How to Play the 'Sanford and Son' theme (1)

The theme song for "Sanford and Son," aka "The Streetbeater," is a hook-filled and harmonica-heavy instrumental. I worked up a solo arrangement back in 2012 and included it on my album SOUTHBOUND. Here's how to play the first part of it. You'll need a C harp for this lesson; Part 2 requires both an F harp and a C harp. With Adam Gussow of Modern Blues Harmonica.

Downloadable lessons for beginners and more.

[kickford]

I can't get enough of your Sanford And Son playing. I've played this for friends and they love it. And it don't hold a candle to your playing, but it's still cool as heck in my little harp world!!!

[justlovelyaintit]

I' m getting old.One of my favorite shows in the days .

[DimyPHarp]

So cool! I loved that show and that theme song before I even knew what a harmonica was, you make it sound simple, but just listening to it I think it's a great advanced exercise, I'll definitely try it, even just to feel young again!☺
Thanks for the great lesson, as always, Adam.👏

[willmaynard]

I've watched tons of lessons from Adam. This is by far my favorite.

[ramblin_harp]

I had tabbed this out from your 1st video on 2/23/11 and have played around a bit with it, but couldn't get the bends down. You added the Nuka-Tuka to the beginning on this one, and added the new part on the end. I can do the bends now, although slowly. I'm going to give this another whirl! I used to love the show, and played around with the song a bit 20 years ago. Although it was nowhere near your version. Your an inspiration, thanks Adam 🙏😎🎶

[Blue_rd]

I have heard of the show but have never seen it here, across the pond. The tune sounds great though! Thank you.

[rolfr]

Thanks Adam! The 3 note chromatic lick on 3 draw, my ear didn’t decipher. Now it does….thanks again😊

[rodneyange]

I am like the other guy who learned this song but I did it a few years ago, funny, it stills sounds the same, after 100 times trying to learn.But we got it.Thanks Mr. Gusso👍🏻

[thiagopresser]

Thank you for the amazing video and for being such an inspiration Adam. Cheers from Brazil.

[egrod]

Was this playing this song on the harp just two weeks ago. Great classic 👍🏽

[klisher]

This series was based on a British sitcom (1962--1974) called Steptoe and Son. I am guessing both have the same basic premise ((i live in UK and never seen Sanford and son) Rag and bone (dont know what your equivalent is, scrap metal maybe, used second hand goods) live with his dad who holds him back.

[harmonicamanrandy]

I learned from the first video. You said to find out what the second harp key is to play. I think it's an F. I could be wrong but it sounds so right.

[subg]

If I could play that, I’d just play it every time I was walking into a room.

[norfolknwhey]

I spent almost a month learning this song by slowing down your YT video of you busking. Of course you post a how-to lol 🤦‍♂️

[Semper_Forttis]

Adam, do you have a lesson with tabs for Canned Heat's On the road again

[ikust]

Ok. The teacher is not angry anymore .

[Lox_]

You're playing the song way too damn fast! Slow down the pitch!! Use the same notes played from the orginal version.