On the note of less is better. My first band many years ago had a Jamaican bass player, it was a reggae come R & B band, and one night after a gig he asked me when and why I, the white harp player, got into Jamaican music. I told him it was Millie Small in '64 (I was 13) that stopped me in my tracks when that off beat syncopation kicked off on the first 'lollipop' and as the Ska slowed down then became Rock Steady and finally matured as Reggae, I explained how some of the bass lines hit me somewhere deep down. 'Ow ya mean' he asked, so I sang the bass line to 'Long shot kick the bucket' complete with the drum fills in the gaps (a few rums helped). He slapped his leg and laughed, 'Yeah mon, why ya tink me pick a bass? It's da notes ya nah play dat mek a good bass line g-r-e-a-t. Ya mek a lickle space fi someone else an when ya come a back in, BOOM, ya hit um'. Words of wisdom I've not forgotten.
I know that this is an old video and you may never see this comment, but I just wanted to say thank you! I've really started getting into harmonica recently and your videos have been brilliant. I love how you can both bring things down to a simple level that I can follow and that you can play other things to raise my excitement to improve. Your videos have been a real encouragement. I also love how you have a bit of a chat about what you are doing and why as well as background info. It makes it feel more like I'm listening to a real person as I would if in person with a teacher/mentor. Makes it all more personal.
These videos are such a help. My mum died suddenly three years ago and she always had harmonicas about and so I’ve decided to learn to play recently with the last one she bought I’ve already got a decent amount of blues riffs down thanks to you and your natural teaching style. Sincerely and honestly, thank you.
I love your knowledge of the musical history around the Mississippi, you mention in your vids. A good background for a harmonica player ! Thanks for all your help !
Thanks Adam, your lessons are great. Thanks for taking your time to teach us❤. I was wondering is there any techniques for practising breath control particularly for this solo. Thanks again.
Your love of playing harmonica - truly comes through. Like the zeal a kid would have. Funny but admirable. It IS a fun little instrument. Still marvel at its sound potentials. Thanks for being here! Thanks for the teachings! 🎉Much obliged🎉
Adam is the Technical professor of the harmonica. The best teacher on RUclips. To really appreciate who is check out Satan and Adam on Netflix a very inspirational documentary
Mate you are who I won’t to be . You are brilliant. Been trying to be like you all this week😀 not doing too good but I’m enjoying it i’ll be sticking with you mate
Thank you so much Adam for proving this great resource - you are unlocking things for me slowly as I begin to understand how to play things in order across the instrument. The harmonica can sound bluesy, but you help us all to sound bluesier, if we can take the time to stick with it. Regards from Melbourne, Australia.
After years of playing country / bluegrass I'm digging back into the blues for a gig this summer, and your channel is the perfect bootcamp. I can't thank you enough. Your sound, technique, and feel has always been up there with the other greats for me, and it's just such a gift from you to unpack how both how you play and how you think about it.
Way cool. I love your videos. I got myself my first harmonica in years today for 37 cents, at $1.69/ lb. a no name with a nice case. I took it apart, cleaned it, reassembled it, and now I'm ready.
Thanks for taking the time to do all this. I've purchased the deluxe set of your beginner lessons and throughly enjoy them, but if my friends hear Ol' Susanna one more time I think they are going to jam my harp down my throat,
My sister and I, we teach a variety of different things like skiing and school but however YOU ARE AN AMAZING INSTRUCTOR! Keep up the good work! Thank You
Thank you Mr. Gussow for teaching me embouchure, most importantly. Thank you also for this groove. All I'm hearing right now is ZZ Top - La Grange. I have recently learned how to chug appropriately with different rhythms. Today I found this video. By George, I think I am finally starting to get the hang of this Blues harmonica thing. I am so stoked!
