I have been playing harmonica on and off since I was 11 years old. I could not play the blues just straight harp because I could not bend. I am now 65 and after watching this video, I finally could do it. I can now start playing the blues. Thank you so very much.
🎉🎉🎉 hey Luke, you’re the bomb man. Thank you for all your lessons. I’m just a beginner I’m an ex-drummer. I also play a little Hammond, Oregon with a Leslie speaker but I love harmonica the best thanks buddy keep up the great work we appreciate you more than we can say take care and God bless❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉😊
I just started playing the harmonica, and I've tried several online tutorials. This is, by far, the best I've found. As for bending, I've found the less I focus on it and just "do it" the easier it is. Thanks for creating such a chill "environment" to learn in, I look forward to watching more videos and getting better, even if I can't play along with you since my harp is in E.
Thanks Bryan! Glad it's helping. And, YES, that's it man: Don't try HARDER, try EASIER. The less you care, the better you do. LOL. But it's true. Also...Dude, I definitely recommend that you buy a C harmonica! Maybe a Fender Blues Deluxe if you're on a budget. Here's my brand recommendation article: www.harmonica.com/which-harmonica-to-buy/
😂🤣😂🤣 I have the same issue, my Harp is in E too, but because I’m enjoying playing So Much, I’m going to purchase a C Harmonica as soon as possible. Although I’ve only been learning for the past few weeks, I’m enjoying this instrument so much, I’m all in. Keep practicing and I wish you only the best. Be well.
You're a magician. After tons of tutorials and not getting it, with yours I got my first bend in an hour. I don't even know how it just feels natural now. Thank you vert much from my small lutherie workshop in Madrid, Spain!
This is super nerdy story but. My Mom bought me a harmonica as a kid in the 90’s. I played the heck out of it, went as far as the learning material I had could take me since I lived in super rural Eastern, OR and there wasn’t youtube back then. I kinda got stuck in a rut and quit playing it. A few years later I got into contest duck calling (already said super nerdy) Well all the things I learned playing a harmonica directly translated to playing a duck call. Channeling air, changing pitch, riffs, cadence even bending notes. I went on to win over 15 state and regional titles, even took 2nd runner up at the World Duck Calling Championship. I always tell people it was playing the harmonica that gave me my unique sound. 30 years later I’ve found a new passion for playing the harmonica thanks in part to your channel! Thank you!
I just bought my harmonica yesterday out of curiosity and apparently there's much more to it than I would have imagined. You have explained the technique extremely well and I can now consistently bend the first draw. The other ones still won't even budge, but you gave me a head start. Thank you!
I tried to learn harmonica when I was in high school, but gave up when I couldn't figure out the bends. I just started learning again, and I think I've almost got the knack. Thanks, dude.
You are one heck of an instructor. You’re knowledgeable, articulate, and are very good at illustrating what I consider esoteric and sometimes complex topics pertaining to the harmonica. There are not many people like you. Thank you.
Hi. I’m 74 and just started playing the harmonica. I absolutely love it and you are my buddy. Greatest teacher ever you had so much to the video. I think you’re super thank you for your great lesson.. keep it up. I’m loving it thank you.
I just want to thank you for your videos I would say and having picked up in the harmonica this last month and a half your videos are the most comprehensive and you're just covering I just learned how to bend I was bending but I wasn't doing it as effectively as what I just learned from you in this video
Omg. You are an amazing teacher Luke. This was a phenomenal lesson. I was able to bend those notes by the end of this. All of your techniques combined make it so do-able. It just clicked after weeks of messing around with it by myself. I’m hooked.
First time I try harmónica, this is my third video on youtube about how to bend, took me literally 10 mins and I can do it now!! THANK YOU, YOU'RE A LEGEND!!! 🙏🏽
You’ve probably got this a billion times but I just showed my friends and family that I can play country roads take me home all because of you, thank you man.
Amazing, thorough and very supporting teaching right there. My friends got me a C Hohner blues harp for my bday years ago while we were juke joint hopping in Clarksdale, Mississippi. A bunch of Europeans digging the blues... and I've just begun playing it after watching your videos. So, thank you a million.
I just started and I did get my first bend! I’m in a cover band and I’m expected to play the harp solo at the end of the Pretenders song Middle Of The Road! I needed that bend technique. Thank you so much!
One of my friends is in a rock band that also plays southern rock . Not only that but plays harmonica and guitar it really got me into playing and learning how to play harmonica.
got a Hohner special 20 in C yesterday night, been loving it so far, so much more of an intricate instrument than I thought, Ive gotten a bend going a bit I'm sure just needs some practice! Ty for the great easy to digest info!
As a bit of a musician i have picked up a harmonica quite a few times but never really understood it beyond its major chords - you just taught me how to bend a note in like 40 seconds after trying all day. 🎉
This is truly spectacular, what a lesson in bending. I came to this after watching your Amazing Grace lesson. I desperately wanted to bring in the bends but couldn't. Now I can 😃😃. I'm very happy 👍👍 Thank you so much
Friend told me to find a teacher and stick with that teacher, thats what i done and my harmonica has really come on,from finding clear single notes to bending (still finding hole 2 really difficult),so i thought it was about time i thanked Luke for helping me and im sure lots of other 'students',thanks again.keep up the great work.
Professionals make bending look so easy, I thought I could just google it and voila! Did not realize what it actually takes to bend on a harmonica! Because of your vid, I bent my first note in about 10 minutes of practice. Wasn't much but it did bend! Thanks for giving me the tools to take my playing to the next level!
