Top 5 Beginner Harmonica Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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- Опубликовано: 16 июл 2024
- Discover the top 5 mistakes that beginner harmonica players make and learn how to avoid them. This video will help you improve your harmonica skills and progress faster by avoiding common pitfalls.
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TIMESTAMPS
0:24 Top 5 Mistakes That Beginner Harmonica Players Make
0:40 Playing Too Hard
1:50 Playing With One Hand
2:32 Moving the Head, Not the Harmonica
4:07 Looking at the Harmonica
6:07 Rushing Ahead
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I knew it went wrong when I started playing it with my nose
+Xenio it's ok, we've all been there :-)
I can play piano man and silent night with my nose
Dude, what have you done, this comment is a bloody meme fest
John Cena
Why did you start playing with your nose
"Ill learn the harmonica because it seems easy" oh boy was i wrong 😂
But totally worth it, right? :-)
Should’ve known that before I spent $80. Fuck
Me too
@@kawaii33366 guitar
@@neroxgilverine9269 you've got to be kidding me
It really depends on what type of music you're playing
If you want easy pop is usually simple but if you're looking for really easy, forget metal and playing rock songs how they're intended to be played
Even his examples of "poor playing" sound pretty good. HAHA.
That's because he's an expert and he can't even FORCE himself to do it "wrong"!
^..^~~
His bad play is much better than my best play
@@annaw252 same lol😂
My dad learned harmonica as a child working behind a team of work horses, he said they were the best critics for picking out a bad note. Their ears would flatten and they would tense up. He played such lovely pieces so lovely and longing. Miss him and his harmonica.
God Lovesyou
73 and starting never too late
+One Shot Indeed - never too late!
Wish you luck!
Yo props out to this guy not only because he's learning but that he doesnt have to ask his grandson
Rock of ages!
Shows us a video of you playing! :)
Very nice indeed. Bravo!
I put down the Harmonica 10 years ago, and ventured into Piano, Fiddle, Viola and Cello.
During this time, I learned to read music (I am now 57).
Tonight, for some reason, I picked up the harmonica again, and realized
that I could now transpose my favorite Scottish jigs into Harmonica notation!!!
It was absolutely sensational to play those tunes on my old Harmonic friend.
That is why I am here now, for a refresher course, and you, Mr. Tomlin provided
a most proper reintroduction for my amazing journey with tips I had forgotten.
Best to all, and remember, when practicing any instrument, the first hour always sucks,
so keep going!
Ain't it amazing how many things you can learn how to do after you've been rejected by a harmonica?
Cello Mate, I had been fiddling around with the piano for decades unsuccessfully then viola, I discovered the harmonica.
I play "by ear". Musical notation is inhibiting.
I once met a gal who played violin. She could ONLY play what was musically notated in front of her. She couldn't play any tune that was just bouncing around in her head. What a shame.
One should drive a stick-shift vehicle before an automatic, you'll appreciate the automatic even more, and, if need be, you have options. My truck's stick shift is it's vehicle theft deterrent. ; ) Read that again.
Wow, thank you for those words of encouragement. I have a keyboard/piano and harmonica on my list. But still working out the kinks in my machine knitting, and a full-time job... still, I'm 45 so I've got a little time.
*rotates and examines scrunched up map* Fellas, we’re lost. We started at podcasts and ended up at harmonica tutorials. Time to reroute
Aw man I hate it when that happens :-)
Zen yury any idiotae okle
I like your profile picture lmao
Aye aye captain, this ain't it
6:09 We're living in a really awesome time right now"
Me: "Checks date of video"
Thumbnail: Do not blow with your ear.
Mistake Number 6 ;-)
Have someone else play INTO your ear.
Yes that never works. Big rookie mistake.
@@TomlinHarmonica lol
Additional mistake .
Having half a dozen lovely harmonicas sitting on the dresser for 10 years collecting dust and never learning to play them like you.
Sunny Scott I have one for about 7 years and I'm ashamed of never pushed myself to play it better kkkk
There is still time Rodrigo and Sunny! :-)
Picked up a couple of Suzukis when I was stationed in Japan back in the mid '80s... Still in a box in the garage 35 years later. Argh!
Lol
Sunny Scott lol
It's safer to play one handed when you're driving tho...
Steer with your elbows.
TJ Bear Listen to this guy. I do this all the time.😂
Oh good I'm not the only one then.
Now that's one more reason to accidents
No shit sherlock.
