There are many kinds of blues. One version is the slow blues (aka the slow drag, back in the juke joints), which can be sad or sexy, depending. The uptempo stuff was designed to be dance music--either shuffle (a rolling, rollicking sort of dance beat, which is what I'm giving you here) or a breakdown, a fast straight-time beat with a stress on 2 and 4, which traces back to dances that enslaved people did on plantations. For a fantastic blues/gospel breakdown, search "Taj Mahal Oh Lord, things are getting crazy up in here"
@@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726 Been messing around on my cheap hohner blues bender in D, sounds like cats screwing, probably why my cat attacks me and my wife complains. Ordered a special 20 in C and I await its arrival with bated breath. I will probably still sound like shit but you, my friend, have inspired me to be better and to feel the blues deep within my soul. Peace ✌️
From a guitarist. I have to say you're the most awesome tutor on RUclips. It's so much fun. When a teacher can get a point across with empathy. You're the man buddy. Seriously good. I wish all people teaching could see this. You inspire
Adam has been "Giving all away" for more than a decade now with his "Modern Blues Harmonica" channel. And he is serious about teaching. I mean it seems like I remember him doing a live x-ray to show tongue position for bending in one of them! IF he didn't I'm giving him credit. He got me through a tough part of my life with those videos. Thanks Adam.
My grandpa use to play the harmonica. I wish I had asked for one as a child, but here I am at 60, with my first harmonica. I hope this old dog isn't too old to learn something new. Thank you for the free lesson! I will continue to practice.
Adam, I picked up a C Harp about four years ago to fool around with, looked at some RUclipsrs but never got excited, never had a purpose with this instrument. Until I found you and Luke Clepsch. Now I’ve gotten on fire for this instrument and blues and bending and expressing myself through this harp. Thanks for all your videos.
That's great. The word "fire" is one that any harmonica player will recognize. There's a soulful connection between you and the instrument. That's a great thing.
Just felt "blues" for the 1st time with this lesson.... I'm speechless. I didnt know what i was doin, and it sounded right. Thx a lot for you lessons Adam ! Much love from France
I began practicing Adam Gussow's vids years ago...life happens now 80 and I'm back like a comet. This time aint stopping. That 2 hole draw plus some stuff he does in this vid is in that fabulous Cross Roads vid. So I'm listening and right behind you brother. I got the harmonica priest hat on. Of all the teachers, this is the artist you want to follow. Mike
WOW! Went to "Learn Blues Harmonica 101" after I'd mentioned to a friend that plays that I wanted to learn. He suggested your videos. Picked up a cheap harmonica in "C". Have never played before and you had me playing along in no time. Sounds were coming out right and breath and tongue were now working without thinking to much. AWESOME! I'm 66 and you just washed away my doubts in 2 lessons. Yes! I stayed through the whole 26 minute video then after a break came to this video. Will be continuing ..... MUCH THANKS, Vince
I've been performing blues harmonica since 1969 and I still find some harmonica tips helpful. This is one of those good technique tips (chops) that people take their own sweet time figuring out - and not everyone does it the same way. Good work, young fella!
I spent over 30 years playing musical instruments, mostly in the military, but never considered playing a harmonica until now. I'll have to check your other lessons. Thank you.
I'm an accomplished guitarist and slightly less accomplished pianist, but I have always loved the Blues Harmonica and always wanted to play it. It has infuriated me for many, many years that I just can't, but thank you so so much for these videos. Don't get me wrong - I still sound a little like a bronchial cat drowning in a vat of battery acid - but I've made more progress in the last three days than I have in the previous couple of decades. You are one hell of a teacher my friend, thank you very much.
My mother bought me a harmonica after I saw LIttle Stevie Wonder singing and playing on TV, in grade three. She was the lead soprano in the Scottish church my parents helped found, and I was lead soprano for youth. It was a big, double-sided Hohner in that box with the Alpine scene graphic. It didn't have a slider. I have a tip for anyone who likes these songs, trying to play melodies note for note. "Shenandoah", what evolved from European-American pioneer singing, has the same notes for the first line as "The Days of Wine and Roses". I like you Gussow. There are Sons and Daughters of the Gael who speak Gaelic, and I'm Clan Watt and Hay. Bay-an-uck-let, blessings on you. One glorious day, may the high winds of the Andes blow through your harp.
I'm a drummer and randomly found your videos whilst explaining how a harmonica works to someone. Now I own a harp and have been teaching myself on and off for a year or so, with your videos coming in very handy! Thanks a million!
My Brudder was a genius Harmonica player, he taught himself. I recently and quite suddenly lost him. Whenever he played I asked how do you make those sounds?? Because it often sounded like more than one person was playing. I wanted to know the secrets. All he ever told me was, "Sissy, just practice sucking and blowin and you'll get it" 40 years later he never gave me his secrets but I'm ok with that. I know I will never. I stumbled upon you today looking for someone to soothe my soul. Thank you.
At the very end of the video when you were done. I tried 3 times harder. The sound changed. I heard the difference. Now I feel I need more breath. Thank you sir. I'll keep attending.
Thank you again, I keep revisiting your videos / lessons, you're a gr8 teacher. I wasn't feeling well, been shut down and your videos helped me out of the blues. And into happy blues. I'm a beginner 54 yrs young and playing my harmonica with you, has been my therapy. Many blessings to you.
Hey Gussow, million thanks for this. Just a mention, you could contact parents of kids with Asthma and suggest they get their kid a Harmonica. Im asthmatic, and learning the harmonica has cleared my lungs and stopped asthma attacks by a huge degree, like 90 percent. Would be very cool if you could pass this on, maybe help a bunch of kids out of misery. Thanks man.
Literally received my harp in the post today and came on RUclips to look for tutorials having never played a note on one before..yours was the first I saw and I found myself not only understanding your lesson but actually playing exactly as you were (the basic stuff obviously haha) It’s given me a huge confidence boost and I’m excited to learn this amazing instrument, thank you Adam 👍🏻
Those moments near minute 3 and 11 when you fastforward are pure gold. Absolutely the most entertaining harmonica lesson, teaching without trying too hard.