Hey I'm 58 and love the sweet sound of the Harmonica, Just bought my first to learn on! Your Tutorials are so informative and easy to follow.. Thank you so much 😊
Although I need more practice on bending , I stil learnt how to bend and play the harmonica within a week and a half of buying it ! It also helps that I have prior musical education , I just found out how to play Mendelssohn's wedding martch on the harmonica and it's the funniest thing ever thanks to your spot on tutorial videos (on how to play single notes ,bending , positions etc) ! I am just eager to learn more and play the blues on the harmonica now ! Thanks a lot for your videos!
First of all, I want to say thank you!!!I'm a Japanese woman.😁 I started playing the blues harp last year.Your lessons are so Fun and easy to understand!
I'm impressed! I watched several videos, read lessons, but nothing works for me. After a few minutes watching your video the bending works on the most canals! Of course I have to practice for a while before it works right away. Thanks for your help!
I did this instinctively the first time I picked up a harmonica because I've been whistling for years, but it wasn't working quite right. A few minutes with the video and there it is! Thanks
Luke maaaaaan! I have seen hundreds of harmonica related videos (not to mention books, CDs) but this explaination is the best (that presentation with sheet of paper etc). Lucky ones who see this first. Congratulations!
Im 35 and have been playing on and off since i was around 15/16. Couldnt bend on command but i've accidentally bended plenty of times. That tip about tilting the harp helps give me hear the sound i need to chase. First vid i've seen about doing that so thank you. Tried that bending tool, on my C harp i can bend a few notes somewhat well )draw 1 bend is really easy) but on my G harp things are trickier.
Great video, you explain really well and surely help enthusiasts, young and veteran players to understand what it takes to get from clean to bent! Beginners are clueless and other beginners think they will conquer bends within a week. I played some harmonicas since age 11 without bending, just for fun, and only in the last 4-5 years I started getting into playing seriously. I need to stress patience and practice and playing and connecting to the harmonica, improving your single notes to be clear and calm before attempting to bend, as starting to bend in early stage will ruin your playing and make you play stressful and with bad tone! Once you control long clean tones and play without any stress, you can start bending. 6 months ahead, your bends should be stabilized, it is fact of life - you might be able to bend earlier, but to really GET IT, you need to think 6 months ahead and just play and set goals. Same for overbends - another 6 months until you master them, but it will be easier as overblow is similar to blow bends and overdraws is similar to draw bends. Play the note you wish to bend TO, on tone generator, virtual piano, keyboard, melodica, phone app, and try to get to the tone. Go from a clean tone to bent note, and in time you could get directly to the bent note.
Been watching so many videos on harmonica. You are the best. You teach it simple and keep it simple. And make it easy to understand. Thanks for taking the time to do this!
Have been playing around with the harmonica for about 2 months. Tried to learn bending for a few weeks by following several different videos but you explained very well. Just now got the 4 bend for the first time. Thanks alot!!
WOOO HOOOO!!! CONGRATS!!! Sometimes the days and weeks after getting your first bend can be super-frustrating as the ability comes and goes, so be patient with yourself. Congrats again! Aloha, Luke
Ive started to play armonica since a couple of months and have improoved a lot druing this time , true also that Im a musician btw I play drum and percussion since ages and of course this helped me a lot however driven by love and deep couriosity Ive been checking lots of stuff online andnot only, I was bending already just one day it comes out like that but with your videos everything its even more clear to me now, thanks a lot buddy really a good tutorial clip !!!!
Frankly speaking, I have watched other videos of bending and I wouldn't able to get the sound. But after watching your video and the way you explained was extremely wonderful. Thank You so much
I'm in the same boat with the comment right below me. I've been teaching myself/ learning harmonica on RUclips, this is about the 4th person I watched and the 1st that explained it to where I got a bend. I've got a lot of practice to do, but I've finally managed to pull off a noticeable bend. I'll be watching all your lessons and I really appreciate your teaching technique
This is the best bending tutorial on RUclips. As I was practicing along with the video all of a sudden, just for a second, I was hitting the bent note perfectly. Then I lost it. So I'm trying to focus on what it feels like when the note bends properly and seeing if I can make my mouth shape feel like that again. But I was amazed that, even though I can't control it yet, how far that 3 draw would bend. Now I just have to go from the "sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't" phase to understanding how I'm controlling it. But before this video, it never bent. Awesome!
You certainly are the best teacher ever, and your tips are pure genius : I'd tried every trick in the book to bend a note properly, quite unsuccessfully - and then, after just a few minutes using your technique... it works!! Wow, what a great new year's gift!! Thank you!😃
You guys! I literally just did it on the 1 hole!!!!!! I bought my first harp today- the Special 20. I have never actually played harmonica but messed around with my dad's when I was a teenager. Thank you so much! I am really excited. I am covering Roadhouse Blues as a vocalist(yeah yeah- overplayed, but I have NEVER gotten to cover classic songs, let alone blues- my favorite genre) and heard the harp parts and decided yesterday that I am going to learn how to do it. I am so stoked!!!!!
