learn blues harmonica

The bulk of technique performed on the harmonica is hidden from view. You can't see what I'm doing and I can't see what you're doing...YOU can't see what you're doing! The tongue is responsible for all good and evil on the harmonica. If your tone is thin... a note bends, squeals or stalls unintentionally... or a bend goes too far or not far enough... your tongue is in the wrong spot. If your tone is good and you're able to control bends at the correct pitch... your tongue is in the right spot. Get to know your tongue. continue reading...

In this latest harmonica insight Joe Filisko speaks about Rhythm, Groove and The Sway

In this final improvising lesson I review the concepts taught in Improvising Studies 1-9 and go into detail about: theory; chorus forms versus free-form soloing; memorized versus improvised solos; perspective for each level of player on improvising; perspective for other styles; recommendations on how to organizing your licks and transcribing.

This is for students who have finished all or for those who like to read the last page of a book first ;-). No harmonica is needed for study... just me japin' continue reading...

Your C Major Diatonic Harmonica uses the C Major Diatonic Scale for its construction. This Major scale is built with 5 whole steps and 2 half steps. The half steps are placed between the 2nd and 3rd as well as 7th and 8th scale degrees. The scale is C D E F G A B C. A piano player would play all white keys. For the piano to play the B Major Diatonic Scale they would start on the B key on the piano and make sure to use all of the whole steps and half steps in their proper order, which would equal B C# D# E F# G# A# B. A harmonica player just grabs the B Harmonica. continue reading...

Keeping your embouchure (lips, mouth and tongue) and auxiliary muscles (throat, neck, shoulders and back) relaxed are key to good tone and fast movement on the harmonica (a tensed muscle is a slow muscle). For tongue blockers, a light touch with your tongue is essential (the more pressure you use, the more your tongue pushes inside the holes of the harmonica... this all creates more drag and more effort to pull the tongue on and off for our standard tongue blocking techniques and articulations).

I had a new student last night and she asked how much a harmonica was to purchase. I said $65 (I sell the Hohner Crossover), and stated that they're the best pro-level harps on the market. She was very impressed that you could get a professional-quality instrument for that cheap. I agreed with her! continue reading...

You've learned that many options for articulation exist. Which articulation is correct? That is an answer only history or you can answer. As your instructor at BluesHarmonica.com I will share which articulations work best for a given passage when it's appropriate (I feel it performs the job best or is what a given artist used for an Artist Study for example), otherwise, when I say, "articulate this or that note or chords," I am leaving it up to you on what articulation feels and sounds best for YOU personally... just get the job done.