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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Beginning student

6 replies [Last post]
Sat, 02/25/2023 - 00:57
bikeridergtr
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Joined: 02/25/2023

Good afternoon David

I have just logged in to learn the harmonica. I purchased a C harmonica (MS Series Blues Harp) from Joondalup Music store and see in your fundamentals session that I should be using an A harmonica? I don't really want to go out an purchase another instrument at this early stage in my learning. Can I use my existing instrument?

Cheers

Frank Cook

bikeridergtr@gmail.com

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Sat, 02/25/2023 - 06:50
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Welcome to the site Frank.

Welcome to the site Frank. There is an intro lesson for those with only the C Harmonica, and it's found here http://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/c_harmonica_intro_lesson. After this lesson, if you decide to continue, you'll need to pick up an A Harmonica (this C Harmonica study will keep you busy for 2-3 months, so there's no hurry). Best wishes on your studies.

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Mon, 02/27/2023 - 19:41
#2
MissMojo3350
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Joined: 02/21/2023
Same question but D harmonica…

Hi Dave, is there a beginners tutorial for the D harmonica? That's the one I ended up getting… I'd like to at least start out on it to see how I do before investing in a new one.

 

Thanks,

Maureen

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Mon, 02/27/2023 - 19:56
#3
David Barrett
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Hello Maureen. I'm sorry,

Hello Maureen.

I'm sorry, all the lessons are designed around the A Harmonica (except for that one intro lesson on the C... since the C Harmonica is the most common inexpensive key of harmonica sold).

You can go through the material, you'll just need to pause the recording playback and try it, since the keys don't match up.

You can use a program like the Amazing Slow Downer to change the key of the study songs. There is a lesson on the program here: https://www.bluesharmonica.com/practice_tools_amazing_slow_downer

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Mon, 02/27/2023 - 23:30
#4
MissMojo3350
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Thanks David. So are you

Thanks David.

So are you saying that I can use the (LOA) lessons as is (meant for "A" harp) as the technique will be the same it's just that it's going to sound much different?  

I kind of want to get a little bit of a feel for it before I buy another harmonica.

Thanks,

Maureen

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Tue, 02/28/2023 - 07:16
#5
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
You're correct, the technique

You're correct, the technique will be the same, it's just that it's going to sound higher in pitch (not much different).

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Tue, 02/28/2023 - 21:29
#6
bikeridergtr
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Joined: 02/25/2023
C Harmonica material

Thanks David

I'll give the link a try and see how I go.

Cheers

Frank

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