That is awesome! Before you get too into single notes and bending (for Roadhouse Blues) make sure you have the right mouth position: ruclips.net/video/3a_aXi1q8oY/видео.html Also, Roadhouse Blues is a GREAT song! I love it, and that's why I included it in my Beginner to Boss course. People are gonna be blown away when you play it! If you wanna check out Beginner to Boss it's here: www.harmonica.com/lessons/ Rock on Joanna! Aloha, Luke
Amazing! I watched two or three videos, they all sounded similar and i couldnt get it. I'm like "I'll try this one and then just quit for a bit." But i got it! Only an hour later and i can do it on command and start in bent position. You're a master among men Luke, mahalo 🙌🏻
I don/t know how many times I have gone through this lesson but its working/ I almost kept up with you on the country road. YIPEEEE! I lose the timing when I have to go from blow to draw.
@@Harmonicacom Luke, the honer blues 20 harp. Is it in C ? You didn't make it clear, or I just didn't catch it. I've been looking at other people's videos, but your still on top. You will stay there Sir, no don't bout that. (The Newbie Student) Ingram, TX...
This video is so helpful. I watched someone else and the way they explained it was so confusing. I was able to bent my notes with in the first 4 minutes of this video.
dude, same as below mostly, been trying my luck with these things over the years, as soon as I watched your vids, I'm bending notes without tilt, the tool on your site is awesome and thanks!
I know one thing for sure now, a cheap, leaky harp, will make you feel out of breath and not much else. Thanks to Luke's reviews I'll have my first Special 20 by next week. Woot !
Great tutorial! I succeeded to bend on 1 at first although trying on 4. But succeeded on 4 after following the tilt technique. Oh, it's a great satisfaction my dear teacher. You are really a great guiding capability. Thanks a lot.
Such a great video, I have a special 20 in the key of C. I can only bend some of the notes. #2 is impossible but #1 and #4, I can bend quite well. Can't bend anything outward, only when drawing a breath. I'll keep working at it though thanks for the tips!
I don't know how to thank you Luke; I am originally a metal musician but love to learn some harmonica too. I did the whole bend the first session. Very excited to create more....You also helped me by selecting Hohner Crossover for my second harmonica. The first one was Suzuki SCX64. I will watch all your videos to learn more.
Oh cool. Ozzy plays, so you're in good company. 😉 Yeah I prefer the diatonic over the chromatic personally. Congrats on picking up the Crossover! Rock on! 😎
Worked like a charm!! I mean.. WOW! got some bending going on before the first hour with my new harmonica! This works almost too well. I've tried other videos, and i wasn't getting anywhere. The Kahzone is where it's at man.
Congrasts! Just make sure you're not sacrificing the deep relaxed mouth position explained in this vid ruclips.net/video/Zc-EcRFrxcA/видео.htmlsi=Tj3HKTExuDkEf5gz
That intro tho LOL 😂😂 Thx for the heads up! a week later and things were not getting any easier.. i think i've glossed over the proper beginner instructions and now that came back to bite me ... i already messed up my fav harmonica (LO harmonic minor) trying to fix the 2 draw because it was kinda muted/choking 😕💔.. Anyway, I've started applying the deep relaxed mouth position on my remaining harmonica and that's working great for me, it's projecting a lot better and I'm able to slide up and down quite easily. Thank you for all the effort you're putting into these tutorials man, they're really helpful. Cheerio 🙏🏻❤️
Over and over and over and over is not for the lazy person and it isn't for the person who gives up easily, But it's got big paydays in "anything" we do. You put us 10 steps ahead with what you teach. I'll be back....
Hey Luke .... you have a lovely manner and your a damn good teacher, by far the best I've come across, you don't seem to leave a stone unturned leaving me with no excuses/questions; just have to go and practice and practice and ..... thanks and cheers from Margaret River Western Australia.
I nailed my first bend in under 5 minutes. So if i can do it everyone can. Thank you for the great video i didnt know where to start with bending but now i do thank you!
Thanks for the advice. My first day with a harmonica. The advice to try , then take a break and try again, will really help me, cause I tend to get frustrated fast if it doesn't work. I'll keep tryin little by little as it's just my first day. Keep smiling. Great video!🎶👍
Hello Luke! I commented already in your website but needed to thank you again here for your analytic, simplified explanations. You were the best so far to break up everything around bending a begginer needs to go forward, in pieces. Wish you and your loveones all the best and keep up the good work!
And I too just got my first within about 45 mins with this video. They’re majorly inconsistent and happen about 30% of the time I try it but making progress, slowly 😂 thanks Luke!
@@Harmonicacom Thanks man! Got the draw one down to a fine art now and pretty good with the tuning too, just woking on the others haha. I'm losing some of the tone (especially the high end frequencies) when I bend though, any ideas on what I can do to help it?
It is important to take a brake after don't get it right LoL. In my case, I stopped for like 3 weeks after trying a lot without any success, and just now I come back and with this video I get it just really quick. Thank you very much, I'm happy with my noisy bending hahaha
This is great! When I got my harmonica and hopped on RUclips I was like, wait, what's bending? How is someone going to show me the position of their mouth while playing a harmonica? This is so helpful especially because you show us several ways to bend, which I was worried it would be a strict 1 way to do it. Also appreciate the notes on screen, I took a few screenshots for later. Cheers!
Sweet. Right on Steph. Thanks for your kind note. Glad you took the screenshots. Don't hesitate to go through with vid a 2nd or 3rd time if needed. You'll get it if you never give up! Rock on. 🤘🏼
Hey man, this is pure gold. Thanks so much, I managed bending at 7 mins into the video (after pausing and practicing, of course). I have never really played much harmonica, but I played a bit of didge. Sure feels like that helps. Ok, one more thing on my to-learn-bucket-list: proper, actually controlled bending (still somewhat erratic. I find it a lot easier on the -1 than -4. Maybe also a didge-player-thing?)
