The Most Important Harmonica Lesson You Will Ever Learn!!

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  • Опубликовано: 2 авг 2024
  • This week's harmonica lesson will show you what is literally the most important lesson I will ever teach you on harmonica. It has fixed most of the problems that my students face on a regular basis. It is the difference between good players and pro players. It is also really simple...
    Relax!
    ❤️ Enjoyed this video? Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to never miss a new video!
    -------------------------
    TIMESTAMPS
    0:22 The Most Important Harmonica Lesson You Will Ever Learn!!
    0:45 Remember to Relax
    2:37 Reasons to Relax
    2:59 First Issue that Can be Fixed: Quality of Notes
    3:40 Bending Control
    5:22 Timing
    7:25 Warbling
    9:50 Silly Mistakes
    -------------------------
    🔥 JOIN OUR HARMONICA SCHOOL & COMMUNITY
    If you are committed to taking the next step and improving your harmonica playing check out my online harmonica school where you can get EVERYTHING you need to become a great harmonica player! tomlinharmonicaschool.com
    -------------------------
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Комментарии • 100

  • @TomlinHarmonica
    @TomlinHarmonica  4 месяца назад

    ✏ Get your FREE harmonica tab PDF and audio clips here 👉 foxly.link/f5gidD

  • @harrpoe
    @harrpoe 5 лет назад +8

    Thank you Tomlin! Just like life, things are so much better from a chilled foundation as opposed to being nutted up!

  • @adamfox9651
    @adamfox9651 5 лет назад +9

    This is definitely true. I know I play better when I'm relaxed than when I'm not. It's probably why I play better when I'm alone, or jamming with my friend who I jam with regularly, than I do when others are watching me play.

    • @mrtambourineman6107
      @mrtambourineman6107 3 года назад

      That's why its really important to play in front of others as much as possible, the first few times I played guitar in front of others, I was awful!! And anything but chilled. Now I love it! 🤘😊

  • @JamesCoplan
    @JamesCoplan 5 лет назад +30

    One more thing - and in the long run perhaps the most important thing: Being relaxed gives the music a chance speak. Not to belabor the obvious, but Blues is soulful; it's not just a collection of technical skills. Being relaxed clears your mind so that you can hear / feel the soulful dimension of what you are playing. This is equally true whether you are playing a composition piece (i.e., something that's already been written - and may already be widely known - think Juke), or totally improvising. Relaxation is the necessary foundation for giving the music a chance to speak, not just *to* you, but *through* you. You are the conduit, the channel, between the music and the everyday world. And you can't be that channel if you're all tensed up.

    • @TomlinHarmonica
      @TomlinHarmonica  5 лет назад +3

      I couldn't agree more to this James! Well said :)

    • @JamesCoplan
      @JamesCoplan 5 лет назад

      @@TomlinHarmonica Thanks!

  • @jameslewis9343
    @jameslewis9343 5 лет назад +16

    This is an extremely valuable lesson!! I've been playing music since the 6th grade (over 50 years) and I've never heard anyone else say this before!! Thanks, Tomlin!!
    You've done it again!!

  • @MrSpanky2001
    @MrSpanky2001 5 лет назад +5

    This is a concept that takes time to appreciate. Been at this nearly 4 years, am just beginning to realize how important being relaxed is to tone, flexibility, speed, etc. Thanks for this lesson!

  • @richardgreaves8229
    @richardgreaves8229 5 лет назад +3

    Perfect! This is absolutely spot on for me.
    Thanks Tomlin!

  • @Boydrkb
    @Boydrkb 5 лет назад

    RELAX! So often overlooked, thank you for the reminder, Tomlin.

  • @danlaxer514
    @danlaxer514 5 лет назад +19

    Great advice, and good to keep in mind during practice. I find I start off relaxed, and 10 minutes into it, I'm hunched or bent forward, shoulders tensed, and lips tensed. It's good to stop and take a few breath, and then keep going.

  • @marybethhempel9101
    @marybethhempel9101 3 года назад +1

    Wow, I responded to this one year ago and I am finding myself actually actively focusing on relaxing now. I didn't even realize how I was tensing up my shoulders and face! I am glad that you reposted this lesson Tomlin!! I appreciate all your wonderful tips!! Thank you much!! :)

  • @deeschore5436
    @deeschore5436 5 лет назад

    Lovin' this info. Thanks, Tomlin!

  • @cyounesful
    @cyounesful Год назад

    Soooo right!! Thank you very much !!!

