General Discussion

Just wondering how everyone keeps track of licks they are learning.  In the past I have learned and practiced new licks until I thought I had them memorized, only to discover later on that I couldn't remember how to play them.  

Writing them down seems like a good solution, but if you don't recall how to play a lick from the tab you've written, then what?  I'd love to hear other ideas on this.   

Thanks in advance.

Assuming you have 30 minutes a day to study, what works best for you? One dedicated 30 session or two 15 minute sessions split up, one in the AM and another in the PM?

I've been practicing for about 3 weeks with a new Hohner Special 20 in A and draw 2 and 3 are hard to draw and sound flat already. I'm not drooling in the harmonica when I practice and I'm definately not playing hard and loud. I took it apart and there's no debris in the reeds that I can see. Is there anything I can do other than throw it out and buy a new one? These aren't cheap and I certainly can't afford buying a new harmonica every 3 weeks! Thanks.

In the opening of the movie Once Upon a Time in the West, within the first minute, it sounds to me almost like Franco rattle the reeds.

Does anyone know what he does, and/or how he does it?

Just binge watched the entire interview and must say it was well worth the watch. Jerry is a master of the instrument and a truly beautiful person, a treasure of the blues community. If you have the time give it a go. you won't be disappointed. 

Here where I live there's a small sauna, about 1 by 3 meters, and I found out that it's a lot of fun practicing harmonica there because of the acoustic. Not only fun, but it's also helping me a lot! The harmonica sounds louder to the ears, so you can play lighter and hear the nuances of your technic, and there's a nice reverb effect.

Not everyone has a sauna, but I think a small bathroom would do the same trick. I know it sounds weird, to practice in the bathroom, but give it a try! The sauna is my favorite place to practice now 

Hello,

does anyone know if Paul deLay was a pure tongue block player (like Joe Filisko and Dennis Gruenling are) or did he use both techniques, lip pursing and tongue blocking, in his diatonic harmonica playing? All the best, Manuel

Hello all, continue reading...

HI everyone,

I've been playing (badly)for many years, primarily for my own enjoyment. Recently started this program. I can hit the chord changes, bend a bit, and generally play along with a jam track, albeit without much creativity. I have now been invited by a friend who is a solid guitar player to accompany him at a a local jam, but we need a few suggestions of what to play. We can both sing a bit, so I was thinking of a simple 12 bar blues that we can trade vocals, maybe each take a solo, and get out of there with no fruit hurled at us.

any suggestions?

Many Thanks continue reading...

Hi everyone! 

Im pretty new to tongue blocking, things are going relatively well but it seems that i have some trouble playing draw notes from about hole 6 and above. It sounds about the same as the draw 2 does for some people. Is this a common problem, and if so. Does anyone have some tips to fix this?

Thanks :)