I have been playing harmonica on and off since I was 11 years old. I could not play the blues just straight harp because I could not bend. I am now 65 and after watching this video, I finally could do it. I can now start playing the blues. Thank you so very much.
WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!! CONGRATS!!! Just in time for the New Year! Have fun...
🎉🎉🎉 hey Luke, you’re the bomb man. Thank you for all your lessons. I’m just a beginner I’m an ex-drummer. I also play a little Hammond, Oregon with a Leslie speaker but I love harmonica the best thanks buddy keep up the great work we appreciate you more than we can say take care and God bless❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉😊
All these years not able to bend and then watching this video I can bend now although not very good yet, Thank you so much LUKE!!!
Wooo hooo! CONGRATS! You got this!
@@Harmonicacom Thank you for the reply, The only problem I have bow is dry mouth because of medication any tips for dry mouth?
@@Harmonicacom i can do it on first but not on four
You’ve explained bending the best... I’ve been trying for years and came across your video... Thank you
Wow, man I'm proud of you; I'm catching hell something fierce, but I will not be defeated..
I just started playing the harmonica, and I've tried several online tutorials. This is, by far, the best I've found.
As for bending, I've found the less I focus on it and just "do it" the easier it is. Thanks for creating such a chill "environment" to learn in, I look forward to watching more videos and getting better, even if I can't play along with you since my harp is in E.
Thanks Bryan! Glad it's helping. And, YES, that's it man: Don't try HARDER, try EASIER. The less you care, the better you do. LOL. But it's true.
Also...Dude, I definitely recommend that you buy a C harmonica! Maybe a Fender Blues Deluxe if you're on a budget. Here's my brand recommendation article: www.harmonica.com/which-harmonica-to-buy/
me too
😂🤣😂🤣 I have the same issue, my Harp is in E too, but because I’m enjoying playing So Much, I’m going to purchase a C Harmonica as soon as possible. Although I’ve only been learning for the past few weeks, I’m enjoying this instrument so much, I’m all in. Keep practicing and I wish you only the best. Be well.
You're a magician. After tons of tutorials and not getting it, with yours I got my first bend in an hour. I don't even know how it just feels natural now. Thank you vert much from my small lutherie workshop in Madrid, Spain!
WOW! This totally made my day. CONGRATS ON GETTING YOUR FIRST BEND! I'm so happy. Wish I could come visit you in Spain! Aloha from Hawaii, Luke
3 hours of practicing and now i can do basic bend!
Thank you so much!!!
Fantastic! HUGE CONGRATS!!!!
This is super nerdy story but. My Mom bought me a harmonica as a kid in the 90’s. I played the heck out of it, went as far as the learning material I had could take me since I lived in super rural Eastern, OR and there wasn’t youtube back then. I kinda got stuck in a rut and quit playing it. A few years later I got into contest duck calling (already said super nerdy) Well all the things I learned playing a harmonica directly translated to playing a duck call. Channeling air, changing pitch, riffs, cadence even bending notes. I went on to win over 15 state and regional titles, even took 2nd runner up at the World Duck Calling Championship. I always tell people it was playing the harmonica that gave me my unique sound. 30 years later I’ve found a new passion for playing the harmonica thanks in part to your channel! Thank you!
WOW! So cool! GREAT STORY! Thanks for sharing. Glad the vids are helping and that you're playing again. ROCK ON!!! 😎
@@Harmonicacom Merry Christmas!
I just bought my harmonica yesterday out of curiosity and apparently there's much more to it than I would have imagined.
You have explained the technique extremely well and I can now consistently bend the first draw. The other ones still won't even budge, but you gave me a head start. Thank you!
Right on Sully! Here are some important fundamentals I encourage you to practice first:
www.harmonica.com/how-to-play-the-harmonica/
Rock on,
Luke
I tried to learn harmonica when I was in high school, but gave up when I couldn't figure out the bends. I just started learning again, and I think I've almost got the knack. Thanks, dude.
You are one heck of an instructor. You’re knowledgeable, articulate, and are very good at illustrating what I consider esoteric and sometimes complex topics pertaining to the harmonica. There are not many people like you. Thank you.
Wow, thank you for your kind words! 🙏🏼
Hi. I’m 74 and just started playing the harmonica. I absolutely love it and you are my buddy. Greatest teacher ever you had so much to the video. I think you’re super thank you for your great lesson.. keep it up. I’m loving it thank you.
Wow, thanks! Rock on! 😎
I just want to thank you for your videos I would say and having picked up in the harmonica this last month and a half your videos are the most comprehensive and you're just covering I just learned how to bend I was bending but I wasn't doing it as effectively as what I just learned from you in this video
Wonderful! Glad to hear it Michael. Rock on! 😎
Omg. You are an amazing teacher Luke. This was a phenomenal lesson. I was able to bend those notes by the end of this. All of your techniques combined make it so do-able. It just clicked after weeks of messing around with it by myself. I’m hooked.
Glad it was helpful, Al!
First time I try harmónica, this is my third video on youtube about how to bend, took me literally 10 mins and I can do it now!! THANK YOU, YOU'RE A LEGEND!!! 🙏🏽
Wow, that's amazing. Congratulations! Nice work! Glad the video helped. ROCK ON. 🤘🏼
You’ve probably got this a billion times but I just showed my friends and family that I can play country roads take me home all because of you, thank you man.
