General Discussion

Anybody tried playing with your harmonica under a mask?  I have seen Joe and another play with it in their mouths https://youtu.be/KNuOHwDU2qs  https://youtu.be/eDg68yFHo9k  https://youtu.be/JOTFQ1-KCVU  Need to retool for Covid.  Might replace the harp rack.

Update: Quick search answered my question https://youtu.be/wp8NIXjg3GE  https://youtu.be/wp8NIXjg3GE  This is the wrong way https://youtu.be/PufSwod-TLQ  Maybe with a Darth Vader mask? https://youtu.be/lu9gaK7Tl4o https://youtu.be/2AOnclWVy1o

Hi there, im finding learning new licks and memorizing them a real challenge. Can anyone give me any tips on how i can build up harp vocab or point me in the right direction. i've been learning chorus forms, but im getting a little bit bored of playing the same licks. I really can't see myself having lots of licks stored that i can pull out.Does anyone know of any good blues licks books/ebooks, as im eager to learn.

thanks.

Mark

There was a fun harmonica performance on the TV show Americas Got Talent last night by Brothers Gage. I enjoyed it but was disappointed when it was time for the judges to speak. Sofia said when she heard the act was going to be a harmonica piece, she was dreading it.  Then Howie said he always thought harmonica was the most annoying instrument in the world. In the end all 4 judges liked what they heard and voted the duo through. continue reading...

Hi,

I'm usually not in the habit of sharing videos, but today I came across about a session with the amazing Wynton Marsalis,

"Leaning the Blues":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AC0T7zrni0

He goes over the train, the blues scale, the 12-bar form, call-and-response, the AAB structure of Blues lyrics and more in the manner of 20 minutes.

Very impressive, and I think there's a nugget of information in there for everybody here.

Best,

Cornelius

Is the technique for tremolo the same for singers like Aaron Neville and the Bee Gees that is used for harmonica?  Exception would be that singers don't usely sing when inhaling.  I say usely as apparenly this guy can get a pitch while inhaling https://youtu.be/mvyjKPUQOcE

According to a brief search there were 5 presidents that played Harmonica.  Presidents Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Coolidge, Eisenhower and Regan.  Reagan learned to play while recovering from his attempted assassination

I have both ABS and wood-comb harmonicas. The wooden ones are the Hohner Marine Band Crossover Diatonic Harmonica (key of A) and a Blues Harp (key of C). The plastic-comb ones are from Hohner, Seydel, and Lee Oskar. Also have a Suzuki Promaster.

The two wood-comb harps leave a funny taste in my mouth. Hohner uses triple lacquer on their combs, which may be the cause of the taste. I've played the wood-comb harps only a few times because I prefer the plastic-comb harmonicas.

If you too have noticed that lacquer-y taste, does it go away in time? continue reading...

I started studying guitar and harmonica a bit more than a year ago at 33. I am working on my LOA 3 and can also play several songs on a guitar like Where Did You Sleep Last Night or Diamonds and Rust, a couple of basic blues solos, several licks and basic blues rhythm. I'm studying music theory and doing excercises like listening to intervals and chords and singing scales. continue reading...

Hi everyone,

I recently bought a new harmonica and while it sounds pretty good out of the box, I notice that when I bend the notes, especially the three hole draw one and a half steps, the harp makes a really high pitched tinny whistle noise at the same time as the bend is on.   This is the first new harp I've bought since I've been able to bend so I thought I'd put it on here to see if anyone knows how to fix it.   It's not terrible, but it's a very piercing tone. continue reading...

Hi, 

What key do you think tony joe whites harmonica is in? I know nearly all of his songs are in E, but not sure what key harmonica he plays.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2Yt1khnbKI

Thanks