learn to play harmonica online

We all have areas of our body that are tense while playing. Tension leads to poor tone (when this tension is from the neck up), slower playing (tense muscles are slow muscles) and fatigue (upper back, neck and tongue). It should be a goal of yours to practice and perform as relaxed as possible (body and mind). Put a jam track CD on and play through the entire CD. You could also make a playlist of the songs you've learned so far and play through all of them in one sitting. After this long playing session make note of where you're getting fatigued... continue reading...

Greg Heumann of BlowsMeAway Productions started his company many years ago (Greg was a student of mine) borrowing my Switchcraft volume control saying, "I can make this!" Now Greg offers an entire selection of in-line volume controls, adapters, wireless systems and custom microphones. http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

The final two videos are now on the site for Joe Filisko's "18 Harmonica Insights." These two are on Holding the Harmonica and Hands. As you watch these videos you'll notice Joe has a different approach to holding for acoustic harmonica players. You can use the way I show you, or the way Joe shows you... whichever feels and sounds best to you.

18 Harmonica Insights Introduction
18 Harmonica Insights, #18 - Teaching
18 Harmonica Insights, #17 - Harmonica Care
18 Harmonica Insights, #16 - Great Players
18 Harmonica Insights, #15 - Repertoire
18 Harmonica Insights, #14 - Failing continue reading...

Join us as we change the tubes on our 1990 Fender Bassman Reissue Amplifier to make it come alive! Videos Include: 1990 Bassman Journey; Comparing Stock 1990 Bassman & Fully Modded 1990 Bassman; Bridging Channels 1 & 2; Tube Values; Changing Tubes on 1990 Bassman, Part 1; Changing Tubes on 1990 Bassman, Part 2; Before & After Tube Changes; Comparing 1990 Bassman with Tube Changes & Fully Modded 1990 Bassman

For more detailed information on years, models and circuits visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_Bassman
For a much deeper look at the circuit design visit: http://www.ampbooks.com/home/classic-circuits/bassman-summary/

The 1959 Fender Bassman Amplifier has been the standard for gigging blues harmonica players since we've had to deal with loud bands in the 1960's. Priced around ~$10,000, the originals are now collectors items and are no longer practical options. The 1959 Fender Reissue Bassman (originally released in 1990), though not the most friendly amplifier to play stock, can be purchased for a very reasonable price in the used market (~$700) and with some tube changes it can sound fantastic. continue reading...

Today's tip comes courtesy of student Justin, who has a love for all things rock harmonica! Below is the bagpipe parts at 1:30 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuFd4MIa2eU).

Key: Bb

OPTION #1 - Bb Harmonica in 1st Position

Opening Bend = 3' 3 4+ (slur all notes)

Solo = 6+… 6 6+ 5 6+… 6 6+ 5 6+… 5 6+ 5 5+… / 5+ 5 6+… 6 6+ 5 6+… 6 6+ 5 6+… 5 6+ 5 5+… / Guitar, then 8'+ 8+ 10+, repeat this for a total of 4x / long held notes = 3' 3" 2, repeat for a total of 4x / Ending slides = 2 2" 2+ 1+

OPTION #2 - Eb Harmonica in 2nd Position

Opening Bend = 2" 2' 2 (slur all notes) continue reading...