Aw right on man. Thanks for sharing. Makes me happy. Rock on! 😎
Amazing, thorough and very supporting teaching right there.
My friends got me a C Hohner blues harp for my bday years ago while we were juke joint hopping in Clarksdale, Mississippi. A bunch of Europeans digging the blues... and I've just begun playing it after watching your videos. So, thank you a million.
I just started and I did get my first bend! I’m in a cover band and I’m expected to play the harp solo at the end of the Pretenders song Middle Of The Road! I needed that bend technique. Thank you so much!
Congrats Irene! That's a HUGE accomplishment!!!
One of my friends is in a rock band that also plays southern rock . Not only that but plays harmonica and guitar it really got me into playing and learning how to play harmonica.
Woo hoo!! You got this! 👊🏼
got a Hohner special 20 in C yesterday night, been loving it so far, so much more of an intricate instrument than I thought, Ive gotten a bend going a bit I'm sure just needs some practice! Ty for the great easy to digest info!
You are a gifted educator. Thank you. I loved all my classes with you thus far. Keep up the great work X
Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it Emma!
As a bit of a musician i have picked up a harmonica quite a few times but never really understood it beyond its major chords - you just taught me how to bend a note in like 40 seconds after trying all day. 🎉
Aw thanks for the note. Right on. 🙌🏼
This is truly spectacular, what a lesson in bending. I came to this after watching your Amazing Grace lesson. I desperately wanted to bring in the bends but couldn't. Now I can 😃😃. I'm very happy 👍👍 Thank you so much
Wonderful! Big CONGRATS to you. That's a HUGE accomplishment. Stoked. Rock on! 😎
Friend told me to find a teacher and stick with that teacher, thats what i done and my harmonica has really come on,from finding clear single notes to bending (still finding hole 2 really difficult),so i thought it was about time i thanked Luke for helping me and im sure lots of other 'students',thanks again.keep up the great work.
Aw that's so cool. Congrats on all your awesome progress. So happy to be part of your journey.
I’m a totally new-beginner. You are an excellent teacher. I don’t need to think how to do it because you explain it perfectly. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful! You got this. 👊🏼
Professionals make bending look so easy, I thought I could just google it and voila! Did not realize what it actually takes to bend on a harmonica! Because of your vid, I bent my first note in about 10 minutes of practice. Wasn't much but it did bend! Thanks for giving me the tools to take my playing to the next level!
Awesome. Congrats! This tool might help you more:
www.harmonica.com/bending-tool/
Hey I'm 58 and love the sweet sound of the Harmonica, Just bought my first to learn on! Your Tutorials are so informative and easy to follow.. Thank you so much 😊
Glad to hear it! Rock on! 😎
Although I need more practice on bending , I stil learnt how to bend and play the harmonica within a week and a half of buying it ! It also helps that I have prior musical education , I just found out how to play Mendelssohn's wedding martch on the harmonica and it's the funniest thing ever thanks to your spot on tutorial videos (on how to play single notes ,bending , positions etc) ! I am just eager to learn more and play the blues on the harmonica now ! Thanks a lot for your videos!
First of all, I want to say thank you!!!I'm a Japanese woman.😁 I started playing the blues harp last year.Your lessons are so Fun and easy to understand!
Wonderful! thanks for the note. Rock on!
I'm impressed! I watched several videos, read lessons, but nothing works for me. After a few minutes watching your video the bending works on the most canals! Of course I have to practice for a while before it works right away. Thanks for your help!
Wow! CONGRATS!! You're welcome. It's my pleasure. Rock on
Yeah, I succeded with your explenations ! Thanks so much. 😃
Great job!
I did this instinctively the first time I picked up a harmonica because I've been whistling for years, but it wasn't working quite right. A few minutes with the video and there it is! Thanks
Great job! CONGRATS!
I'm a teacher myself (History), and I can say, man, you're such a good teacher!
big thanks! God bless you for teaching!!!
Never played the harmonica. Got my first bend 20 minutes in. Thanks!
CONGRATS!!
Luke maaaaaan! I have seen hundreds of harmonica related videos (not to mention books, CDs) but this explaination is the best (that presentation with sheet of paper etc). Lucky ones who see this first. Congratulations!
Wow, thanks! I really appreciate it.
I watched this first after seeing his review on the website!!!! I am one of those lucky ones!
THANK YOU! your video is so perfect, i try to bending for a month, with your video, i can bend under 20 minute! now i can play blues!
Im 35 and have been playing on and off since i was around 15/16. Couldnt bend on command but i've accidentally bended plenty of times. That tip about tilting the harp helps give me hear the sound i need to chase. First vid i've seen about doing that so thank you. Tried that bending tool, on my C harp i can bend a few notes somewhat well )draw 1 bend is really easy) but on my G harp things are trickier.
Yeah lower harps require bigger movements. Keep on working on it. CONGRATS on getting the -1' !!!!!!!! 🙌🏼
I bought a harmonica course recently but the explanation wasn't meh. I watch some video of yt but this right here is the best one of all
Niiiiice. glad it helped. You got this! 👊🏼
Great video, you explain really well and surely help enthusiasts, young and veteran players to understand what it takes to get from clean to bent!
Beginners are clueless and other beginners think they will conquer bends within a week.