Can i pick your brain please.... I have 2 harmonicas but one is G and the other is A. Can i learn to play on these or do i really need to get a C? Everyone says C is best for beginners..... I cant seem to find the same sounding notes as in this video but its close and i think i can learn to play. I guess its just practice, practice, practice. Any advice would be much appreciated
Nope! I first learned how to play from Adam years and years ago when he was first on youtube and my first harmonica was in the key of A. This shuffle will sound much better in A or G as in my opinion they are my favorite keys. I personally find these keys much easier to learn with and find it easier to bend notes and the reeds are much more responsive to vamping. Personally I think people say C is best for beginners because all the beginner videos are in the key of C! Stick with your A key man and make it your own.
My grandma used to play a little so I’ve always wanted to learn myself. I’m 58 now. I bought a cassette a few years back but just didn’t understand. You do a good job of explaining! I think maybe I could learn watching you. Thanks for the video. Liked and subscribed.
Gussow brother, no one satisfies what it is to teach with enjoyment like you do. I whole heartedly enjoy watching you teach and learning with your videos. Keep on keeping on!
Well, thank you! I am a 26y old girl from Greece and you gave something new to practice! I am a pianist and musician and i was looking for something new when i discovered an harmonica G today and your video really helped me. You're amazing!
I think his lessons are great and the fact is that when you are learning you dont want to whiz through anything. You take your time and explain things slowly as a teacher. Everyone learns at different levels and slow and steady is the way to go. As a martial arts instructor i know this too well. I truly enjoy your vids adam , and have learned a great deal from them. Keep teaching the way you teach. Im sure that those who really want to learn will enjoy the pace and style you use to teach. People really shouldn't expect to pick up the instrument and just blow away and be pros. Life doesnt work like that.
Thank you for your response Mr. Gussow. It is certainly exhilarative to get feed back from someone with an apparent voluminous vocabulary. Hovering on succinct with a nice captious wit one can only hope it was done with a smile. Forgive my pretentiousness for it is all in jest. I love word play and couldn't resist. I truly do respect you and your lessons but as the reply by Mr. Ferguson, pointed out, I have a somewhat more advanced skill level than this lesson was intended for. I jumped head first into learning the harmonica a few years back. I didn't have time to learn the basics because I wanted to learn all the greats in three weeks. I watched your lesson on Whammer Jammer and just didn't have the time to wait. I found the tabs and a couple of other videos and, like I said, jumped in head first. It took time and a lot of work but I learned it along with some of the other great blues songs. The basics that you are showing in this lesson are things that I thought were just picked up on the way. I can only wonder if my struggle to learn that song would have been shorter if I had taken the time to learn the basics first. Not for nothing, I still can't do the intro, so I am going to go back and look at your lesson (the one in the car) on this. Once I can accomplish it (having trouble with the overblow) I will send a comment your way on that lessons comment section. Hopefully other beginners will pay more attention to Mr. Fergusons' comment than mine. Once again, thank you for your response Mr. Gussow
Just love your comment , I'm giving this away , it deserves to be shared." Thank you for sharing - for giving - it is said that what you give , comes back ten fold , Cheers Rod.
Thank u Gus. I"m a 58 yo,guy, in Alabama, Played a bit in a few blues bands, over the years, started sitting out in the bars, at the table an playing quietly, heard " You SUCK, stop playing" for a while. As time went on when they said, "get up an play," . I I knew I I was on my way Wish Id found u long time ago. . Never to old to learn. I learned more in this 17 minute video then i learned in years. I recommend your lessons to anyone that loves the Harp..
One day I woke up thinking I should learn to play an instrument, I looked on RUclips this and that until I found Gussow, I loved his philosophy, the sounds, the old vibe, the bluesy vibe, the modern never-out-of-style vibe, I knew I found my niche. Just to be sure, I have been watching his videos for two months to make sure it wasn't a whim or a waste of money. Yesterday I entered a music store and with all the confidence I could muster I asked the clerk for a diatonic harmonica in the key of C. Me feeling so well versed in the matter haha I love the sound of the harmonica but it goes beyond that, it's what Gussow's represents, the soul of the harmonica, and I am honored to be joining you guys today as a beginner. I guess I'm just another old soul, demented, lightly irrational and odd member of this honorific group. Thank you Gussow.
I’ve been playing for 22 years and the last five years I haven’t played much at all. I’m self taught and getting tips at it from time to time. I just started watching your videos and you’re details have opened my eyes on few things. It’s funny that I’ve been doing things with my mouth that I didn’t realize I was doing until you had pointed them out. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Your never to old to learn.
3:12 Just cracked me up! Thank you for being so generous with your hard earned knowledge. Learning so much and having a great time! I’ll be watching you on Netflix tomorrow night.
Excellent! Given your facility and training on those other instruments, and given your understanding of music, you're going to take off like a rocket on the harp. All that knowledge will leverage right in.
Great lesson! This is the first time that I managed to kind of get the blues feel whilst playing. Will definitely be following this channel in my hopes to get good at this awesome instrument!
I went to a friend's music shop yesterday and told him I want a harmonica. He said a Marine Band in C would be a very good one for me. And he was right. Did my first lesson here with you.
Hi Adam. I've found your tutorial videos absolutely superb, great detail on how to get the best sound without sounding patronising to the beginner. I bought my first Hohner Marine Band in 1993 (in C of course) but have only played it very occasionally until recently. I've now bought harps in other keys and its quickly become a burning passion of mine, fulled by a love of blues music and in particular Sonny Terry. So keep the videos coming please! They're an absolute goldmine to blues harp lovers like myself. Regards, Terry - Southport, England.