Oh no, I sometimes play with one hand! Looking at the harmonica is a MASSIVE one - great point mate.
You're not a beginner though :D
You gotta' play one handed in the car.....you can get a
lot of practice time in while driving....
People play it with no hands. Ukulele in your arms, harmonica on your mouth. So this is not a mistake, a choice
LearnTheHarmonica.com honestly it’s way easier for me to play with one hand lol, I only started to play it today and literally all I know is Piano Man and it’s sloppy and I haven’t memorized it all yet, I’m excited to get better tho, it’s a lot of fun
LearnTheHarmonica.com I have a mini harmonica and when I put warter on it let's just say it didn't sound right
I just realized my two mistakes. I thank you that I realized those mistakes at such a beginning level itself.
Thank you making this video.
You're welcome! :-)
4:29 should make a meme for that impression :D
On it
Thank you! I just bought a C harmonica and love it! This instrument truly soothes the soul! I do tend to love the minor keys, so will try to learn A minor as soon as I master the C major scale. Thanks again for the lesson!
+Lucy Fresina that's awesome to hear - I love the minor keys too :-)
"Slurring my mouth over different holes" teehee.
+Tom Stone ;-)
😏
A little bit of bleed from the adjacent holes...
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Really, really helpful. Thanks so much for the advice and the calm (rather than patronizing) way you deliver it. I am looking forward to eliminate all of those things - cause I know I am guilty of making all this 'beginnners mistakes' :D
Thank you very much Tomlin, I appreciate very much you take your time to teach people the best way. I regret there are people who don´t take this seriously.
Really like the licks you end your lessons with......finally decided to replay, replay , replay it and learn it....and now I can do it...really sounds good (at my level at least)......thanx.
The last tip is the most important! I didn't even got a harmonica and already saw a bunch of "class videos" crazy for playing... my god, I need focus! Great video, you make it seems so easy to play... but i'm sure that i gonna get frustrating at the beginning....
It is super frustrating at the beginning (and the middle and I'm assuming later on as well) but it is also super rewarding. You can do this :-)
@@TomlinHarmonica Thanks man, i will try, but at first, i need to buy one!
Today, I got my late grandpas' harmonica
It's 80 years old and sounds so beautiful!
I'm determined to learn
good luck!
Bro do harmonicas lasts so long?
@@frozenfire9916 probably when it's the right material
I'm wondering how long it will take you to pry his teeth off it...
@@frozenfire9916 If unplayed, many instruments last a long time.
But for real, centuries old violins are most sought after, and for big buck$$$$
I've slurred my mouth over multiple holes, and it was extremely fun.
HEY! I was there FIRST!!
I've had this schylling sitting with me for years, given to me by a childhood friend, I've always kept it and played it off and on but now I can 'play' it. Thank you so much!
Excellent tips! Thank you!
Great tips and lessons! Through middle and high school, I played jazz trombone and then picked up the euphonium (4 valve baritone) for marching and concert play. Similar but both took independant dedication and practice to master. Its always best to be patient and learn the correct techniques from the start for a better quality finish. Love these videos! I have Hohner SP20's coming next week to begin learning harp. Keys of C, A, and G. Cant wait to get started!
I was so wrapped up in the comments I forgot what I was watching.
Lol :-)
Joanne Dunham same
Love when you reveal that you're not endorsed by those manufacturers. It means the information is unbiased and from the perspective of a seasoned musician. Thanks for great tips and level presentation. I look forward to following you as i learn to play.
Thanks, especially the advice of moving the instrument and not the head. Had been having a lot of problems getting clean high notes until I saw your video and realised I was moving my head slighty up and down. I solved it, just like that.
Thanks so much! This was an awesome instructional. I’ve been searching videos on playing the harmonica for days now and you’re one of the first that really made sense to me and very thorough. I appreciate it. There was a British guy who seemed good but didn’t watch a lot. Yours were more informative. Thank you! I was doing all the things wrong that you mentioned including trying to figure out a bend when I just got my first harmonica the other day 😂 thanks so much!