I played some harmonicas since age 11 without bending, just for fun, and only in the last 4-5 years I started getting into playing seriously. I need to stress patience and practice and playing and connecting to the harmonica, improving your single notes to be clear and calm before attempting to bend, as starting to bend in early stage will ruin your playing and make you play stressful and with bad tone!
Once you control long clean tones and play without any stress, you can start bending.
6 months ahead, your bends should be stabilized, it is fact of life - you might be able to bend earlier, but to really GET IT, you need to think 6 months ahead and just play and set goals. Same for overbends - another 6 months until you master them, but it will be easier as overblow is similar to blow bends and overdraws is similar to draw bends.
Play the note you wish to bend TO, on tone generator, virtual piano, keyboard, melodica, phone app, and try to get to the tone. Go from a clean tone to bent note, and in time you could get directly to the bent note.
Well said Zvika! I've used this a lot:
www.harmonica.com/bending-tool/
@@Harmonicacom That is a very nice online tool, I recommended it to my local group on FB. Thanks!
Been watching so many videos on harmonica. You are the best. You teach it simple and keep it simple. And make it easy to understand. Thanks for taking the time to do this!
You're very welcome, Greg! Thanks for watching, and thanks for your kind words. ROCK ON! 🤘🏼
Thank you!!! All techniques helps a lot! I bend the note, even I play just for 2 days. Just practise. Thank you again.
congrats!
Thank you very much! The best harmonica teacher i found in RUclips.
You're very welcome. And thanks for your kind words!
I'm going to try again after 30 years. I decided to try again because of your youtube. Thank you.
That's awesome to hear! I'm glad you're back in the game! You got this! 👊🏼
Have been playing around with the harmonica for about 2 months. Tried to learn bending for a few weeks by following several different videos but you explained very well. Just now got the 4 bend for the first time. Thanks alot!!
WOOO HOOOO!!! CONGRATS!!! Sometimes the days and weeks after getting your first bend can be super-frustrating as the ability comes and goes, so be patient with yourself. Congrats again!
Aloha,
Luke
thanx soooo much....could do my first bending with tilting...... sooooooo happyyyy.. thanx thanx thanx..soo positive teaching.. great.. thanx again..
Sweeeeet. BIG CONGRATS. 🙌🏼
I was trying hard bending for a few days. When i found your video i did it in a moment! Thank you so much
AMAZING. Congratulations on your progress! 😎
You are a great teacher, my skills have improved dramatically since finding your channel today.
That's great! 🙌🏼 Glad to help.
Ive started to play armonica since a couple of months and have improoved a lot druing this time , true also that Im a musician btw I play drum and percussion since ages and of course this helped me a lot however driven by love and deep couriosity Ive been checking lots of stuff online andnot only, I was bending already just one day it comes out like that but with your videos everything its even more clear to me now, thanks a lot buddy really a good tutorial clip !!!!
Frankly speaking, I have watched other videos of bending and I wouldn't able to get the sound. But after watching your video and the way you explained was extremely wonderful. Thank You so much
So glad I could help Ayush! You are very welcome. Thanks for your kind words.
Rock on,
Luke
Holy lord! Finally an explanation besides the same repeated "tips" that you go from an 'ah' to 'ooo' mouthshape
LOL. Hope you get your first bend my friend! 🙏🏼
Excellent tutorial, thank you. Got my first bend by the end of the video!
Fantastic! BIG CONGRATS!!!!! 🙌🏼
I'm in the same boat with the comment right below me. I've been teaching myself/ learning harmonica on RUclips, this is about the 4th person I watched and the 1st that explained it to where I got a bend. I've got a lot of practice to do, but I've finally managed to pull off a noticeable bend. I'll be watching all your lessons and I really appreciate your teaching technique
WOO HOO! CONGRATS DARELL!!! Getting your first bend is a huge deal.
This is the best bending tutorial on RUclips. As I was practicing along with the video all of a sudden, just for a second, I was hitting the bent note perfectly. Then I lost it. So I'm trying to focus on what it feels like when the note bends properly and seeing if I can make my mouth shape feel like that again. But I was amazed that, even though I can't control it yet, how far that 3 draw would bend. Now I just have to go from the "sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't" phase to understanding how I'm controlling it. But before this video, it never bent. Awesome!
Right on. Thanks for your kind words. And CONGRATS ON GETTING A BEND!!! WOO HOOO! Yep it may come and go for days or weeks, but you'll get it. 👌🏼
You certainly are the best teacher ever, and your tips are pure genius : I'd tried every trick in the book to bend a note properly, quite unsuccessfully - and then, after just a few minutes using your technique... it works!! Wow, what a great new year's gift!! Thank you!😃
Wow! Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it! Congratulations on your progress!!!! 🙌🏼
Worked instantly. Thanks, this was so helpful, best video i could find on the topic!
wow! BIG CONGRATS on getting into bending! It's a whole new world! Woooo hooooo! 😎
i have been trying to learn to bend notes for so long but with this tutorial I learnt it in first try
Woo hoo! CONGRATS!!!
You really are an incredible teacher. Thank you
You are amazing, I think I bended on the first try, some 70mins after I picked up a harmonica for the first time.
That's crazy! Just make sure that you're keeping that deep relaxed mouth position. That's the key foundation at the beginning.