I started playing a little more than a year ago I went to a tragic event I was doing bad things in a bad way I made poor choices as a father and I come up with a list of goals and things to do to make things right and singing to my little girl was one of them she would sing back to me to make a long story short she never got to see me play or hear me play because she was killed so I'm trying to do something and members of my daughter with dedication and love and perseverance I appreciate all the lessons you can do I'm okay at it but I can be better so thanks and God bless you I started playing out of love and help with my anxiety the
Wow!! You’re a great instructor!! I am now retired and always wanted to learn the harmonica. Santa brought me one for Christmas, which was my best present, and I hope to learn how to play some Blues, in 2019. I’ll watch all of your videos. Thank You, Kindly.
During the impending quarantine, I was only planning on improving my finger picking blues on my guitar. Well, I have a mouth organ... I suppose I'll be learning this alongside practicing my guitar. Thank you from London. X
I started(two years ago) with an A key armónica and ended here. Now I bought a C key armónica and Im starting to sounding better, very bluesy. I always return to this class and now I amazed myself. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge Mr.Gussow.
I started watching his vídeos rather than others' because Adam was just funnier. At first I couldn't see that he was also better teacher the others I've seen.
Thanks. I'm a 48year old beginner, that is, I played a lot in my early teens but I had no clue what I was doing. Just decided to try and learn proper, so videos like this is pure gold. Mind you, I'm doing the same thing, same background with guitar and drums too, but it's too much fun to not do it! Thanks a lot!
Just have to let you know that I really appreciate all the time and consideration that you put into your videos. I picked up the harmonica 2 years ago because I was working 96-100ish hours/week and needed some sort of musical outlet between jobs that I could play with one hand(not all the time...) while driving. I am a working musician and a full-time cook, so I still come back to your beginner posts just to hear the embellishments. You are truly a hidden gem. Not gonna lie, I only started listening to you because you covered The Seatbelts, and I am a forever fan of Cowboy Bebop. Sitting here in my(small studio past midnight) just hoping that one day I may venture out to your neck of the woods and jam with you.
I'm not a harmonica player, but I just love to listen to blues harmonica, and watching your instruction was a real treat. Helps me understand just a tiny bit of what's going on when I'm listening.
Hey thanks for the instruction, just bought a set and always liked the sound of the harmonica. I'm 46 but thought I'd give it a whirl. Great vid new sub and👍👍
Commenced learning harmonica yesterday, i ran out of breath with continuous headaches until i watched this video where i discovered the tong tip....many thanks for your help..
Thanks so much. Just starting out. At the age of 66. I look forward to learning. I just got the blues in me and it needs to come out. Thanks for sharing your talent with us!
I'm using Suzuki Bluesmaster harps. They are fairly good priced, each one I got was perfect in tune (because they're laser-tuned), and because of how they're build there's no chance any of my beard hair gets pulled while playing. I tried others, cheaper and more expensive ones, but the Suzuki Bluesmasters were the ones I liked by far the best. EDIT: What I forgot mentioning... there's no sharp edges anywhere - neither on the comb nor on the sides of the harp. Everything is well rounded and therefore really nice to hold, seal with the lips and play.
I happened across this video a week or so ago, I want to add harp to my guitar playing, I found the instruction very good, just need now to find my harp.... Last night I watched Satan and Adam on Netflix, it was late but I could not stop watching... It was so good and inspirational. I have to admire you for putting yourself out there like that on a street corner.... So cool!
I just watched the documentary Satan and Adam. Amazing. The best part was Sterlings comeback. It looked a sad ending, like it had been for many. I live in Winnipeg and wish I had seen you two at the folk festival. I am envious, your life has been enriched having had Satan in your life.
It was great to meet you in Memphis for the IBC a couple of years ago, you are a great teacher, remember I grew up in French Camp Miss. when we talked.
I wouldn't say its advanced, it just sounds hard because it's hard to teach someone verbally what to do with their mouth lol If you start by practicing isolating each note on its own it helps to learn your way around and you can use your ear .
I respectfully disagree with the pinned comment. I picked up the harmonica for the first time today (after years of wanting to play) and I've been looking around RUclips for a beginner-friendly lesson. These 17 minutes really helped me more than all of the other videos combined. Informative, funny and all-around amazing. Best 17 minutes I've spent today.
just got myself a lee oskar harmonica in key of C at 2nd position. honestly cant wait to practice this while walking to work in the spring and summer. hopefully i will be decent at it. used to play the clarinet and the acoustic (lightly), missed playing an instrument so, decided on that harp, due to its portability and the amount of genres of music it fits with. you have a subscription for me cause i need a guide among the world of harmonica and blues!
Storm Bloodbane hey man just wanted to wish u the best in capturing your sound, I have a lee Oscar 25th anniversay ed and just started playing it again as I walked to work this morning, I saw ur comment and felt genuine joy that u jam as u walk the earth, hope u make some groovy tunes
Thanks a lot homie! I went from sounding like a 3 year old just dooting right along to being around the 5 year old now. I do not recommend you to walk and play though. It ruins the focus on the breathing. Watch adams videos and watch other videos too and at least spend 10 mins on practicing each day. DO NOT try to pack all your training/practice in one day! I learned that the hard way when playing the clarinet back in school. even when alone in the restroom i would advise to practice on the breathing for the rhythm and tempo, just dont play blues in the restroom, that would be weird :P. When practicing, take small babysteps! The breathing practice kinda reminds me of equation balancing back in chemistry. There has to be an equillibrium. (Not directed towards you mayne but to the people that are just beginning and that want to know what its like so far to progress from nothing to (kinda) something. :) nothing compared to adam though!
Storm Bloodbane I appreciate the advice and positive vibes, I feel u on walking and playing, it's harder to maintain one's breath but walking and taking in life helps inspire me. I try to focus on my own sound, I just mess around, but that's the beauty of making music. Capturing life's moments in the sounds we breathe. We are growing everyday, and it's true that a lil practice goes a long way. Again thank u for the positivity, it means a lot, ha hope u become famous one day, even though I don't know u
At 80 this weekend, I'm old enough for the infamous monkey gland. But no need! A beginning harp, plus this amazing musician's encouragement in just two tasters and I'm feeling reborn. Big thanks to you Maestro Gusson.