  • @petrsedlak9335
    @petrsedlak9335 5 лет назад +2

    :-) incredible! ... how very simple thinks can completely change effort and feeling from playing ... Thank you.

  • @carlgrimsley7019
    @carlgrimsley7019 5 лет назад +1

    Brilliant Tomlin, thank you!

  • @janicehinty283
    @janicehinty283 4 года назад +1

    Super advice, thanks Tomlin!!!

  • @aarongunn5519
    @aarongunn5519 2 года назад

    Great stuff!!! Thank you!

  • @nassimmehrvarz9375
    @nassimmehrvarz9375 4 года назад +1

    You are the best. Thank you.

  • @kevinbrady7148
    @kevinbrady7148 5 лет назад

    I really needed this lesson! Thanks Tomlin!

  • @matthewscheidt7754
    @matthewscheidt7754 Год назад

    Thank you for the great tips!

  • @WolfsBlues
    @WolfsBlues 5 лет назад

    Another great lesson Tomlin ...thanks!

  • @_Jarkor
    @_Jarkor 5 лет назад +4

    You're so right. Felt like a "Gossow moment." 👍🏻

  • @kevinmichael7218
    @kevinmichael7218 5 лет назад +4

    I appreciate you taking the time to make these videos. 🍻

  • @JamesCoplan
    @JamesCoplan 5 лет назад +2

    Tomlin, you must be a mind-reader, because you touched on most of the things I am struggling with. I especially like the way you go beyond the simple admonition "relax," which is a very nice sentiment but way too abstract, and translate it into concrete advice for each aspect of harping. Thank you!

  • @BornToBlues
    @BornToBlues Год назад

    Tomlin, thanks man. Terrific advice, and explained with the skills and knowledge of a great teacher.

  • @jasonhewson4513
    @jasonhewson4513 3 года назад +1

    hi, my name is summer and i am twelve and im learning the harmonica these harmonica lessons are really good

  • @claudwood6219
    @claudwood6219 3 года назад +1

    Great advice!!

  • @Blue_3rd
    @Blue_3rd 5 лет назад

    So true, Tomlin. Sometimes after just a few minutes, my lips feel like they are asleep - as if I have just come out of the dentist! I have to rest a while. Relaxation is everything. Cheers!

  • @adrianwhittaker7421
    @adrianwhittaker7421 3 года назад

    There’s some excellent tips here, thank you Tomlin!

  • @CarneysCreations
    @CarneysCreations 2 года назад

    Such a good teacher and even a better person! Inspiration for many especially me!

  • @Ivy_1057
    @Ivy_1057 3 года назад

    Thank you!

  • @nidhalrchidi290
    @nidhalrchidi290 Год назад

    Thank you Tomlin!

  • @chicharrero1946
    @chicharrero1946 5 лет назад

    muchas gracias por esos consejos, por lo que he visto es una cuestion de estar relajado completamente al tocar , sin tensiones. grcs. Crack.

  • @PalKrammer
    @PalKrammer 4 года назад +7

    Truly a valuable lesson! I like your remark, "we don't want to hear the wasp in a jar". LOL

  • @SuperTerminator50
    @SuperTerminator50 3 года назад

    without doubt one of your VERY best videos Tomlin, nice setting, nicely presented..Great content...

  • @marybethhempel9101
    @marybethhempel9101 5 лет назад

    Great lesson with some super important material!! Remember To RELAX!!! :)

  • @byronrogers4489
    @byronrogers4489 Год назад

    My number one rule on fitness, music, learning to fly a plane, etc ... don't quit.

  • @johnmesser3990
    @johnmesser3990 4 года назад

    Thank you Tomlin for yet another great lesson...John

  • @malcolmdavies5990
    @malcolmdavies5990 5 лет назад

    Nice one bud good lesson and great advice

  • @johnnyrbattaglio6943
    @johnnyrbattaglio6943 5 лет назад

    Thank you 🙏

  • @jaideepshinde7492
    @jaideepshinde7492 4 года назад

    Sincere thanks for these valuable suggestions!
    I am beginner harmonica player. Your suggestions will definitely help me to improve my stage performance.
    Thank you!

  • @petermorrall2428
    @petermorrall2428 4 года назад +1

    Hello Tomlin, I'm one of your students and apart from your excellent courses (genuine comment as well as genuine sycophancy) I keep returning to your very helpful RUclips videos such as this one to remind me of the basics - relax!! Best wishes, Peter M

  • @nupreznz
    @nupreznz 4 года назад

    You're dope man. Great advice even outside harmonica.