Ваши уроки великолепны! Спасибо большое)
You guys! I literally just did it on the 1 hole!!!!!! I bought my first harp today- the Special 20. I have never actually played harmonica but messed around with my dad's when I was a teenager. Thank you so much! I am really excited. I am covering Roadhouse Blues as a vocalist(yeah yeah- overplayed, but I have NEVER gotten to cover classic songs, let alone blues- my favorite genre) and heard the harp parts and decided yesterday that I am going to learn how to do it. I am so stoked!!!!!
That is awesome! Before you get too into single notes and bending (for Roadhouse Blues) make sure you have the right mouth position:
ruclips.net/video/3a_aXi1q8oY/видео.html
Also, Roadhouse Blues is a GREAT song! I love it, and that's why I included it in my Beginner to Boss course. People are gonna be blown away when you play it!
If you wanna check out Beginner to Boss it's here:
www.harmonica.com/lessons/
Rock on Joanna!
Aloha,
Luke
SHEESH! Pulling off “Long Train Runnin” would be a huge life achievement for me! I LOVE that song and that solo!😂
Amazing! I watched two or three videos, they all sounded similar and i couldnt get it. I'm like "I'll try this one and then just quit for a bit." But i got it! Only an hour later and i can do it on command and start in bent position. You're a master among men Luke, mahalo 🙌🏻
WOW! That's amazing. Big congrats my friend! Hope you're having a blast exploring the new world of sound. 👊🏼😎🎶
I don/t know how many times I have gone through this lesson but its working/ I almost kept up with you on the country road. YIPEEEE! I lose the timing when I have to go from blow to draw.
Right on Gary! Glad you're going for it my friend. Blessings.
You are the most instructive teacher yet. This is real teaching. I'm now your student!!!
Happy to hear that, Paul! Glad the vids are helping. Rock on, Luke
@@Harmonicacom Luke, the honer blues 20 harp. Is it in C ? You didn't make it clear, or I just didn't catch it. I've been looking at other people's videos, but your still on top. You will stay there Sir, no don't bout that. (The Newbie Student) Ingram, TX...
This video is so helpful. I watched someone else and the way they explained it was so confusing. I was able to bent my notes with in the first 4 minutes of this video.
Woo hoo! CONGRATS Tyson!
dude, same as below mostly, been trying my luck with these things over the years, as soon as I watched your vids, I'm bending notes without tilt, the tool on your site is awesome and thanks!
Hey big Congrats my friend! Glad the resources are helping. Rock on!
Wow! I started playing yesterday and 8:55 into the video I got the bend :) thanks
Crazy. Make sure you check this out: ruclips.net/video/3a_aXi1q8oY/видео.html
I know one thing for sure now, a cheap, leaky harp, will make you feel out of breath and not much else. Thanks to Luke's reviews I'll have my first Special 20 by next week. Woot !
Ooooo. That's exciting. You're gonna love it!
Great tutorial! I succeeded to bend on 1 at first although trying on 4. But succeeded on 4 after following the tilt technique. Oh, it's a great satisfaction my dear teacher. You are really a great guiding capability. Thanks a lot.
Fantastic! CONGRATS!! You're most welcome, and HAVE FUN BENDING!
Such a great video, I have a special 20 in the key of C. I can only bend some of the notes. #2 is impossible but #1 and #4, I can bend quite well. Can't bend anything outward, only when drawing a breath. I'll keep working at it though thanks for the tips!
U are amazing man!!!!! I learned to bend, its so much fun now!!!! :DD Ur such a great harmonica teacher, keep up the work!!
Sweet! Congrats! Thanks, glad you found helpful...
That was awesome. This was the most helpful tutorial on bending that I have found. I was bending notes within minutes.
AMAZING!! Rock on! 😎
You teach Harmonica like Joey Tribianni teaches acting... Ironically, you were the only one who taught me how to bend! Thanks man...
You're welcome. It's my pleasure. Rock on! 😎
Great video! I think I managed to bend after the first watch, but only on the first hole, and with the technique of HEEEE-YUUUW
Great job! CONGRATS!!! That's HUGE!!!
I don't know how to thank you Luke; I am originally a metal musician but love to learn some harmonica too. I did the whole bend the first session. Very excited to create more....You also helped me by selecting Hohner Crossover for my second harmonica. The first one was Suzuki SCX64. I will watch all your videos to learn more.
Oh cool. Ozzy plays, so you're in good company. 😉 Yeah I prefer the diatonic over the chromatic personally. Congrats on picking up the Crossover! Rock on! 😎
Perfectly explained. Got it at 2:38
CONGRATS!! 🥳
Worked like a charm!!
I mean.. WOW! got some bending going on before the first hour with my new harmonica! This works almost too well. I've tried other videos, and i wasn't getting anywhere. The Kahzone is where it's at man.
Congrasts! Just make sure you're not sacrificing the deep relaxed mouth position explained in this vid
ruclips.net/video/Zc-EcRFrxcA/видео.htmlsi=Tj3HKTExuDkEf5gz
That intro tho LOL 😂😂
Thx for the heads up! a week later and things were not getting any easier.. i think i've glossed over the proper beginner instructions and now that came back to bite me ... i already messed up my fav harmonica (LO harmonic minor) trying to fix the 2 draw because it was kinda muted/choking 😕💔.. Anyway, I've started applying the deep relaxed mouth position on my remaining harmonica and that's working great for me, it's projecting a lot better and I'm able to slide up and down quite easily.
Thank you for all the effort you're putting into these tutorials man, they're really helpful. Cheerio 🙏🏻❤️
Over and over and over and over is not for the lazy person and it isn't for the person who gives up easily, But it's got big paydays in "anything" we do.