Well said - I been playing pretty well for over 40 years and there's stuff here that may help with the lip-strain I get after a couple of hours playing! :-))
Thank you teacher !! last week I started researching the harmonica and picked up a few to play around with. One of it was the Billy Joel Hohner in C, didn’t know who he was until RUclipsd the piano man song that came in the box. The other in G, MS blues with wood comb because I didn’t like the idea of nails on marine band. Easttop in A key. Last one is the Easttop chromatic the Forerunner (I do love this one but will learn up the diatonic first). I’m a stuck at home mom, my 5 year old finally started school but we are under lockdown T.T I will do a lesson every night, by next year I should have learned a lot from you 😃 I play the kalimba (since September this year) have a few songs memorised.
Man o'man! I am really doing it!.. Have often picked up the harp' but lessons have been confusing and usually boring... until I found Mr Gussow. He made it feel easy and interesting. I am on the roads to playing the blues. Thank you so much!
Excellent! The harmonica, in the long run, is NOT easy, but it's definitely interesting. Once it gets under your skin, once you're hooked on that sound, it's all over.
I've been playing guitar for a number of years & just picked up the harmonica. Your lesson has me moving in the right direction. Thanks so much for the help.
Just got a harmonica last night and your videos have been incredibly helpful and fun to watch. Unfortunately I didn't manage to get a 10 hole diatonic harmonica so I ordered a Hohner Special 20 to focus learning on that. I didn't think learning the harmonica could be this enjoyable, but your tutorials have helped me fall in love with this instrument. Thank you!
@@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726 Haha thanks for the reply. I might've worded it poorly though. First one I ordered wasn't, so I ended up ordering the Special 20 as well right afterwards since it's many people's top recommendation!
Well, what I unconsiously started doing is that I breath out throuh my nose on blow notes. It helps me. Is there any disadvantage over breathing out around your lips?
I watched the film about you and Mr Satan last night to get inspired for an upcoming gig and found you tonight searching for solo setups, how could I be inspired anymore than this, thank you Adam and Mr Satan for giving me strength for my next journey, Your amazing man!🙏
You´ re great at teaching, i must say :) You do it in a very light a pleasant way, so, my congrats to you! I´ll definitely will keep on following your tutorials, many thanks! Cheers
Thanks for the lesson. When did blues music become so lively & happy?
There are many kinds of blues. One version is the slow blues (aka the slow drag, back in the juke joints), which can be sad or sexy, depending. The uptempo stuff was designed to be dance music--either shuffle (a rolling, rollicking sort of dance beat, which is what I'm giving you here) or a breakdown, a fast straight-time beat with a stress on 2 and 4, which traces back to dances that enslaved people did on plantations. For a fantastic blues/gospel breakdown, search "Taj Mahal Oh Lord, things are getting crazy up in here"
ruclips.net/video/nQbJmuE_Ci0/видео.html
@@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726 Been messing around on my cheap hohner blues bender in D, sounds like cats screwing, probably why my cat attacks me and my wife complains. Ordered a special 20 in C and I await its arrival with bated breath. I will probably still sound like shit but you, my friend, have inspired me to be better and to feel the blues deep within my soul. Peace ✌️
Always has been, always will be.
@@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726 .. I'm definitely going to subscribe..
He called me a harmonica player. I'm in.
It was the big fat lips for me.
Made in the Shade 😎
From a guitarist.
I have to say you're the most awesome tutor on RUclips.
It's so much fun.
When a teacher can get a point across with empathy.
You're the man buddy.
Seriously good.
I wish all people teaching could see this.
You inspire
I really appreciate that. Thanks.
mans really wrote a poem
Adam has been "Giving all away" for more than a decade now with his "Modern Blues Harmonica" channel. And he is serious about teaching. I mean it seems like I remember him doing a live x-ray to show tongue position for bending in one of them! IF he didn't I'm giving him credit. He got me through a tough part of my life with those videos.
Thanks Adam.
He did inspired me. Having a harmonica coming soon. Hope i can learn
I feel Adam is like Rob "Beatdown" Brown of harmonica. Great teaching, but also with a personality that makes it so much more fun to follow.
My grandpa use to play the harmonica. I wish I had asked for one as a child, but here I am at 60, with my first harmonica. I hope this old dog isn't too old to learn something new. Thank you for the free lesson! I will continue to practice.
😅 65 here 😅
65 here also. Last played in the early 80's.
Adam, I picked up a C Harp about four years ago to fool around with, looked at some RUclipsrs but never got excited, never had a purpose with this instrument. Until I found you and Luke Clepsch. Now I’ve gotten on fire for this instrument and blues and bending and expressing myself through this harp. Thanks for all your videos.
That's great. The word "fire" is one that any harmonica player will recognize. There's a soulful connection between you and the instrument. That's a great thing.
Just felt "blues" for the 1st time with this lesson.... I'm speechless. I didnt know what i was doin, and it sounded right. Thx a lot for you lessons Adam ! Much love from France
I began practicing Adam Gussow's vids years ago...life happens now 80 and I'm back like a comet. This time aint stopping. That 2 hole draw plus some stuff he does in this vid is in that fabulous Cross Roads vid. So I'm listening and right behind you brother. I got the harmonica priest hat on. Of all the teachers, this is the artist you want to follow. Mike
I love this man and his contribution to humanity.
WOW!
Went to "Learn Blues Harmonica 101" after I'd mentioned to a friend that plays that I wanted to learn.
He suggested your videos.
Picked up a cheap harmonica in "C". Have never played before and you had me playing along in no time.
Sounds were coming out right and breath and tongue were now working without thinking to much.
AWESOME! I'm 66 and you just washed away my doubts in 2 lessons.
Yes! I stayed through the whole 26 minute video then after a break came to this video.
