i just wanted you to know that back in 07 i believe i watched your video and it got my feet wet on the harmonica and now im playing all the time. for family and actually i played at church one time for a fall theme. it was good. thanks from south carolina
Just wanted to say thank-you for making this video. I'm learning to play the harmonica, mostly by ear, and these videos are REALLY helping me make...well, something other than noise.
You go within seconds from a straight faced (me: and what am I watching this for?) "this is my left hand" to an ASTOUNdingly talented, interesting and clever lesson. Wow. And thank you. Z
I work in a music shop, and I've sold hundreds of harmonicas. Mostly in C, but you get the occasional people in for the other keys. Just picked one up myself yesterday, because it's something I can carry around all the time, unlike my guitar, sax, or keyboard. Really looking forward to kicking out some jams with it, and this helped me out a bit already. Thanks for the tips.
got myself a horner in C for christmas. thanks for the quick lesson. helped to get started for sure. tricky instrument for sure. i love it already. practice practice practice!
This is the first video I've seen to give really helpful advice for picking out single notes (I'm getting pretty good at the u-bend style). Thanks for a great vid!
Thank you sir for your lessons on here. New to the harmonica and still on single note practice. Your advice is invaluable. Thanks again and best wishes Brian.
I am a definite beginner and have been searching through RUclips looking for something that was as basic as this! Great job. Finally I have an idea on a lick I can practice that sounds like some blues!!! Thank you for making this one…much appreciated.
Many thanks for the intro lesson...you inspire me for sure. You remind me of a friend who lives in San Francisco! Just bought a Hohner Marine Band in C...
Sorry Dan, I just discovered your video today so I didn't go back and read all your comments. The bottom line is that I'm a professional musician who plays dozens of instruments but am a complete and total newbie on the harmonica and I really learned a lot today from watching a couple of your videos. Thanks for you work to educate. I really appreciate you. respectfully, Rick
I still remember watching this video five months ago, when I was beginning to play and searched for tips to get started. 'Twas great feeling when I got the clean notes working... :) I started with the riff of "Bad to the Bone", and even if my choices in songs may be a bit unorthodox (I switched to folk metal tunes fairly soon, and haven't looked back ever since), these past months have been loads of fun. My sincerest thanks for this video, it has really been an inspiration to me.
2-hole shakes (i have a video on the subject) can be played with or w/out the tongue against the harmonica. They're mostly played while breathing in on holes 4,5 or 3,4, but you can do shakes where you blow air out as well. watch the shakes video for more info.
Really Nice ! You have actually inspired me to start play the harmonica ! I have always been a fan of music and now i´m gonna learn this !!! Thank you !
@teunv111 "Blues harmonica" is a style of playing. There are also branded "blues" model harmonicas. The instrument that is most commonly used to play blues, is called a "diatonic harmonica". It's like saying "fiddle" to refer to a violin. It's still a violin, but when you play country, it's a "fiddle". A diatonic harmonica is a diatonic harmonica, regardless of what music you play.
Incredible playing. I just got my first harmonica, a German WW1 era harmonica my great grandad got while over there. Just found it at the bottom of the garage. while clearing it out. I'll get tooting!
@guitarlordification The white keys on a piano. It's a musical term describing a type of scale. In this context, it's a type of harmonica commonly used to play folk/blues/rock etc.
@smotpoker86 an A harmonica is in the key of E if you play in "second position". Second position is the more common way to play blues. Many harmonica players rely on the circle of fifths to determine position. You just go around the circle to determine what key to play in. Ex: First pos. don't move, it's the same key harp as music. Second position go one step, third position two steps, etc.
@CacheSeaker Yes. There are draw bends (inhale, holes 6-1) Blow bends (holes 7-10) Overblows (1-6) and overdraws (above 6) available. There are many notes available by technique. Check out some bending videos for more info.
this is a great video... i've been playing guitar and piano for years, and have had a decent harmonica like this one for ages and kept giving up cause i didn't know anything about how to play... gonna get practising now... cheers man.
Man U ROCK!!!!! thanks a lot for the vid!!!! I'm a begginer and I really enjoy your lesson... I started to play easy songs with your help... BEST WISHES FOR U!!!!