You put us 10 steps ahead with what you teach.
I'll be back....
Well said! And thank you for your kind words. ROCK ON.
Hey Luke .... you have a lovely manner and your a damn good teacher, by far the best I've come across, you don't seem to leave a stone unturned leaving me with no excuses/questions; just have to go and practice and practice and ..... thanks and cheers from Margaret River Western Australia.
Second day playing harmonica. This just helped me learn it so well. Your vids are great!
right on Joshua. Rock on! 😎
I nailed my first bend in under 5 minutes. So if i can do it everyone can. Thank you for the great video i didnt know where to start with bending but now i do thank you!
Great job Jorden! Oh you're one of thoooose people. 😉 JK. but for most of us we didn't get it that fast. CONGRATS!!
It's the best video about bending in my opinion... after watching it single time I can bend ...sir ur awesome.
Wow, CONGRATS ON GETTING A BEND!!!! Thank you so much 😀
@@Harmonicacom can u make a video about blow bend pls...or it's the same process?
Thanks for the advice. My first day with a harmonica. The advice to try , then take a break and try again, will really help me, cause I tend to get frustrated fast if it doesn't work. I'll keep tryin little by little as it's just my first day. Keep smiling. Great video!🎶👍
Right on Kevin! Great idea. Yeah, keep taking breaks. Keep smiling. Keep having fun!
Finally i did it, i have been trying for moths until i tried with this technique, Thank you so much
You are so welcome Emiliano! 😊 And here's a HUGE CONGRATS!!!!!!! Welcome to a whole new world! 🙌🏼
Hello Luke! I commented already in your website but needed to thank you again here for your analytic, simplified explanations. You were the best so far to break up everything around bending a begginer needs to go forward, in pieces. Wish you and your loveones all the best and keep up the good work!
Awesome, thank you so much for you kind words! ROCK ON! 🎶
Took me 15 minutes to bend my first note, Thanks!
Lucky son of a gun, Jack! Right on my friend. CONGRATS!!! 🙌🏼
You explained this so well that I was able to get my first bend while watching! Thank you!
CONGRATS!!!!!
Awesome video! Great teaching techniques man, I was able to get the bend pretty quickly!
Nice work!
Got half way through this video and got my first bend!!! Absolutely chuffed, great tutorial 😀
WOW ADAM! UNREAL!! CONGRATS!!!
Rock on,
Luke
And I too just got my first within about 45 mins with this video. They’re majorly inconsistent and happen about 30% of the time I try it but making progress, slowly 😂 thanks Luke!
Getting it once is huge Alfie! CONGRATS!!!! 🙌🏼
@@Harmonicacom Thanks man! Got the draw one down to a fine art now and pretty good with the tuning too, just woking on the others haha. I'm losing some of the tone (especially the high end frequencies) when I bend though, any ideas on what I can do to help it?
The tilt saved me from literally bending my harmonica, this guy is great
HA! Nice. So glad the vids help, Holmes. Rock on my friend.
It is important to take a brake after don't get it right LoL. In my case, I stopped for like 3 weeks after trying a lot without any success, and just now I come back and with this video I get it just really quick. Thank you very much, I'm happy with my noisy bending hahaha
Great point! Always good to take breaks!
Now I can bend on 1 !!! I need to work on my 4 and 6 more. Thank you❤ the first ten minutes helped me do it.
WOO HOO!!! CONGRATS!!! You got this! 👊🏼
I got it an hour after i watched the vid thank you you are a great teacher!
WOW! CONGRATS!!!!!! 🙌🏼 Thanks for the kind words.
I always enjoy your videos, Luke. They are outstanding, effective, and enjoyable. You are a total wizard! Keep sharing...
I appreciate that so much! Thank you. 👊🏼
This is great! When I got my harmonica and hopped on RUclips I was like, wait, what's bending? How is someone going to show me the position of their mouth while playing a harmonica? This is so helpful especially because you show us several ways to bend, which I was worried it would be a strict 1 way to do it.
Also appreciate the notes on screen, I took a few screenshots for later.
Cheers!
Sweet. Right on Steph. Thanks for your kind note. Glad you took the screenshots. Don't hesitate to go through with vid a 2nd or 3rd time if needed. You'll get it if you never give up! Rock on. 🤘🏼
I have no idea about harmonica but I like the way you talk and explain :)
YOU SHOULD BUY ONE!!!!
Great teaching! Thanks for breaking this process down so nicely.
You're very welcome! Glad it helped, Linda!
Hey man, this is pure gold. Thanks so much, I managed bending at 7 mins into the video (after pausing and practicing, of course). I have never really played much harmonica, but I played a bit of didge. Sure feels like that helps.
Ok, one more thing on my to-learn-bucket-list: proper, actually controlled bending (still somewhat erratic. I find it a lot easier on the -1 than -4. Maybe also a didge-player-thing?)
Sick. Congrats. Bending takes time. It's just trying. And trying again. No shortcuts. Rock on! 😎
Very well explained you are a awesome teacher
Thank you! 😃
A fantastic lesson by a fantastic teacher, thanks man!
Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it! Glad you liked it! 👊🏼
Just got my new harmonica the other day. I can’t wait to learn!
You got this!
I can bend while on a tilt! I'm so happy! Thanks for the lesson Luke!
WOOOO HOOOO!!! YESS RYAN! CONGRATS!!!! You're so welcome!