Mr. Gussow Thank you for taking your time to make these life lesson harp playing videos. I’d like to meet you one day. “ Keeping it simple one day at a time “
boogie Chillin #2 baby! thats a stone cold groove my mans, cant help but get up and start jamming, toe tappin, knee slappin. too good man cant wait till i can play this on my harp. Gussow your a fucking genius
Thank you very much Adam I've been following you for years and it's wonderful to stumble upon a video that I listen to multiple years ago only to realize now have that riff and accompanying licks at my disposal thanks to you. Thank you many times over. - Adam West
First idea that came to my mind is to change from 2 draw to 3 blow. Is the same note, and since it doesn't need the color of a bend, you can change it from time to time. If you stick to 3 blow is the same problem, more air out than in. EDIT: Nevermind! Doesn't work as well as I thought...I'll keep thinking. Thanks for the class, sir.
Can’t thank you enough for all your videos. You’ve taught me so much. Really got me trying harder to play well Just wish I had better tone. Oh well. I’ll keep trying.
Marathon runners and Brendan Power probably play this hammering on the 2 draw. Asthmatics like me make sure we haven't grabbed our Paddy Richter harmonica and hammer the 3 blow. Ironically that's a trick you taught me.
I see Tony Glover's book in the background. I bought it in the 60's and couldn't make head or tail out of it. Wish there was you tube back then! Thanks for the engaging lesson!
By the time you started talking, I had the riff down, including most of the embellishments...because I have been learning primarily from YOUR videos for the last several years. I love that Boogie Woogie is linguistically equivalent to Booty Wiggle. Thank you for that nugget of gold...among all the others you've shared over the years. P.S. Speaking of nuggets of gold, you got so distracted by all the "spices" that you never clarified the, "Ch'ching," you used to expel the surplus intake was a IV chord, blowing the 1,2, and 3 holes simultaneously. However, you did also say, "See if you can figure out what I'm doing there," so I guess you gave yourself an out. LOL Thanks for yet another great groove lesson.
Gussow's classic blues harmonica videos Adam You taught me how to play the harmonica. The way you present the lessons makes it easy and fun to learn. All thanks to you for firing up my passion to become great.
Hi just wanted to say I found your video two days ago I played guitar for 20 years I never did get my foot down packed and blues comes on I'm always right in the groove well I ordered a marine C harmonica
brilliant vid !... just bought one and checking out where to find some good advice (already a been bass player and guitarist, though we've all lapped the sun a few times since i was any good) .... looking forward to getting some bluesy sounds nailed with ur help
I came across your video fabulous Hooker boogie groove and I was Hooked went out and bought a Special 20. Just downloaded the beginners Deluxe hopefully with some time and determination I can play some tunes
Haha! Hey, only one f-bomb in however many hundreds of videos you've made of the years is pretty good! I totally dropped an f-bomb in front of my class the other day. I had a hundred college sophomores looking around at each other going "did he just say what I think he said?!" Just let it roll off and keep on going like nothing ever happened! :)
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
On the note of less is better. My first band many years ago had a Jamaican bass player, it was a reggae come R & B band, and one night after a gig he asked me when and why I, the white harp player, got into Jamaican music. I told him it was Millie Small in '64 (I was 13) that stopped me in my tracks when that off beat syncopation kicked off on the first 'lollipop' and as the Ska slowed down then became Rock Steady and finally matured as Reggae, I explained how some of the bass lines hit me somewhere deep down. 'Ow ya mean' he asked, so I sang the bass line to 'Long shot kick the bucket' complete with the drum fills in the gaps (a few rums helped). He slapped his leg and laughed, 'Yeah mon, why ya tink me pick a bass? It's da notes ya nah play dat mek a good bass line g-r-e-a-t. Ya mek a lickle space fi someone else an when ya come a back in, BOOM, ya hit um'. Words of wisdom I've not forgotten.