Just bought a Harmonica...Classic...M.Hohner...BLUES HARP...Proudly made in Germany.....has to be before division into FRG and GDR...It sounds so resonant and acoustic....and thanks for taking time to post instructionals....I have to go practice now...
@MollyMaGs2009 a semitone (AKA "half step") is the term used to describe the musical distance between two keys on the piano. In most cases, you can think of a semitone as the distance between a white key and a black key. If you take a white key, the black key next to it, and a second white key for ex. Play the first white key, then play the black key (say, C,-> C#) That's a semitone. Play the next white key C->D and that's a whole tone. It's also a semitone from E->F There is no black key
@BEFiiN Many people will use an E harp to play over blues in the key of B. Notable tunes you can play along with include, "But Anyway" by Blues Traveler, "Johnny B Goode" by Chuck Berry, and "Cut that Out" (a cover of a jr. wells tune) by the Red Devils off their "King King" CD. E is not a harp that gets used all that much, though. Keys like C and A will show up more frequently, and help you find more stuff to play along to.
Glad I found this, after seeing some of those beat box harmonica combos I've been spurred with new enthusiasm to dig out my old harp and try to learn to play. All I had done before was play simple stuff like twinkle twinkle little star to the kids whilst supervising them at bath time. At least I have a bit more to go on now!
Thanks. I thought it was something like that, but wanted to make sure before I buy one with intention to follow your lessons on it. Someone did post a hole-by-hole comparison in the Amazon reviews and someone on a forum described it as "the 3,4 and 7 is flatter and 6 raised to make it sound like vintage marine bands." It's supposed to sound like electric Chicago blues like Little Walter and got it's name form his song. Thanks for reply!
@sigurdmoller that's a really nice harmonica. you should get it serviced and see what it's worth. as far as playing it, the diatonic and chromatic are distinctly different instruments. It's like comparing a banjo to a guitar. The basics are the same, but you get a very different sound and they're played differently. If you want the wailing blues sound, then you need diatonics. I'd hang onto it AND get some diatonics.
Dan, I assume that is your name. I gotta say, I really enjoy your videos, and I must say that you really catch the essence of playing the harmonica. Your video with the "low-hanging fruit", loved it! Keep up the good work! Cheers from Norway.
Thanks, this was really helpful. I was only learning from books and typewritten online guides before, nice to know how it's supposed to sound rather than just having to assume it's right.
I want that down home blues feel from the harmonica. I think I need one of the kinds you have. My mum got me a Mississippi Harmonica by Regal. I think its more suited for Cajun style music.
That makes sense. Hohner has changed its tuning scheme over the years. In general, though, a diatonic is a diatonic (as long as it isn't natural minor or country tuned, or specialty tuned or) Hey, I guess that was a good question to ask, then.
You are an awesome teacher man!! I'm gonna follow you for u really seem to be thorough n clear with the I instrument!! Glad to have found u online sir!
@MollyMaGs2009 single = 1 semitone double = 2 semitones = one tone. Triple bend = 3 semitones or 1.5 tones. Tongue block is when you use your tongue to help make single notes on the harmonica.
Thanks on the info, bought a hohner C, 2 days ago and since ive been practicing. tongue blocking works but pucking methode as you prefer, is for me really hard! but it works! post a tryout asap!
@ILiveMusicful In 5th position, one could play E minor on a C harmonica. I'm not sure what Springsteen did. You don't always play harmonica in the same key as the musical key. It's probably more common to play a different key harmonica.
@sportsbound1991 it's a chromatic harmonica that you have. I teach mainly to 10-hole diatonic harmonicas. They're both harmonicas, but vary different. Chromatics have all of the notes available without bending. If you want to play chromatic, you have a fine beginner harp. If you want to play diatonic, you need a diatonic.
I play mostly tongue block embouchure, but I switch to pucker quite often. Pucker is easier to learn and to bend with at first. Tongue blocking allows for easy octaves and tongue slapping techniques. In my experience, the end justifies the means. I encourage people to learn, or try different techniques to figure out what works for them. Ultimately, the "sound" is the important thing. If you can make the music you want, then it's the "best" for you.