  • @shanecann1469
    @shanecann1469 5 лет назад

    thanks man this is great

  • @davidjenkins3101
    @davidjenkins3101 4 года назад

    great video, thank you

  • @schmittyjr7087
    @schmittyjr7087 5 лет назад +7

    same as vocals, relaxing is key.

  • @DesmoDreams
    @DesmoDreams 4 года назад

    Excellent advice as ever. I've just realised I've been drawing way too hard on my bends!

  • @christophermccarthy6889
    @christophermccarthy6889 3 года назад

    Brilliant very good advice, also tomlin covered alot of ground!,
    Nice One👍

  • @narasimhiah
    @narasimhiah 4 года назад

    THIS LESSON VERY COOL THANKS

  • @marybethhempel9101
    @marybethhempel9101 5 лет назад

    Thank you Tomlin! :)

  • @DeweyB122
    @DeweyB122 3 года назад

    Awesome Lesson 🤌🏽

  • @tnysteph
    @tnysteph 5 лет назад

    Another great video sir. Very helpful. Oh my my! My first time to play in front of people was a mess. I tried to look back at it the next day as Something to learn from! The next time I played was at an open mic night. It was much better.

  • @Harpdog.TonyWatson
    @Harpdog.TonyWatson 5 лет назад +1

    Thanks. I've been playing a long time and could hit the full 3'' two-step bend if bending down from 3 draw, but have had trouble with the pitch when jumping to it from other holes. But I just tried your relaxing advice on that bend, and found that I've been adding unneeded tension when jumping to that bend. Already see improvement.

    • @Harpdog.TonyWatson
      @Harpdog.TonyWatson 5 лет назад

      Correction - I meant full two-half step bend, or whole step bend, of course.

  • @trappstein
    @trappstein 5 лет назад

    Good one on fundamentals

  • @sagehopkins1
    @sagehopkins1 5 лет назад +10

    Fantastic lesson!! This has been the missing ingredient in my playing for sure. All of your points about relaxation are spot on! I feel AND hear the improvement of my tone with 3 draw bends!!
    Thank you!! :)

    • @freddieramos9681
      @freddieramos9681 5 лет назад

      It would really help me if I knew what key you are playing

  • @iannicolson1202
    @iannicolson1202 3 года назад

    Wasp in the jar, how descriptive. I like it. A very important lesson that applies to lots of other instruments too. Cheers

  • @TheWaveydee
    @TheWaveydee 3 года назад +1

    Getting nervous and tight is part of a musical life....saying to just relax into it - is easier for someone who can play perfectly. Your playing fluidity is not just from being relaxed. It's specifically that you are very good at it. You might feel relaxed - but a relaxed approach doesn't help the bum notes if you don't know the notes you are blowing are crap. Playing allot - helps relaxed playing because you hit the notes and the harp sounds good.

    • @maxwellfan55
      @maxwellfan55 7 месяцев назад

      Totally agree. Same applies to any instrument. Practice, practice, practice, keep learning upward and play to people, not just yourself. This will set you up good.
      That said, relaxation technique is very sound advice, whatever level. Always remember that before any performance and try not get fazed by others gawping at you.
      Me? I talk to my God, give thanks and know it's not the end of the world if I ain't perfect, even tho' I try to be.

  • @gardenharp
    @gardenharp 3 года назад +1

    Wow - after playing for ever - I recently realized that I am too tense while playing and need to work on relaxing - and along came your reposting to provide tips to help me. Very useful. Thanks Tomlin

  • @MosquitoBite82
    @MosquitoBite82 2 года назад

    You have so many great tips and tutorials. I'm so greatful for this. Can i support your channel in some way?

  • @FirstForty1
    @FirstForty1 3 года назад

    Yes I think this is an issue to my sound.... good input. Those "bad"bends sound like me...wow

  • @bobbyjohnson6524
    @bobbyjohnson6524 3 года назад

    Relaxing is an important part of everything we do.

  • @loasidasortiz9716
    @loasidasortiz9716 4 года назад

    So funny I got the same gold throw pellow as well as the same Blanket Anyways great lesson thks!

  • @deaddocreallydeaddoc5244
    @deaddocreallydeaddoc5244 2 года назад

    Great lesson, but I'd say that sometimes you do want the wasp in the bottle if you want to play down and dirty blues. But intention should be the selector, not the lack of skill.