The apparent simplicity of the harmonica is only overshadowed by's actual complexity. Thank goodness for people like you. 🙏
I know that this is an old video and you may never see this comment, but I just wanted to say thank you! I've really started getting into harmonica recently and your videos have been brilliant. I love how you can both bring things down to a simple level that I can follow and that you can play other things to raise my excitement to improve. Your videos have been a real encouragement.
I also love how you have a bit of a chat about what you are doing and why as well as background info. It makes it feel more like I'm listening to a real person as I would if in person with a teacher/mentor. Makes it all more personal.
Chillin
Wow! Tank'you very much...Great teacher..!🎶 ❤️
Thank you so much for these musical pearls of wisdom..!! Great...👐🤗
Agree with many comments :
You might not see this post but again: THANK YOU.
Splendid teacher .
Gussow, thank you for your lessons they are much appreciated. Grace and peace be multiplied
I'm lovin Gusso's modern blues harmonica lessons.
These videos are such a help. My mum died suddenly three years ago and she always had harmonicas about and so I’ve decided to learn to play recently with the last one she bought I’ve already got a decent amount of blues riffs down thanks to you and your natural teaching style. Sincerely and honestly, thank you.
i really like this type of vids where you're explaining bases of a rythm and giving few riffs to use with the rythm
I love your knowledge of the musical history around the Mississippi, you mention in your vids. A good background for a harmonica player ! Thanks for all your help !
great teacher
Thank you so much Adam, what makes me keep coming back to your videos is your passion for the harmonica and the music it can play. Thank you!
Thanks Adam, your lessons are great. Thanks for taking your time to teach us❤. I was wondering is there any techniques for practising breath control particularly for this solo. Thanks again.
Adam, you’re the best. Keep it coming. I learn more from you in 15 minutes then I do anybody else after an hour
I appreciate that. Some have criticized me for being too talky; not cutting quickly enough to the chase. So your praise means something!
Couldn't of have said it any better !
Gussow i just can’t get enough! seriously got me hooked
Fantastic lesson. Thank you so much, Sir. The rhythm is so critical to the sound. You dial it in so nicely.
Your love of playing harmonica - truly comes through. Like the zeal a kid would have. Funny but admirable.
It IS a fun little instrument. Still marvel at its sound potentials.
Thanks for being here! Thanks for the teachings!
🎉Much obliged🎉
The mystery is what is happening @9:10 ?
Guessing a 2 bend something..🙃😜🙃
Yes, a 2 draw whole step bend.
Adam is the Technical professor of the harmonica. The best teacher on RUclips. To really appreciate who is check out Satan and Adam on Netflix a very inspirational documentary
I actually found this completely by accident while trying to imitate La Grange by ZZ top . Now i have more to do with it. Thankyou so much!
I have learned more from these videos than anything else. I plan on purchasing the rest to further improve my playing.
Right on great lesson Adam ... John Lee Hooker was the man ....
Mate you are who I won’t to be . You are brilliant. Been trying to be like you all this week😀 not doing too good but I’m enjoying it i’ll be sticking with you mate
You have to work hard every single day, in the future you will be even better.
I'm sure it took him longer than 1 week to become him 🙂
This is so fun and informational that words do not do it justice.
Thank you so much Adam for proving this great resource - you are unlocking things for me slowly as I begin to understand how to play things in order across the instrument. The harmonica can sound bluesy, but you help us all to sound bluesier, if we can take the time to stick with it. Regards from Melbourne, Australia.
I appreciate the many lessons you provide on RUclips
Thank You
You have a very engaging way of sharing your thoughts - it feels natural. Thanks
Everytime i feel down and grab my harmonica to learn, your videos are here for me 🤙 keep on keepin on
What a great lesson. So much here, and your method and humble nature is just makes is so enjoyable and relatable. Thank you!
I Love Gussow's harmonica, is the best
After years of playing country / bluegrass I'm digging back into the blues for a gig this summer, and your channel is the perfect bootcamp. I can't thank you enough. Your sound, technique, and feel has always been up there with the other greats for me, and it's just such a gift from you to unpack how both how you play and how you think about it.