Will be continuing ..... MUCH THANKS, Vince
I've been performing blues harmonica since 1969 and I still find some harmonica tips helpful. This is one of those good technique tips (chops) that people take their own sweet time figuring out - and not everyone does it the same way. Good work, young fella!
I spent over 30 years playing musical instruments, mostly in the military, but never considered playing a harmonica until now. I'll have to check your other lessons. Thank you.
I love your lessons!
I´m a 45 years old lady and I should say never is late to learn with a teacher as you.
Cheers!
I'm an accomplished guitarist and slightly less accomplished pianist, but I have always loved the Blues Harmonica and always wanted to play it. It has infuriated me for many, many years that I just can't, but thank you so so much for these videos. Don't get me wrong - I still sound a little like a bronchial cat drowning in a vat of battery acid - but I've made more progress in the last three days than I have in the previous couple of decades.
You are one hell of a teacher my friend, thank you very much.
My mother bought me a harmonica after I saw LIttle Stevie Wonder singing and playing on TV, in grade three.
She was the lead soprano in the Scottish church my parents helped found, and I was lead soprano for youth.
It was a big, double-sided Hohner in that box with the Alpine scene graphic. It didn't have a slider.
I have a tip for anyone who likes these songs, trying to play melodies note for note. "Shenandoah", what evolved
from European-American pioneer singing, has the same notes for the first line as "The Days of Wine and Roses".
I like you Gussow. There are Sons and Daughters of the Gael who speak Gaelic, and I'm Clan Watt and Hay.
Bay-an-uck-let, blessings on you. One glorious day, may the high winds of the Andes blow through your harp.
I'm a drummer and randomly found your videos whilst explaining how a harmonica works to someone. Now I own a harp and have been teaching myself on and off for a year or so, with your videos coming in very handy! Thanks a million!
My Brudder was a genius Harmonica player, he taught himself. I recently and quite suddenly lost him. Whenever he played I asked how do you make those sounds?? Because it often sounded like more than one person was playing. I wanted to know the secrets. All he ever told me was, "Sissy, just practice sucking and blowin and you'll get it" 40 years later he never gave me his secrets but I'm ok with that. I know I will never. I stumbled upon you today looking for someone to soothe my soul. Thank you.
At the very end of the video when you were done. I tried 3 times harder. The sound changed. I heard the difference. Now I feel I need more breath. Thank you sir. I'll keep attending.
Thank you again, I keep revisiting your videos / lessons, you're a gr8 teacher. I wasn't feeling well, been shut down and your videos helped me out of the blues. And into happy blues.
I'm a beginner 54 yrs young and playing my harmonica with you, has been my therapy.
Many blessings to you.
Hey Gussow, million thanks for this. Just a mention, you could contact parents of kids with Asthma and suggest they get their kid a Harmonica. Im asthmatic, and learning the harmonica has cleared my lungs and stopped asthma attacks by a huge degree, like 90 percent. Would be very cool if you could pass this on, maybe help a bunch of kids out of misery. Thanks man.
First lesson. I am 73 and just beginning harmonica. What fun! can't wait for next lesson
Hey man, that's awesome! First timer here too :)
Great Teacher
Literally received my harp in the post today and came on RUclips to look for tutorials having never played a note on one before..yours was the first I saw and I found myself not only understanding your lesson but actually playing exactly as you were (the basic stuff obviously haha) It’s given me a huge confidence boost and I’m excited to learn this amazing instrument, thank you Adam 👍🏻
Those moments near minute 3 and 11 when you fastforward are pure gold. Absolutely the most entertaining harmonica lesson, teaching without trying too hard.
45 Years playing harmonica! Wow! A life! ;)
Can i pick your brain please....
I have 2 harmonicas but one is G and the other is A. Can i learn to play on these or do i really need to get a C? Everyone says C is best for beginners.....
I cant seem to find the same sounding notes as in this video but its close and i think i can learn to play. I guess its just practice, practice, practice. Any advice would be much appreciated
Kash Seal doesn't matter what key you learn on, key matters on who your playing with and the sound you like generally
Nope! I first learned how to play from Adam years and years ago when he was first on youtube and my first harmonica was in the key of A. This shuffle will sound much better in A or G as in my opinion they are my favorite keys. I personally find these keys much easier to learn with and find it easier to bend notes and the reeds are much more responsive to vamping. Personally I think people say C is best for beginners because all the beginner videos are in the key of C! Stick with your A key man and make it your own.
Key of A major is what I use the most. I also like G maj. I'm thinking of getting a minor harp to play also, probably Am or Dm
Michael Heath I hope you got a C over the last year
My grandma used to play a little so I’ve always wanted to learn myself.
I’m 58 now. I bought a cassette a few years back but just didn’t understand. You do a good job of explaining! I think maybe I could learn watching you.
Thanks for the video. Liked and subscribed.
Gussow brother, no one satisfies what it is to teach with enjoyment like you do. I whole heartedly enjoy watching you teach and learning with your videos. Keep on keeping on!
Well, thank you! I am a 26y old girl from Greece and you gave something new to practice! I am a pianist and musician and i was looking for something new when i discovered an harmonica G today and your video really helped me. You're amazing!
Bought myself a harmonica for xmas and you just made me glad I did.
I think his lessons are great and the fact is that when you are learning you dont want to whiz through anything. You take your time and explain things slowly as a teacher. Everyone learns at different levels and slow and steady is the way to go. As a martial arts instructor i know this too well. I truly enjoy your vids adam , and have learned a great deal from them. Keep teaching the way you teach. Im sure that those who really want to learn will enjoy the pace and style you use to teach. People really shouldn't expect to pick up the instrument and just blow away and be pros. Life doesnt work like that.
well you just made me buy a harmonica ARE YOU HAPPY NOW!!!!!
Yes!
reason i bought one also! trying to learn, struggling with individual notes still but im getting there, thanks!
same here....
Uncle Punch have you mastered it?