@teunv111 The riff to Low Rider is pretty cool. It's on a C harp, stays between holes 2-4, and uses one bend. It's one of the first riffs I ever learned. The intro to Piano Man is really easy too.
I just received my first harmoncia yesterday, I choose the Hohner Special 20 Marine Band. I've been practicing like crazy, probably about 4 to 5 hours total since. Now I need to give myself a break, because I got friction burns on my lips.
@invictorium "diatonic" is the name for the type of harmonica that is very commonly played in blues music. Just as one can play a guitar for rock, country, folk, blues. . .etc. one can play a diatonic harmonica over a variety of musical styles. When one plays guitar in blues, they dub it "blues guitar". When one plays a diatonic harmonic in blues, they dub it, "blues harp". It also has to do with some common musical themes that harp players contribute to blues music.
@Lachlanload The high end reeds take much less air pressure to sound. You have to be subtle up there. Most harmonicas work when they're sold. It's pretty rare to have one that's failing. You may have better luck with a better harmonica, but I cannot know for sure without hearing you.
@tonystarkZssr The basics of holding the harmonica and embouchure apply, however, the note layout is different. Plus, you have the button for sharps and flats. I'm more of a diatonic guy, myself.
Dude, you're good! I mean, really good! Your video is pretty easy to understand, you use terms that begginers can get, I will probably get a C harmonica next month, and I look forward to it! I play the guitar (usually blues and classic rock stuff), and playing the harmonica would really make my sound get more varieties! Thanks!
@DolittleMccoy It's sort of like whistling, but you have to learn where the pitches are on the harmonica. When you whistle, you can simply make any pitch you want. Harmonica, like any instrument takes practice to make sound good.
I just purchased a Hohner MS C Blues Harp. I've never played before and your lesson was very helpful. I look forward to watching your othe lessons as well. My goal is to eventually learn the "LONG TRAIN RUNNIN'" harmonica break. Do you have a video for that? Thanks Again!
@80sMeavyHetal The answer is "bending" or "bending notes". Do a little searching and you'll see that there are many other notes (all 12) available on diatonic harmonicas.
@mikesguitarsolos I would tend to play a G harmonica over a song in A minor. That's called 3rd position. It is totally possible to play a solo with a C harmonica over Am. That's called 4th position. Look up "4th position harmonica scales" . Or "harmonica positions" There should be some info online that'll help you.
@24Joshing All of the basics apply to any key harmonica. Licks can be played on any key harmonica. the difference is that you can't play along with someone in a different key. 3B, 3D, 4B, 4D is the same pattern, regardless of what key harmonica you're playing. I think I made a video on the basics of "key"
@snowfool111 It's a combination of technique, note selection, balancing clean vs. raw playing. . . all as a result of years of listening to, practicing, and performing blues on the harmonica.
@12gagedan wow, well im 17 now and i just purchased a Marine Band HM Diatonic Harmonica. i have no clue how to play it lol but hopefully you have more videos for beginners? really wanna get good at it.
@12gagedan Therefore, any scale, lick, or pattern of notes will be playable on any key harmonica. Playing relative to other instruments or music, requires the selection of an appropriately keyed harmonica, or the ability to play one diatonic harmonica in different keys.
@ABRGONZO I'm not really sure. It may be a tremolo harmonica. You should go onto a harmonica website like coast to coast music dot com and look through the different types to see if you can match yours up. I play primarily "diatonic" harmonicas. They are mostly ten-hole, often used for blues/folk/rock/country. The tuning is set up for chords and melody on the same instrument. The thing you have, I'm not sure.
Good lesson. I am totally unfamiliar with harmonica. Now I want to buy one... Suggest me one please... And I also want to know the difference between the key I choose to go with... Thanks
Cool, very helpful video. I like your take on the personal journey thing! I just got myself my very first harmonica after playing guitar and singing for a couple of years. This is going to be great, gonna watch the rest of your vids on this later :P For now I'm working with that blues lick you talked about. Thanks again :)
You were right to add the correction. I am self-taught, mostly by ear. Music theory is still a foreign language to me. I was in a foul mood yesterday, having broken a toe, so I was short in my response.
that is wicked! i learnt more in this video lesson than i did in the book that cost me ten quid lol! is there like a next step video to this? it'd be awesome if their was!!