Question. Do you have a good video on how to position your mouth to get just one note? I don’t know if it’s because I have full lips or what but I am having A LOT of trouble getting my mouth on just one hole. No matter how hard I try I end up getting air in multiple holes. Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi Lyn, thanks for your kinds words! I'm glad that you found the video useful :-). Here is a lesson that might help you ruclips.net/video/QTzyM-mq7Qc/видео.html
@@TomlinHarmonica fantastic and clear, right to the point! Thanks a million
I picked up a Suzuki Blues Master in C today - I've been playing trumpet for over 15yrs, I figured harmonica couldn't be too hard LOL It's a little tricky to get used to the in and out tones or even singling a note but it's overall a fun time! I'll definitely check out your other videos; not sure if I need to practice scales or not yet
Great info. Thank you!
Great advice, I noticed I was playing too hard and moving my head too much, thanks for the tips
Cool! I am so determined now to add harp to my piano and guitar. I gave up on the harp in high school (whilst pursuing the Hammond B3 and the Gibson J185) and now my main ambition is to jam with a bit of wind.
This is pretty straightforward and inspiring. I can do this.
cheers,
Will check in for more.
If you want to jam with a bit of wind, then fart the chords.
Hey Tom, I just started playing and found your tutorials really helpful. Quick question: could you note down what you’re playing at 3:38? I just want to goof around (while i’m learning) but that sounded cool.
Love hearing from ya mate! Good going!
WOW!GREAT stuff!!THANKS...HAD to subscribe!
thank you for the explanation, this is very useful especially for me, because I am just starting to get interested in learning to play the harmonica, and it turns out that I made a lot of mistakes, including what you have mentioned in this video
Shoutout to cowboy bepop
Aye
would love to play that 👍
That's what made me want to learn it, too. I see you are a man of culture as well
Cowboy Bebop is pretty much what inspired me too. Top notch soudtrack
Yepp
Really enjoyed that. Thanks, Tomlin!
I'm a relatively old beginner when it comes to the harmonica, and I've been pretty amazed at how much there is to it. You explain things well. About the rushing ahead thing though, it can surely be good just to relax and have a bit of fun on any instrument once in a while, no? ;-)
My mom gifted me a hohner echo when I was in junior high. It was an antique from her childhood. I played it all thru high school. Carried it every day. She one day said what is that song you play all the time? I don't recognize it!"
It was Joe cocker. The letter. I actually played the song on my stereo to her. She liked it a lot. She used to ask me to play it for her. Really loved her for not hating what I played and accepting the music. She also loved Leon Russel as much as I did. I used to play ballad of mad dogs and englishmen to go to sleep. .one day she said she listened too. Made me hard cry when I was alone.. Thanks mom for understanding my music...i played enough of yours...
Thank you for this advise!!
Last lesson could be...learn the basics or walk before you run !!
Your right mate,if you have the basics in your head the rest will come.
Good stuff.
Nice tips! And very helpful! I'm going to start learn how to play because I ended up with 5-6 harmonicas from my father in various keys. I want it to help me accompany my guitar playing...!
+Dimitris Fatisis nice! You have no excuse now :-)
No, I'm going to watch your tutorials when I have time! ;)
Very helpful! Thanks!
Great informative video. Thanks.
*listens to the first 10 seconds of the video* "DAMN I DIDN'T KNOW THEY COULD DO THAT"
+Morglynn Xx lol :-)
so you've never heard a harmonica be played by anyone than a child with a toy ever in your entire life?
WAΓUIGI hostility jeez. We all start somewhere! Be patient while people learn a new instrument!
@@ajrockel3838 he didn't even need to learn it, all he had to do was litterally listen to any piece of recorded harmonica. where is your mind? why are you arguing when you don't even know what i'm saying? for the high you get from feeling right? well sorry, you aren't going to find it here.
@@apeapeape999 chill dude lmao
Dude, thank you
+Thomas Megabezemboy my pleasure :-)
Oh
Fab tips - thank you. i've been playing for 4 days now and loving it so far! I've got an Hohner Big RIver Harp in C.
I'm just starting. Just ordered my first, and started looking for You Tubes to help me learn. Boy am I glad I hit on yours right away. Great video! You are a great teacher. Wish me luck...
Excellent to have you on board :-) Good luck! P.S. drop me a line if you have any probems
1:07 - Are we still talking about playing an instrument here?
Tumb Blubbsen hey genitalia can be an instrument too
Dan Adrian; you may find it interesting to check the graffiti in the WOMANS RESTROOM, as I once did!😂😂😂
Captain BUCKLEY(ret.)
It depends... who is "we"????
Me: The harmonica is easy I will start with thus instrument!
Harmonica: *I'm about to end this man's whole career*
😂
brilliant ,lots for me to try to improve my playing by . Thanks.