Good old Adam, I always learn something from you my friend
Way cool. I love your videos. I got myself my first harmonica in years today for 37 cents, at $1.69/ lb. a no name with a nice case. I took it apart, cleaned it, reassembled it, and now I'm ready.
Funny how all the sudden all the things you have been working on start to take shape and actually sound good... Thanks professor!
Thanks for taking the time to do all this. I've purchased the deluxe set of your beginner lessons and throughly enjoy them, but if my friends hear Ol' Susanna one more time I think they are going to jam my harp down my throat,
Thankyou very much Adam , absolutely love your harmonica playing. Big fan from Perth Western Australia.
I get my first harmonica: a Hohner Special 20-C this afternoon, I can't wait to learn this.
how is it going?
Yea im wondering ... Im on my boogie , but using the crossover
My sister and I, we teach a variety of different things like skiing and school but however YOU ARE AN AMAZING INSTRUCTOR! Keep up the good work! Thank You
WOW, I'm DETERMINED to Learn this One !!!!! 🤯😎
Thank you Mr. Gussow for teaching me embouchure, most importantly. Thank you also for this groove. All I'm hearing right now is ZZ Top - La Grange. I have recently learned how to chug appropriately with different rhythms. Today I found this video. By George, I think I am finally starting to get the hang of this Blues harmonica thing. I am so stoked!
Yes, ZZ Top took that groove and ran with it in a great way. Keep on having fun! Sounds like you won't have any trouble doing that.
Indeed I won't. That's what it's all about for me. Thanks again!
While running this riff through my head I heard the intro to Little Feat playing Dixie Chicken. No doubt there are many other "borrowings" !
Thank you from Italy ❤️🎶🎶
Love the book in the corner by Mr glover first Harp book I bought back in the seventies.
Thank you for all you do and and all you have done. We are all better because of you!
So interesting stories... great thanks maestro
lee oskar was my goal, not any more Gussow is awesome fantastic player in the world-amen!
I'm sure Lee Oskar will be happy to hear that! But thanks.
Excellent lesson! Thanks Adam!
I always get hypnotised by your boogie adam.
Man,tanks for teaching us that little things that make the difference,so fun this one,Adam for president,hahaha
Mr. Gussow
Thank you for taking your time to make these life lesson harp playing videos. I’d like to meet you one day.
“ Keeping it simple one day at a time “
Wow, you are Amazing! Because of you I started playing
You be a good teacher, 👍
Awesome boogie licks just breaking it down very slow and now working on speed thank you.
You are awesome Adam
duuuuude what a spicy lesson!
boogie Chillin #2 baby! thats a stone cold groove my mans, cant help but get up and start jamming, toe tappin, knee slappin. too good man cant wait till i can play this on my harp. Gussow your a fucking genius
Thank you, Adam. I really appreciate you and your videos. You're excellent!
A fantastic lesson, Adam! Thank You so much for sharing!
You are an incredible teacher! Thank you so much!!!!!!
Thank you very much Adam I've been following you for years and it's wonderful to stumble upon a video that I listen to multiple years ago only to realize now have that riff and accompanying licks at my disposal thanks to you. Thank you many times over. - Adam West
First idea that came to my mind is to change from 2 draw to 3 blow. Is the same note, and since it doesn't need the color of a bend, you can change it from time to time. If you stick to 3 blow is the same problem, more air out than in.
EDIT: Nevermind! Doesn't work as well as I thought...I'll keep thinking. Thanks for the class, sir.
Boogie-woogie is why I like the blues
Boogie woogie roots runs deep from Africa.
Hot dam! What a lesson. Thanks Adam. You are awesome
Make me proud.
Awesome!
Thank you Adam!
Can’t thank you enough for all your videos. You’ve taught me so much. Really got me trying harder to play well Just wish I had better tone. Oh well. I’ll keep trying.