I've had a harmonica that my dad gave me for years and years - this is probably the first time I've managed anything like music on it. Thank you!
Your videos seem to be very helpful to my sister and i and i intend to keep watching them to expand my harmonica playing.
i just wanted you to know that back in 07 i believe i watched your video and it got my feet wet on the harmonica and now im playing all the time. for family and actually i played at church one time for a fall theme. it was good. thanks from south carolina
Just wanted to say thank-you for making this video. I'm learning to play the harmonica, mostly by ear, and these videos are REALLY helping me make...well, something other than noise.
You go within seconds from a straight faced (me: and what am I watching this for?) "this is my left hand" to an ASTOUNdingly talented, interesting and clever lesson. Wow. And thank you. Z
I work in a music shop, and I've sold hundreds of harmonicas. Mostly in C, but you get the occasional people in for the other keys. Just picked one up myself yesterday, because it's something I can carry around all the time, unlike my guitar, sax, or keyboard. Really looking forward to kicking out some jams with it, and this helped me out a bit already. Thanks for the tips.
great lesson, Had a harmonica sittin in the press for years never touched, and took it out after seeing this and am enjoying it now,
Thanks
got myself a horner in C for christmas. thanks for the quick lesson. helped to get started for sure. tricky instrument for sure. i love it already. practice practice practice!
I'm so glad videos like this exist! I found my father's old harmonicas and I really want to learn to play them :)
This is the first video I've seen to give really helpful advice for picking out single notes (I'm getting pretty good at the u-bend style). Thanks for a great vid!
Thank you sir for your lessons on here. New to the harmonica and still on single note practice. Your advice is invaluable. Thanks again and best wishes Brian.
Forget robynhriley comment, good vid. Been sitting on a Marine Band "C" for years and your vid, has got me to start on learning. Thanks.
I am a definite beginner and have been searching through RUclips looking for something that was as basic as this! Great job. Finally I have an idea on a lick I can practice that sounds like some blues!!! Thank you for making this one…much appreciated.
@43wingman I appreciate the positive feedback. I'm glad I could help.
Many thanks for the intro lesson...you inspire me for sure.
You remind me of a friend who lives in San Francisco!
Just bought a Hohner Marine Band in C...
Sorry Dan, I just discovered your video today so I didn't go back and read all your comments. The bottom line is that I'm a professional musician who plays dozens of instruments but am a complete and total newbie on the harmonica and I really learned a lot today from watching a couple of your videos. Thanks for you work to educate. I really appreciate you. respectfully, Rick
I still remember watching this video five months ago, when I was beginning to play and searched for tips to get started. 'Twas great feeling when I got the clean notes working... :) I started with the riff of "Bad to the Bone", and even if my choices in songs may be a bit unorthodox (I switched to folk metal tunes fairly soon, and haven't looked back ever since), these past months have been loads of fun.
My sincerest thanks for this video, it has really been an inspiration to me.
2-hole shakes (i have a video on the subject) can be played with or w/out the tongue against the harmonica. They're mostly played while breathing in on holes 4,5 or 3,4, but you can do shakes where you blow air out as well. watch the shakes video for more info.
You were very helpful, I dont feel so helpless sat here on youtube with my harmonica anymore. thanks
I've been playing for over 20 years and I still learn something everytime I play.
Your tutorials changed my music life dude.
Really Nice ! You have actually inspired me to start play the harmonica ! I have always been a fan of music and now i´m gonna learn this !!! Thank you !
@teunv111 "Blues harmonica" is a style of playing. There are also branded "blues" model harmonicas. The instrument that is most commonly used to play blues, is called a "diatonic harmonica". It's like saying "fiddle" to refer to a violin. It's still a violin, but when you play country, it's a "fiddle". A diatonic harmonica is a diatonic harmonica, regardless of what music you play.
Incredible playing. I just got my first harmonica, a German WW1 era harmonica my great grandad got while over there. Just found it at the bottom of the garage. while clearing it out. I'll get tooting!
@guitarlordification The white keys on a piano. It's a musical term describing a type of scale. In this context, it's a type of harmonica commonly used to play folk/blues/rock etc.