Great reminders Tomlin, I make all of those mistakes regularly 😄, thank you.
I fell in love with the harmonica
I did that two dozen times - gets expensive these days.
Thank you for your great videos. I have a question which i'd like to ask: if I wanted to use a harmonica for easy, mellow campfire jamming (or maybe even something like a lullaby), would a C harmonica work for that? And do you have (or know about) any good tutorials for getting that soft quiet tones?
Hi Ferry, you can play softly on all keys but lower keys would probably sound nicest. Maybe an A or a G. The main thing is to really try not to use too much air :-)
Thank you!
Great advice for a beginner. Told I'm intermediate but more like and advanced beginner. The advice on knowing where you are on the timeline is particularly helpful. We all want to sound like walter or Clark or Wilson but you got to have a solid foundation.
I heard someone say they were so surprised at how softly Shakey Horton played, due to his incredible tone! They thought he had to go hell for leather, and that really wasn't the case...
Thank you. Well thought out and delivered info. One problem I have in regards to lessons or conversations is when ppl just add so many unnecessary bits of info, so I lose interest and stop listening.
I tried to play it.
It never went nowhere.
Yet I still like the feel of it.
Another guy talking about his wang...
@@usernamemykel Or his barely closeted oral fixation.
@@mottahead6464 You've got a point there...
the constant sexual ambiguity is driving me mad.
+My Little Pwny you and me both :-)
Good prep for asian chicks
Thanks, now I can't watch the video without giggling.
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
4:31
this was actually so helpful thank you for making these vids!!
Great thanks
I get asked what harmonica I am using quite a lot. In this video I'm using a Hohner Golden Melody in the key of C in this video. But, I would recommend that you get a Hohner Special 20 in the key of C to start with. You can buy one here (I get an Amazon affiliate commission with this link) - amzn.to/2We9AoP
I bought the Hohner Special C after watching Les Stroud, Love the sound of it, and im ready to get learning :D
Do you also play the chromatic harmonica?
im surprised. i got mine today and made none of these mistakes. also im using a hohner big river harp key of c
@@jakelencher817 That's brilliant news!
@@pascalxavier3367 I don't I'm afraid - I would love to one day but the 10 hole keeps me busy at the moment
I´m suffering the consequences of early bad begginer practices. When i was a begginer, I did play "very hard", but I got to know how control the gush of air gently. Now, a year later,
I´m witnessing a "multiple organ failure" of my harmonica. My 4 and 3 hole reeds are gone (due to overuse of bendings I think). My 2 are going there and my 5 are starting as well.
To be honest, I think that my current "hard use" of tongue blocking was the last nail of the coffin. Not good, I´ll have to buy another harmonica soon haha
Vitor Angelo ... Can you not just replace the reed plates for your instrument [instead of buying a whole new one] ?
your lessons are great. very clear and step by step. Thanks
Thank you so much, this advice is simple, vital and amazing, cheers keep up the good work.
I'm having trouble singeing out a note. Which video do I reference?
Phillip Martinez look up Mitch Grainger. he has really good harmonica lessons on his channel. lesson one goes over how to pucker your lips to single out a hole.
Both the "Use two hands" and "don't move your head" tips do not apply if you use a rack to play harmonica hands free.
Very true :-)
He did say beginner...
Like most guitar players, I did begin with a harmonica holder ! Beside (to answer to another comment) the harmonica holder is very convenient when, like I do, you're practicing while driving ! :D But It's very true that the notes on the left and the right are very uneasy with the holder.
Thank you Tomlin. I was a big head mover and not even aware of it!
I’m just starting off and this advice is really really good. Many thanks 🙏
I didn't even know Macaulay Culkin was a musician
Can't unsee
And he just turned 40 years old.
Cause I play guitar simultaneously, I can't stop moving my head, but this explains why I miss notes more than when I hold the instrument with two hands.
I feel ya, I’ve recently started practicing playing with a rack and it is so frustrating!
Pelas próximas duas semanas irei seguir assistindo seus videos de iniciante! Obrigado pelas dicas!
good info Thanks!
I bought one recently but am asking my self how long is going to take to play like this ??
Gatera Bill Trick is to find enjoyment in the journey I suppose. Won't feel like it takes as long then.
6 months if you play for an hour every day and practice diligently
Learn how to sing too it helps
If it's an A, about a day.