Gussow's classic blues harmonica videos
Should I start with a “c”? I’m assuming that’s the best to start with.
Thank you for your response Mr. Gussow. It is certainly exhilarative to get feed back from someone with an apparent voluminous vocabulary. Hovering on succinct with a nice captious wit one can only hope it was done with a smile. Forgive my pretentiousness for it is all in jest. I love word play and couldn't resist. I truly do respect you and your lessons but as the reply by Mr. Ferguson, pointed out, I have a somewhat more advanced skill level than this lesson was intended for. I jumped head first into learning the harmonica a few years back. I didn't have time to learn the basics because I wanted to learn all the greats in three weeks. I watched your lesson on Whammer Jammer and just didn't have the time to wait. I found the tabs and a couple of other videos and, like I said, jumped in head first. It took time and a lot of work but I learned it along with some of the other great blues songs. The basics that you are showing in this lesson are things that I thought were just picked up on the way. I can only wonder if my struggle to learn that song would have been shorter if I had taken the time to learn the basics first. Not for nothing, I still can't do the intro, so I am going to go back and look at your lesson (the one in the car) on this. Once I can accomplish it (having trouble with the overblow) I will send a comment your way on that lessons comment section. Hopefully other beginners will pay more attention to Mr. Fergusons' comment than mine. Once again, thank you for your response Mr. Gussow
Just love your comment , I'm giving this away , it deserves to be shared." Thank you for sharing - for giving - it is said that what you give , comes back ten fold , Cheers Rod.
Thank u Gus. I"m a 58 yo,guy, in Alabama, Played a bit in a few blues bands, over the years, started sitting out in the bars, at the table an playing quietly, heard " You SUCK, stop playing" for a while. As time went on when they said, "get up an play," . I I knew I I was on my way Wish Id found u long time ago. . Never to old to learn. I learned more in this 17 minute video then i learned in years. I recommend your lessons to anyone that loves the Harp..
Thanks! That sort of comment is exactly why I've made this sort of video. I'm spreading the fun.
I love your story. Glad I could help!
Man great lesson!!! Those little tips really change the sound!!! The solo at the end was sweet
One day I woke up thinking I should learn to play an instrument, I looked on RUclips this and that until I found Gussow, I loved his philosophy, the sounds, the old vibe, the bluesy vibe, the modern never-out-of-style vibe, I knew I found my niche.
Just to be sure, I have been watching his videos for two months to make sure it wasn't a whim or a waste of money. Yesterday I entered a music store and with all the confidence I could muster I asked the clerk for a diatonic harmonica in the key of C. Me feeling so well versed in the matter haha
I love the sound of the harmonica but it goes beyond that, it's what Gussow's represents, the soul of the harmonica, and I am honored to be joining you guys today as a beginner.
I guess I'm just another old soul, demented, lightly irrational and odd member of this honorific group.
Thank you Gussow.
I have the corona virus to thank for a great night of tunes and people playing the blues. In every cloud there's a silver lining.
unless its a smoke created by Al-Qaeda
Love your method of teaching. No bull, just teaching. Good sense of humor to boot. Thanks.
"I've been playing it for 45 years". Yes sir it shows...
I’ve been playing for 22 years and the last five years I haven’t played much at all. I’m self taught and getting tips at it from time to time. I just started watching your videos and you’re details have opened my eyes on few things. It’s funny that I’ve been doing things with my mouth that I didn’t realize I was doing until you had pointed them out. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Your never to old to learn.
3:12 Just cracked me up!
Thank you for being so generous with your hard earned knowledge. Learning so much and having a great time! I’ll be watching you on Netflix tomorrow night.
Cracked me up also ,he's serious and funny and good love it !
Well thanks for making me click on that time stamp about 300 times. Haha that's hilarious
I am a bandleader composer Percussionists, Saxophone, and flute player and I decided to play the harmonica Today Thank You !!!!
Excellent! Given your facility and training on those other instruments, and given your understanding of music, you're going to take off like a rocket on the harp. All that knowledge will leverage right in.
Great lesson! This is the first time that I managed to kind of get the blues feel whilst playing. Will definitely be following this channel in my hopes to get good at this awesome instrument!
I went to a friend's music shop yesterday and told him I want a harmonica. He said a Marine Band in C would be a very good one for me. And he was right. Did my first lesson here with you.
He's on the money! That's a good place to start.
I had no idea one man could be such an absolute tank at playing the harmonica.
I hope that's a compliment?
16:16 when you were jamming and I finally got it brought tears to my eyes listening to you play our heart out! thank you so much
Hi Adam. I've found your tutorial videos absolutely superb, great detail on how to get the best sound without sounding patronising to the beginner. I bought my first Hohner Marine Band in 1993 (in C of course) but have only played it very occasionally until recently. I've now bought harps in other keys and its quickly become a burning passion of mine, fulled by a love of blues music and in particular Sonny Terry. So keep the videos coming please! They're an absolute goldmine to blues harp lovers like myself. Regards, Terry - Southport, England.
I started playing a little more than a year ago I went to a tragic event I was doing bad things in a bad way I made poor choices as a father and I come up with a list of goals and things to do to make things right and singing to my little girl was one of them she would sing back to me to make a long story short she never got to see me play or hear me play because she was killed so I'm trying to do something and members of my daughter with dedication and love and perseverance I appreciate all the lessons you can do I'm okay at it but I can be better so thanks and God bless you I started playing out of love and help with my anxiety the
I've always loved the harmonica. This video has prompted me to buy one. I will be buying some of your other videos. Thanks for sharing.
Great! I've done my job.
Thanx
Wow!! You’re a great instructor!! I am now retired and always wanted to learn the harmonica. Santa brought me one for Christmas, which was my best present, and I hope to learn how to play some Blues, in 2019. I’ll watch all of your videos. Thank You, Kindly.
During the impending quarantine, I was only planning on improving my finger picking blues on my guitar. Well, I have a mouth organ... I suppose I'll be learning this alongside practicing my guitar.