@smotpoker86 an A harmonica is in the key of E if you play in "second position". Second position is the more common way to play blues. Many harmonica players rely on the circle of fifths to determine position. You just go around the circle to determine what key to play in. Ex: First pos. don't move, it's the same key harp as music. Second position go one step, third position two steps, etc.
@CacheSeaker Yes. There are draw bends (inhale, holes 6-1) Blow bends (holes 7-10) Overblows (1-6) and overdraws (above 6) available. There are many notes available by technique. Check out some bending videos for more info.
Brilliant, clear, informative video. I just wish I could play mine . You make it seem so easy.Keep up the good work.
Thanks. You've just helped me do a small translation on how to get started on the harmonica.
Really good lesson. I picked up my harmonica yesterday and so trying to figure out the beasics. Great stuff.
this is a great video... i've been playing guitar and piano for years, and have had a decent harmonica like this one for ages and kept giving up cause i didn't know anything about how to play... gonna get practising now... cheers man.
Man U ROCK!!!!! thanks a lot for the vid!!!! I'm a begginer and I really enjoy your lesson... I started to play easy songs with your help... BEST WISHES FOR U!!!!
Greetings from Leeds, UK. Thanks for the lesson mate.
Just bought a Harmonica...Classic...M.Hohner...BLUES HARP...Proudly made in Germany.....has to be before division into FRG and GDR...It sounds so resonant and acoustic....and thanks for taking time to post instructionals....I have to go practice now...
@MollyMaGs2009 a semitone (AKA "half step") is the term used to describe the musical distance between two keys on the piano. In most cases, you can think of a semitone as the distance between a white key and a black key. If you take a white key, the black key next to it, and a second white key for ex. Play the first white key, then play the black key (say, C,-> C#) That's a semitone. Play the next white key C->D and that's a whole tone. It's also a semitone from E->F There is no black key
I just got a harmonica today and this video answered a lot of my questions thanks.
you're a good teacher because you never talk too much about one thing
@cubetaj both of those tunes use an A harmonica. Both are very easy solos, great for a novice to aspire to playing.
Great video, made starting off a lot easier than other videos by relating to a beginner! Thanks a lot!
Very informative, I just purchased a set of beginner harmonicas. This will help me learn a lot.
Really nice lesson, I'm just starting to learn how to play, and I found your lesson very useful. Five stars no doubt!
@BEFiiN Many people will use an E harp to play over blues in the key of B. Notable tunes you can play along with include, "But Anyway" by Blues Traveler, "Johnny B Goode" by Chuck Berry, and "Cut that Out" (a cover of a jr. wells tune) by the Red Devils off their "King King" CD. E is not a harp that gets used all that much, though. Keys like C and A will show up more frequently, and help you find more stuff to play along to.
Glad I found this, after seeing some of those beat box harmonica combos I've been spurred with new enthusiasm to dig out my old harp and try to learn to play. All I had done before was play simple stuff like twinkle twinkle little star to the kids whilst supervising them at bath time. At least I have a bit more to go on now!
Thanks. I thought it was something like that, but wanted to make sure before I buy one with intention to follow your lessons on it. Someone did post a hole-by-hole comparison in the Amazon reviews and someone on a forum described it as "the 3,4 and 7 is flatter and 6 raised to make it sound like vintage marine bands." It's supposed to sound like electric Chicago blues like Little Walter and got it's name form his song.
Thanks for reply!
@sigurdmoller that's a really nice harmonica. you should get it serviced and see what it's worth. as far as playing it, the diatonic and chromatic are distinctly different instruments. It's like comparing a banjo to a guitar. The basics are the same, but you get a very different sound and they're played differently. If you want the wailing blues sound, then you need diatonics. I'd hang onto it AND get some diatonics.
Im thinking of learn how to play it and now i will buy my harmocica thanks to ur video!
thank you man i'll watch all ur videos!
Dan, I assume that is your name. I gotta say, I really enjoy your videos, and I must say that you really catch the essence of playing the harmonica. Your video with the "low-hanging fruit", loved it! Keep up the good work! Cheers from Norway.
