harp

In Gary Smith's latest submission we start a series on understanding the blues bridge.

In Hob's latest lesson he plays the entire tongue block study song Temperature (focus on slaps) for me and I critique. I teach hob the bending technique of the dip and how to breathe through his nose as a pressure relief valve while playing the harmonica (as well as learning how to close the nose on inhale notes so that he doesn't fill up with air). He learns what the note layout is on the major diatonic harmonica and why the notes were ordered in the way they are. Finally we talk about the difference between 1st and 2nd Positions and we play common accompaniment lines in the 12 Bar Blues. continue reading...

Sometimes students change the angle of their harmonica to perform a technique, feeling that the change helps them. Resist the urge to do this, your goal is to use the same angle of attack on the harmonica pretty much all the time.

What angle do I recommend? continue reading...

Sometimes students change the angle of their harmonica to perform a technique, feeling that the change helps them. Resist the urge to do this, your goal is to use the same angle of attack on the harmonica pretty much all the time.

What angle do I recommend? continue reading...

We currently have three resources for casual reading about the harmonica...

1) Harmonicas, Harps and Heavy Breathers: The Evolution of the People's Instrument by Kim Field

2) Blues with a Feeling: The Little Walter Story by Tony Glover, Scott Dirks and Ward Gaines

3) The Encyclopedia of the Harmonica by Peter Krampert

Pete has a public Facebook page for the Encyclopedia of the Harmonica (https://www.facebook.com/groups/321140011413686) and posts daily facts about the harmonica from his "Harmonica Almanac."

We currently have three resources for casual reading about the harmonica...

1) Harmonicas, Harps and Heavy Breathers: The Evolution of the People's Instrument by Kim Field

2) Blues with a Feeling: The Little Walter Story by Tony Glover, Scott Dirks and Ward Gaines

3) The Encyclopedia of the Harmonica by Peter Krampert

Pete has a public Facebook page for the Encyclopedia of the Harmonica (https://www.facebook.com/groups/321140011413686) and posts daily facts about the harmonica from his "Harmonica Almanac."

Join Ross Garren as he wraps up our series of lessons on overbending with a final study song titled “The Stretch.” In this song you’ll use all of the techniques he's taught you http://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/bending_study_15_overbend_study_8_...

Overbend instructor Ross Garren just released an interview with Mark Hummel here http://www.rossgarren.com/interviews

Three classes have just been opened to the public (my private students get first dibs). Info below...

5/15 - Rhythm Training & Dynamics (Class Size: 10 / Seats Left: 4 / Rate: $145) continue reading...

Today is the official release of "We do it out of Love," a tribute album to the 94 year old legend Toots Thielemans. Featured players are Franco Luciani, Antonio Serrano, Alex Rossi, Olivier Ker Ourio, Gabriel Grossi and Grégoire Maret. For those interested in jazz chromatic, you may find this to be your new favorite CD.

Available at iTunes, Amazon or wedoitoutoflove@gmail.com. Sample here: https://youtu.be/yTAugWXghHg