Thank you from London. X
I'm from the north east of India and during our lock down till the 31st I'm planning on doing the same. Cheers! Stay safe
You are the best harmonica teacher on youtube, congratulations.With your method, we learn and really have fun. Thanks.
3 holes and "Da da TuTu" I have been wishing for that shuffle for years...I am 69 yrs....Maybe i can do something...now.
59 my son just bought me two harps and i am loving this. thank you soooooooo much you are AWESOME !!
Thanks for the wonderful, easy to follow, confidence-building, makes me feel like I might have a shot at playing something coherent some day, lesson!
I started(two years ago) with an A key armónica and ended here. Now I bought a C key armónica and Im starting to sounding better, very bluesy. I always return to this class and now I amazed myself. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge Mr.Gussow.
Been playing 30 years and I still learned from this most 'basic' lesson!
I’m 75. Inspired by Your generosity … thanks for this lesson. I’m in
Who else thinks this guy is super funny? I laughed my way throughout the video, while learning great stuff. Great teacher!!
I started watching his vídeos rather than others' because Adam was just funnier.
At first I couldn't see that he was also better teacher the others I've seen.
My grandfather passed away I found an old harmonica in his drawer thank you for this video because I'm learning how to play!
i have just bought my new Harmonica, subscribed to your channel, lets how far i can go. I am really excited.
I am right behind you dude! Let’s go!
I just ordered my harmonica too! Theres three of us now
well how are you guys doing?
Thanks. I'm a 48year old beginner, that is, I played a lot in my early teens but I had no clue what I was doing. Just decided to try and learn proper, so videos like this is pure gold. Mind you, I'm doing the same thing, same background with guitar and drums too, but it's too much fun to not do it! Thanks a lot!
This guy really deserves that like and subscribe
Just have to let you know that I really appreciate all the time and consideration that you put into your videos. I picked up the harmonica 2 years ago because I was working 96-100ish hours/week and needed some sort of musical outlet between jobs that I could play with one hand(not all the time...) while driving. I am a working musician and a full-time cook, so I still come back to your beginner posts just to hear the embellishments. You are truly a hidden gem. Not gonna lie, I only started listening to you because you covered The Seatbelts, and I am a forever fan of Cowboy Bebop. Sitting here in my(small studio past midnight) just hoping that one day I may venture out to your neck of the woods and jam with you.
Great points about mouth shape and breathing :)
LearnTheHarmonica.com UK u
Wins my gf could understand that.
I'm not a harmonica player, but I just love to listen to blues harmonica, and watching your instruction was a real treat. Helps me understand just a tiny bit of what's going on when I'm listening.
Hey thanks for the instruction, just bought a set and always liked the sound of the harmonica. I'm 46 but thought I'd give it a whirl. Great vid new sub and👍👍
Commenced learning harmonica yesterday, i ran out of breath with continuous headaches until i watched this video where i discovered the tong tip....many thanks for your help..
Ah the Gob Iron. Mines been on the shelf for so long I started with a lungful of dust! Great vid
Thanks so much. Just starting out. At the age of 66. I look forward to learning. I just got the blues in me and it needs to come out. Thanks for sharing your talent with us!
Good and easy lesson! Now I'd really like to watch one that builds up on this for all the stuff in between (which to me is where easy ends).
I'll try to do that. Thanks for the suggestion.
That would be really very much appreciated! Thank you for considering it.
I'm using Suzuki Bluesmaster harps. They are fairly good priced, each one I got was perfect in tune (because they're laser-tuned), and because of how they're build there's no chance any of my beard hair gets pulled while playing. I tried others, cheaper and more expensive ones, but the Suzuki Bluesmasters were the ones I liked by far the best.
EDIT: What I forgot mentioning... there's no sharp edges anywhere - neither on the comb nor on the sides of the harp. Everything is well rounded and therefore really nice to hold, seal with the lips and play.
You're welcome!
Eric M.
I happened across this video a week or so ago, I want to add harp to my guitar playing, I found the instruction very good, just need now to find my harp.... Last night I watched Satan and Adam on Netflix, it was late but I could not stop watching... It was so good and inspirational. I have to admire you for putting yourself out there like that on a street corner.... So cool!
I just watched the documentary Satan and Adam. Amazing. The best part was Sterlings comeback. It looked a sad ending, like it had been for many. I live in Winnipeg and wish I had seen you two at the folk festival. I am envious, your life has been enriched having had Satan in your life.
Im from winnipeg and learned how to play harp from adam. Didnt realise he had come here!
17 minutes to success !!! You are a great teacher!!! Thank you!!!
Who else was lightheaded as could be after this lesson?!?
And my mouth gets super dry. But I heard once, if you don’t play no harp, you don’t no p#$$y. So I make the effort. 😉😎
@@scubaguy007 hahaha I am going to go practice on that note!!
It was great to meet you in Memphis for the IBC a couple of years ago, you are a great teacher, remember I grew up in French Camp Miss. when we talked.
you are a cool guy ....man!! 🙋♂️
Man, you're the best teacher for this instrument. I enjoy your lessons very much. Love from vienna
I'm happy to hear that!
this is an advanced lsson… thanx 4 ur time....
I wouldn't say its advanced, it just sounds hard because it's hard to teach someone verbally what to do with their mouth lol
If you start by practicing isolating each note on its own it helps to learn your way around and you can use your ear .
I know because I am advanced.. I should have commented that ., , ,,, you are a GOOD teacher ! …. thanx so much 4 yr time.
I respectfully disagree with the pinned comment. I picked up the harmonica for the first time today (after years of wanting to play) and I've been looking around RUclips for a beginner-friendly lesson. These 17 minutes really helped me more than all of the other videos combined. Informative, funny and all-around amazing. Best 17 minutes I've spent today.
Thank you kindly.