Marathon runners and Brendan Power probably play this hammering on the 2 draw. Asthmatics like me make sure we haven't grabbed our Paddy Richter harmonica and hammer the 3 blow. Ironically that's a trick you taught me.
Great, thanks, Adam! I really appreciate!
Thanks, Adam,
I see Tony Glover's book in the background. I bought it in the 60's and couldn't make head or tail out of it. Wish there was you tube back then! Thanks for the engaging lesson!
Hooker n heat, Alan Wilson on harp best version ever
Salut ami a big bonjour from belgium . I love it .i wood like to play like that 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽👍👍🎸🎸🎸
Thank you Mr Gussow. Another wonderful lesson.
I been doing this with two groups I play with and it really gets the guitarists going! Thanks a mil Adam
By the time you started talking, I had the riff down, including most of the embellishments...because I have been learning primarily from YOUR videos for the last several years. I love that Boogie Woogie is linguistically equivalent to Booty Wiggle. Thank you for that nugget of gold...among all the others you've shared over the years.
P.S. Speaking of nuggets of gold, you got so distracted by all the "spices" that you never clarified the, "Ch'ching," you used to expel the surplus intake was a IV chord, blowing the 1,2, and 3 holes simultaneously. However, you did also say, "See if you can figure out what I'm doing there," so I guess you gave yourself an out. LOL Thanks for yet another great groove lesson.
Thanks, again, for your discerning praise. I always appreciate it!
Gussow's classic blues harmonica videos
Adam
You taught me how to play the harmonica. The way you present the lessons makes it easy and fun to learn. All thanks to you for firing up my passion to become great.
Man you are the master !
Excellent 👍👍❤❤
This is SOOOOOO AWESOME, Thank You Adam G
Hola señor gussow soy de Argentina y me encanta como enseña a pesar de que no se Ingles tiene un idioms musical que lo entiendo un Gran saludo
Great lesson. I love that groove!
Cheers from Mexico City, you really explain clearly and easy this beautiful art.
Thank you Adam, that helped a lot. Always enjoy your lessons.
Nice. !!
Great explanation and the history is really interesting.
Thanks Adam
Nice one Adam as always. Now I can attempt On the Road Again
superb teaching thankyou
Hi just wanted to say I found your video two days ago I played guitar for 20 years I never did get my foot down packed and blues comes on I'm always right in the groove well I ordered a marine C harmonica
Great lessen, great musician!
brilliant vid !... just bought one and checking out where to find some good advice (already a been bass player and guitarist, though we've all lapped the sun a few times since i was any good) .... looking forward to getting some bluesy sounds nailed with ur help
I wish i can like this video more than once.
Love this! I found the 3 blow easier to start with though 😎🌾
Not that I have it down yet as a novice 🙂
You Sir, are amazing!!!! 🙏
I came across your video fabulous Hooker boogie groove and I was Hooked went out and bought a Special 20.
Just downloaded the beginners Deluxe hopefully with some time and determination I can play some tunes
Great, man!
Been honing this for awhile. Love it
..in which Adam Gussow finally swears on camera! Lol! Great groove Adam! Thanks for these new lessons. Glad to see you still swinging!
Oh shit! Did I? I meant to cut that out.
Haha! Hey, only one f-bomb in however many hundreds of videos you've made of the years is pretty good! I totally dropped an f-bomb in front of my class the other day. I had a hundred college sophomores looking around at each other going "did he just say what I think he said?!" Just let it roll off and keep on going like nothing ever happened! :)
great lesson...
Superb sir
U rock Adam!
Bloody awesome lick!
Badass dude. 👍👍🔥🔥🔥
watched it like a good breakfast thanks
Great!!😊
F bomb! ha ha ha....Damn, I love your lessons, but my lungs feel like they are going to explode. Thanks from a very light headed amateur.
Thank for the wonderful insight