Thanks, this was really helpful. I was only learning from books and typewritten online guides before, nice to know how it's supposed to sound rather than just having to assume it's right.
I want that down home blues feel from the harmonica. I think I need one of the kinds you have. My mum got me a Mississippi Harmonica by Regal. I think its more suited for Cajun style music.
That makes sense. Hohner has changed its tuning scheme over the years. In general, though, a diatonic is a diatonic (as long as it isn't natural minor or country tuned, or specialty tuned or) Hey, I guess that was a good question to ask, then.
You are an awesome teacher man!! I'm gonna follow you for u really seem to be thorough n clear with the I instrument!! Glad to have found u online sir!
俄
@MollyMaGs2009 single = 1 semitone double = 2 semitones = one tone. Triple bend = 3 semitones or 1.5 tones. Tongue block is when you use your tongue to help make single notes on the harmonica.
Thanks on the info, bought a hohner C, 2 days ago and since ive been practicing. tongue blocking works but pucking methode as you prefer, is for me really hard! but it works! post a tryout asap!
@MichaelOhara I use both tongue blocking and lip pursing (pucker) techniques.
@ILiveMusicful In 5th position, one could play E minor on a C harmonica. I'm not sure what Springsteen did. You don't always play harmonica in the same key as the musical key. It's probably more common to play a different key harmonica.
@sportsbound1991 it's a chromatic harmonica that you have. I teach mainly to 10-hole diatonic harmonicas. They're both harmonicas, but vary different. Chromatics have all of the notes available without bending. If you want to play chromatic, you have a fine beginner harp. If you want to play diatonic, you need a diatonic.
I play mostly tongue block embouchure, but I switch to pucker quite often. Pucker is easier to learn and to bend with at first. Tongue blocking allows for easy octaves and tongue slapping techniques. In my experience, the end justifies the means. I encourage people to learn, or try different techniques to figure out what works for them. Ultimately, the "sound" is the important thing. If you can make the music you want, then it's the "best" for you.
@teunv111 The riff to Low Rider is pretty cool. It's on a C harp, stays between holes 2-4, and uses one bend. It's one of the first riffs I ever learned. The intro to Piano Man is really easy too.
I just received my first harmoncia yesterday, I choose the Hohner Special 20 Marine Band. I've been practicing like crazy, probably about 4 to 5 hours total since. Now I need to give myself a break, because I got friction burns on my lips.
Thx for the "Up/Down Blues Lick". It´s easy to learn. Will see more from you.
Thank you! You actually teach the beginner like me. Even tho it seems like "way easy" stuff to you, it is helping me.
@thebuck21 between a different keyed diatonic harmonicas, there are different notes. Those notes, however, are arranged the same relatively.
@Sunderland4745 the mini harps that I have played had the last 4 notes of a C harmonica. They play the same, just smaller.
@12gagedan thats great to hear! Would you be able to post an instructional video on those songs?
Dude ... the UBLOCK sweet!!! you just opened up a lot of doors for me brother thank you soooooo much!!!
@invictorium "diatonic" is the name for the type of harmonica that is very commonly played in blues music. Just as one can play a guitar for rock, country, folk, blues. . .etc. one can play a diatonic harmonica over a variety of musical styles. When one plays guitar in blues, they dub it "blues guitar". When one plays a diatonic harmonic in blues, they dub it, "blues harp". It also has to do with some common musical themes that harp players contribute to blues music.
@Lachlanload The high end reeds take much less air pressure to sound. You have to be subtle up there. Most harmonicas work when they're sold. It's pretty rare to have one that's failing. You may have better luck with a better harmonica, but I cannot know for sure without hearing you.
Thanks, Out of know where I suddenly want to get one and start playing, My ears love it.
@tonystarkZssr The basics of holding the harmonica and embouchure apply, however, the note layout is different. Plus, you have the button for sharps and flats. I'm more of a diatonic guy, myself.
Dude, you're good! I mean, really good! Your video is pretty easy to understand, you use terms that begginers can get, I will probably get a C harmonica next month, and I look forward to it! I play the guitar (usually blues and classic rock stuff), and playing the harmonica would really make my sound get more varieties! Thanks!
hey man, thanks for putting this up! I just learned to play for my senior project, and this video helped me out.