  • @JozRad
    @JozRad 5 лет назад +3

    First the bends, concentration can be stress, tightening, guilty! I thought of getting a 'blues bender' to get me used to the action. Second point I found interesting, being on stage, in front of people, etc...I am going to set it up, so practicing with a mic, check///Thanks and keep harpN

  • @leesmithjr.8454
    @leesmithjr.8454 Год назад

    grreeeeeeeaaaat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @harmonicamanrandy
    @harmonicamanrandy 5 лет назад +3

    I do warbles with my jaw. That's an option too.

  • @SDo5O62
    @SDo5O62 2 года назад

    Hi Tomlin, really like your Harp Lessons. One thing I would highly appreciate if you could always mention during session or in your comments what is the Key of the Harp you are using during your lesson. Thx!

    • @kimberlyabettes3525
      @kimberlyabettes3525 2 года назад

      I think all of his lessons are with a C Blues Band harmonica.

  • @oldvic192
    @oldvic192 3 года назад

    Watching this playing is so frustrating , while it is super great , will never get onto this road , feeling to give up now .

  • @stevemcqueen7735
    @stevemcqueen7735 4 года назад +1

    Frankie says relax

  • @ivicasnjezni1082
    @ivicasnjezni1082 Год назад

    Didn't know that Kevin from Home Alone has a site for learning harmonica :D

  • @gabrielatik09
    @gabrielatik09 2 года назад

    Nice watch😂

  • @heinzbeyeler1543
    @heinzbeyeler1543 5 лет назад +1

    Hi Tomlin. Does the Wah-Wah work better with tongue blocking? It seems that you are using tongue blocking for the Wah-Wah.

    • @TomlinHarmonica
      @TomlinHarmonica  5 лет назад +1

      Great question Heinz. I'm tongue blocking the 4 hole but the lower notes I am lip pursing. It is easier to get a really deep wah with tongue-blocking because you are sealing more of the harmonica.

  • @n9rlo
    @n9rlo 4 года назад

    Take a double shot of whiskey before going onstage! It's always been my preparation and it definitely helps you relax!

  • @barnaclephil
    @barnaclephil 4 года назад

    Remember to relax.

  • @dragonkfg
    @dragonkfg 5 лет назад +4

    So.... I should relax to be a better harmonica player?

    • @thedon9670
      @thedon9670 5 лет назад +2

      yes

    • @octaviomaciel9125
      @octaviomaciel9125 4 года назад +1

      Same thing for playing any instrument, relax first then practice and remind yourself to stay relaxed.

  • @sunnyscott4876
    @sunnyscott4876 5 лет назад +3

    I'm relaxed. I practice in my car and I always find myself driving about 5 or 10 miles an hour slower than I normally would be !
    How's that for relaxed ? 🚘🚘🚘🚘🚗🚗🚔🚔🚔

    • @colincampbell4261
      @colincampbell4261 5 лет назад

      Whilst driving?

    • @sunnyscott4876
      @sunnyscott4876 5 лет назад

      @@colincampbell4261 Absolutely !

    • @octaviomaciel9125
      @octaviomaciel9125 4 года назад +1

      Sunny Scott 😀 I practice driving too 😂

    • @gardenharp
      @gardenharp 3 года назад +1

      one of the best things about the harp - what other instrument can you play in a traffic jam?

  • @harkerroland9750
    @harkerroland9750 4 года назад

    Until now i cannot blow bending :( just the draw two or three hole

  • @reverendv8900
    @reverendv8900 2 года назад

    And therein lies (I suspect) the reason why - after four years plus of trying and trying and trying - I cannot play the harmonica properly. It is simply impossible for me to play from the diaphragm because I have no idea how to relax, despite being chilled out in the mind to the max. No relaxing of every muscle and sinew means no circular breathing means no tone. I did once tape myself many years ago after taking something that I cannot mention on here and that was the closest I ever got to a rich tone.

  • @jimmy59ca2001
    @jimmy59ca2001 4 года назад

    just watch sonny boy, he looks like he is going to go to sleep while he is playing, lol

  • @IgorBagayev
    @IgorBagayev 4 года назад +3

    You can remove the word "Harmoica" from the title )

  • @Zedoari
    @Zedoari 3 года назад

    It's funny how "pro" players advocate being relaxed but don't consider the years they've already put in practising the instrument!! Knowledge and technique is of course the most important lesson..
    So don't worry about this clickbait.. relaxed playing will come by itself once you start getting good!

  • @TRAOism
    @TRAOism 3 года назад

    Great Lessons...but the pink watch is so distractive.

  • @mrtambourineman6107
    @mrtambourineman6107 3 года назад

    Bro are you really Scottish??