Most players have difficulty ending songs-especially if they have to signal the ending. This month we'll dig into some great original and classic endings.

The number of different ways that a blues song can end is countless, though; there are definitely some common ways it's done. By far, the most common way to end a song is to have the band break on the downbeat of the 11th measure and come back in on the second beat of the 12th measure. All of our example licks are written this way.

In this break section you can be all alone (no one in the band plays), called a clean break, or other members (up to everyone) can play with you to make the ending more active. It's also a great idea to have one of the other instruments (usually guitar) play in unison with you. This adds weight to the ending lick, but would of course require working this out ahead of time with the guitarist.

Start by memorizing a couple of your favorite ending licks so that you have something to play that you know will work for you. Practice these licks at the end of a jam track to make sure your timing is strong. After you have a couple licks under your belt, start working on memorizing some others and exploring ideas of your own. The ending lick can take on any form as long as it fits within the given time of the break.

Notated on the next two pages are some licks that I use often along with some classic licks from classic songs. All examples are written for a C harmonica played in 2nd Position (key of G), though of course these can be played on any harmonica.

The first example lick shows where everything happens. The downbeat of the 11th measure is where the band hits one note to signal the "Break." Note the next beat it says "Band Out." This is there to show you the band will not play at that point (unless it's an ending where everyone plays along with you). On the second beat of the 12th measure it shows "Band In" and is where the band enters.

You will signal the ending of a song by looking at the band, making eye contact with each of the band members around the 9th measure (V chord). This alerts everyone that the song is going to end. Raise your hand or head just before the downbeat break on the 11th measure and lower your head (like a nod), or drop your hand on the downbeat of the 11th measure to stop the band. Play your ending lick. You don't have to signal the band back in, they know what to do. At the very end, as everyone is holding the final long note, raise and drop your hand again (or head if you wish) to finish the song.

About the Author David Barrett http://www.harmonicamasterclass.com/david.htm