@DolittleMccoy It's sort of like whistling, but you have to learn where the pitches are on the harmonica. When you whistle, you can simply make any pitch you want. Harmonica, like any instrument takes practice to make sound good.
Cool mate!!! yesterday i just bought my first harmonica and today i can do this, and easy and bluesy as well!!
Thanks! Good combination of simple explanation with demonstration!
@bofeckingjangles there is a lot of technique to learn in order to sound bluesy. It takes time and practice.
Love this video. Im going to take up the harmonic so i'd like you to recommend me any kind o harmonic to go on my first steps.
Thanks
seeing les stroud from survivorman play harmonica was enough to get me to buy one. today i purchased the hohner special 20. thanks for this lesson
Great basic lesson. Thank you. Al Roberts.
I just purchased a Hohner MS C Blues Harp. I've never played before and your lesson was very helpful. I look forward to watching your othe lessons as well. My goal is to eventually learn the "LONG TRAIN RUNNIN'" harmonica break. Do you have a video for that?
Thanks Again!
@80sMeavyHetal The answer is "bending" or "bending notes". Do a little searching and you'll see that there are many other notes (all 12) available on diatonic harmonicas.
@mikesguitarsolos I would tend to play a G harmonica over a song in A minor. That's called 3rd position. It is totally possible to play a solo with a C harmonica over Am. That's called 4th position. Look up "4th position harmonica scales" . Or "harmonica positions" There should be some info online that'll help you.
@24Joshing All of the basics apply to any key harmonica. Licks can be played on any key harmonica. the difference is that you can't play along with someone in a different key. 3B, 3D, 4B, 4D is the same pattern, regardless of what key harmonica you're playing. I think I made a video on the basics of "key"
Awesome video, my main concern was whether I had to only play through one hole at a time.
@snowfool111 It's a combination of technique, note selection, balancing clean vs. raw playing. . . all as a result of years of listening to, practicing, and performing blues on the harmonica.
great
i am looking to learn how to play the harmonica and this short video was very helpful.
that's great. thanks for watching.
@12gagedan wow, well im 17 now and i just purchased a Marine Band HM Diatonic Harmonica. i have no clue how to play it lol but hopefully you have more videos for beginners? really wanna get good at it.
@12gagedan Therefore, any scale, lick, or pattern of notes will be playable on any key harmonica. Playing relative to other instruments or music, requires the selection of an appropriately keyed harmonica, or the ability to play one diatonic harmonica in different keys.
Just started today and already learned so much. Thanks bro.
this helped a lot thnkx other harmonica videos from other people dont explain much of the basics for beginners.
@cristydeck666 there's a lot of technique involved. The blues doesn't just "come out" of the instrument when you buy it.
thank you today is my first day playing and that tongue tip really helped my out
@ABRGONZO I'm not really sure. It may be a tremolo harmonica. You should go onto a harmonica website like coast to coast music dot com and look through the different types to see if you can match yours up. I play primarily "diatonic" harmonicas. They are mostly ten-hole, often used for blues/folk/rock/country. The tuning is set up for chords and melody on the same instrument. The thing you have, I'm not sure.
Good lesson. I am totally unfamiliar with harmonica. Now I want to buy one...
Suggest me one please... And I also want to know the difference between the key I choose to go with... Thanks
Thanks for the great video dude, i found the tongue method very useful to use and get single clear notes.
Cool, very helpful video. I like your take on the personal journey thing! I just got myself my very first harmonica after playing guitar and singing for a couple of years. This is going to be great, gonna watch the rest of your vids on this later :P For now I'm working with that blues lick you talked about. Thanks again :)
You were right to add the correction. I am self-taught, mostly by ear. Music theory is still a foreign language to me. I was in a foul mood yesterday, having broken a toe, so I was short in my response.
that is wicked! i learnt more in this video lesson than i did in the book that cost me ten quid lol! is there like a next step video to this? it'd be awesome if their was!!
hi dan love your stuff your a great teacher,can you explain why you dont like the blues harp? id appreaciate your opinion thanks dan,,
tell us more about the toungue blocking I was just getting interested