I loved this lesson,I'm going to stick to it.Tell I get it...TY🎼🎼haha I liked the end,made my day with a Smile on my face.👍🏻
Mr. Gussow I've been playing for about the same amount of time as you . One thing i see in you, Your a good teacher, and you have a great sound !
bill nye the music guy
First visit to Adam's YT page, first video I've seen of his, first thought I immediately had - this guy is not related to Bill Nye?
Had to be said
Mr.Skeltonking..
Mr.Skeltonking thanks for your help ✌️ I’m rocking this thing because of you!
I'm laughing way too hard at that.
Is the best lesson of any harp player.... Is simply amazing thx so much from Argentina 🇦🇷
just got myself a lee oskar harmonica in key of C at 2nd position. honestly cant wait to practice this while walking to work in the spring and summer. hopefully i will be decent at it. used to play the clarinet and the acoustic (lightly), missed playing an instrument so, decided on that harp, due to its portability and the amount of genres of music it fits with. you have a subscription for me cause i need a guide among the world of harmonica and blues!
Storm Bloodbane hey man just wanted to wish u the best in capturing your sound, I have a lee Oscar 25th anniversay ed and just started playing it again as I walked to work this morning, I saw ur comment and felt genuine joy that u jam as u walk the earth, hope u make some groovy tunes
Thanks a lot homie! I went from sounding like a 3 year old just dooting right along to being around the 5 year old now. I do not recommend you to walk and play though. It ruins the focus on the breathing. Watch adams videos and watch other videos too and at least spend 10 mins on practicing each day. DO NOT try to pack all your training/practice in one day! I learned that the hard way when playing the clarinet back in school. even when alone in the restroom i would advise to practice on the breathing for the rhythm and tempo, just dont play blues in the restroom, that would be weird :P. When practicing, take small babysteps! The breathing practice kinda reminds me of equation balancing back in chemistry. There has to be an equillibrium. (Not directed towards you mayne but to the people that are just beginning and that want to know what its like so far to progress from nothing to (kinda) something. :) nothing compared to adam though!
Storm Bloodbane I appreciate the advice and positive vibes, I feel u on walking and playing, it's harder to maintain one's breath but walking and taking in life helps inspire me. I try to focus on my own sound, I just mess around, but that's the beauty of making music. Capturing life's moments in the sounds we breathe. We are growing everyday, and it's true that a lil practice goes a long way. Again thank u for the positivity, it means a lot, ha hope u become famous one day, even though I don't know u
At 80 this weekend, I'm old enough for the infamous monkey gland. But no need! A beginning harp, plus this amazing musician's encouragement in just two tasters and I'm feeling reborn.
Big thanks to you Maestro Gusson.
That was great, appreciate the post. It may be time for an old dog to try a new trick. Thanks again.
Well said - I been playing pretty well for over 40 years and there's stuff here that may help with the lip-strain I get after a couple of hours playing! :-))
You are by far the best instructor on RUclips. I was about to give up untill I found your videos. Thanks keep em coming!!
Sweet! Thanks for passing this along...it's an amazing shuffle.
Thank you teacher !! last week I started researching the harmonica and picked up a few to play around with. One of it was the Billy Joel Hohner in C, didn’t know who he was until RUclipsd the piano man song that came in the box. The other in G, MS blues with wood comb because I didn’t like the idea of nails on marine band. Easttop in A key. Last one is the Easttop chromatic the Forerunner (I do love this one but will learn up the diatonic first).
I’m a stuck at home mom, my 5 year old finally started school but we are under lockdown T.T
I will do a lesson every night, by next year I should have learned a lot from you 😃
I play the kalimba (since September this year) have a few songs memorised.
I would love to be taught the intro to the river by Bruce.......I come from down in the valley,where mister when you're young.....(love that intro)
ruclips.net/video/QRuesQAVdjo/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/yEiCs21afbs/видео.html
You may have already found this by now, but this young man is quite a good instructor as well...
Man o'man! I am really doing it!.. Have often picked up the harp' but lessons have been confusing and usually boring... until I found Mr Gussow. He made it feel easy and interesting. I am on the roads to playing the blues. Thank you so much!
Excellent! The harmonica, in the long run, is NOT easy, but it's definitely interesting. Once it gets under your skin, once you're hooked on that sound, it's all over.
Its the bad guy from the early-mid 80's movie "Blue Thunder"
..."Catch you later"...
I've been playing guitar for a number of years & just picked up the harmonica. Your lesson has me moving in the right direction. Thanks so much for the help.
F..king dislikers, you must thank God this man is teaching you something for free and with passion...
Just got a harmonica last night and your videos have been incredibly helpful and fun to watch. Unfortunately I didn't manage to get a 10 hole diatonic harmonica so I ordered a Hohner Special 20 to focus learning on that.
I didn't think learning the harmonica could be this enjoyable, but your tutorials have helped me fall in love with this instrument. Thank you!
A Special 20 is, in fact, a diatonic harmonica. So you're good.
@@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726 Haha thanks for the reply. I might've worded it poorly though. First one I ordered wasn't, so I ended up ordering the Special 20 as well right afterwards since it's many people's top recommendation!
Guys we found Hosea Matthews, he didn't die in Saint Denis after all.
Only the real ones know
Nice
This comment stopped me from jumping off of a building and ending my life.
Well, what I unconsiously started doing is that I breath out throuh my nose on blow notes. It helps me. Is there any disadvantage over breathing out around your lips?
No there isn't, I do that too;it helps, especially when you have been drawing a lot.
I watched the film about you and Mr Satan last night to get inspired for an upcoming gig and found you tonight searching for solo setups, how could I be inspired anymore than this, thank you Adam and Mr Satan for giving me strength for my next journey,
Your amazing man!🙏
Very good film. And Adam is a very good man
You´ re great at teaching, i must say :)
You do it in a very light a pleasant way, so, my congrats to you!
I´ll definitely will keep on following your tutorials, many thanks!
Cheers
Thanks 👍 for sharing your experience and knowledge and skills 😊
Clint Eastwood teaching me Harmonica. I’m scared not to learn..😃