica in 2nd position or a G harmonica in 3rd position and blast your favorite blues and minor pentatonic licks over this for an instant “rock star” feel.
3 Likes
I’ll give this a go sounds like fun
2 Likes
wow man ! this backing track rocks !! Thanks a lot !
2 Likes
Oh yeah that’s a lot of fun! @dominico are you Dominick that I got to jam with at SPAH? I think that’s the same backing track from my SPAH video jam session excerpt?
1 Like
yep, that’s me! Same track 
1 Like