General Discussion

I have a set of C harmonicas in my quest to find the style that suits me.  My background is musical, playing the trumpet and piano throughout high-school --- but nothing since.  I'm 45 now and my wife and I are digging the idea of playing the harmonica.  continue reading...

This week I start my 11th year here on Bluesharmonica.com. Started 10 years ago 'cause I was interested in the harmonica, and enjoyed watching all of David's interviews with other musicians. Then about six years ago I started to get serious. E.g., practicing daily (at the expense of practicing other musical instruments - my guitar pretty much gathers dust these days), and starting the LOA series.

Along the way, an amazing journey. With - I'm sure - lots of fun challenges in the years ahead.

So ... continue reading...

As I am going through the material at the LOA1 I've noticed that in each section except for the Song Study, there's more than what's required for the test. For example, Solo Harmonica Study 1, for the test, asks to master/record/send Examples 1.2, 1.4 and 1.7, but the SH1 has up to 1.15 in the Section 1 and 2.1 -2.8 in the Section 2.  continue reading...

New to the site, new at school A simple question: for the song studies, when taking the test, are we supposed to memorize the song/study, or we are allowed to look at the note sheet? I am getting close to taking my LOA 1, and I want to do it proper. 

Thanks a lot

Hi, first time posting. new to this site too.

I can assume this may have asked before, but sorry for my lazyiness, a quick skim wasn't good enough to find it.

In which order should I study? Levels of achievement? or the Lessons?

When do I use Practice-Study1-5?

Thanks guys. I really want to get into harminica before it's too late, getting too old now. XD

Question of Curiosity....

As you go through your study songs, are you working to commit the songs to memory, without tabs in front of you?

Or even some of your favorite examples from other parts of study?

I've been through LOA3 and admittedly could not go back and play material without song sheets in front of me. Right now I am focusing on BUFFET LINE and really working on memorizing as I learn the choruses.

I'd love to hear how you tackle your studies.

Thanks in advance, Peter

Around the world, the first day of May has a lot of significance. Not least of which is because it's Little Walter's birthday! (1930)

In celebration, post what Little Walter means to your harmonica journey.

Hello,

I´d like to learn more about Blues and Harmonica History, could you advice me for some books ?

Big books, novels, photos etc... any format would be interesting.

Thank you

Hi as a female blues harp player on this website I would love to see an interview with the amazing Indiara Sfair, or Rachel Plas -can only see Annie Raines-surely there are others? 

https://youtu.be/J8KKGZyLXCw?si=s-JIm8aPDKmj4nC5

Hi, I just watched the Billy Boy Arnold interview. He said he plays on the oppisite side of the harp. It looks like Paul Butterfield played the same way. Are they turning the harp upside down and blowing 2nd position instead of drawing on the harp or did they do something with reed plates? Thanks