A lot
So my Grandmother recently gave me an old Bandmaster Chromatic harmonica, so I thought I would do some research on it, but I can't seem to find any info on the specific one I have. The harmonica I have is 4 full octaves, but all the ones I have found of the same brand are 3. If anyone knows any info about it that would be cool. Also there is text on the side that seems to be stamped on that says "Germany USSR Occupied".
RiggityRekt that's bout rare as fuck, and valuable
Excellent, thanks for the share.
Thank you for posting!!
Guys says: “ don’t play with one hand”. Me watching the vid while playing it with one hand! Lol!
“We’re living in an awesome time right now...”
Did not age well.
😂
Thank u u are very slow and clear with ur teaching method which makes it alot easier fr somone like me allready doing just a little better need to take ur advise stop trying to jump ahead
Glad to know I didn't pick up any mistakes when I started playing as a kid. Getting back into it now.
"You need to be able to go to the hole, and go to the right one straight away."
Verbatim, exactly what she said
I'm going to be slurring my mouth over multiple holes.
+Erik Knoetze it will tighten up the more you practice :-)
oh will you now ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Moving my head was a bad habit I didn't realize I had. Appreciate the video
Me too. I didn't even realize I was doing it. Now my playing is much cleaner. Just have to break the habit.
Ronda
Thanks man that reeaally helped me realize some mistakes and correct them almost instantly
#1 mistake beginning harmonica players make is sticking it in their ear. Happens to me all the time.
It's very common - don't feel bad about it :-)
This Guys Looks Like Jesus
Wait..
*HOLY SHIT ITS HARMONICA JESUS*
Pill Park 😂😂👏
Very informative Tomlin
I was up until now that is mostly using one hand to hold my harp.
I will change to two now ,but I find it easier to to keep the harp deep in my mouth using one hand ,second hand get's in my way at time's.
Practise and technique will help.
Awesome! Thankyou!
IS ANYBODY READING THIS ? I am working or want to work on If you Wanna get to Heaven by the Ozark Mountain Dardevils which seems relatively easy EXCEPT I watched all the tutorials and its the first note that I am having trouble with. It seems as though the first note is a result of bending the C on the second hole down a whole step to a Bb or am I mistaken....can it be bent a whole step like that ? thanks
I love this song. One of my to learn Harmonica songs. And being a blues based song, I would choose the key of F for the Harmonica since the key is C. Have to work all that out. Please let me know what you come up with. I will let you know anything I discover!!!
Rich Reising ... that was the song that turned me on to harmonica when I was a kid. Been a long time since I listened to it, but yeah, grab an F harp to play in the key of C. Honestly, I don't think much about the first note maybe because I put a light breathed passing note before bending the second note for the dramatic effect. The guitar part that comes in after the harp break converts well to harmonica and is cool to play. I'll have to go give it a listen now and maybe grab my harps.
4:31 you heard what he said boys
Yes its time to make some mistakes
This is great advice, Thank You!
Thank you for this guide
The amount of sexual puns you managed to not laugh at - You're a master
Does anyone know what the most popular/important key is for a harmonica? Is it a or c?
It depends on whether you want to play in straight key or cross (blues). To learn properly and logically it's best to learn to play straight key first, then progress to playing "cross-harp". A good harmonica to start on is a "G as it's the most popular key and easiest key for guitar, mandolin, fiddle and banjo players. It's also a very pleasing sound as it balances low register notes with higher notes in a pleasant sounding way. A "C" harp can sound shrill in the hands of a beginner, and "D", "E" and "F" are even higher pitched, though you can buy special harps in "Low" form.
Good luck!
Thanks! This was very helpful!
Samuel Socolofsky yep I originally bought a 'C' harmonica when beginning as I read it was the best to start with. Being a guitar player I mostly use my 'G' one now!
thanx a lot for some good advices!! i will put that in my practice!
+Wayn Interessierts my pleasure Wayn. :-)
I've got two harmonicas and with my child we play but really we have no clue. Now I've decided to learn online and I found you. I hope we will make progress soon. Thanks
Abraham Lincoln, Wyatt Earp, Billy The Kid just to name a few who played harmonica.
I did not know that, thank you for the interesting fact :-)
One more reason to Learn to play, Good ole Abe.
I wish Trump played lol. Best president ever
and Toots Theilemans
i like to look at him.
jonny clayborn Lol u like to look at him Wtf lol
Very insightful, thanks!