What's New!

My review of the tiny, but impressive, Fender Champion 20 amplifier ($99 with 1x8" speaker) is now up. You can see the review here https://www.bluesharmonica.com/amp_reviews

The introduction videos to the new Small Amp Reviews lesson in the EQUIPMENT section is now up. I'm editing my first amp review and it will be up shortly. I hope everyone enjoys this ongoing series... this has been, and continues to be, a fun project. Here is the lesson https://www.bluesharmonica.com/amp_reviews

Spend three days focused on learning George “Harmonica” Smith's, James Cotton's, and Junior Wells' approach to the diatonic harmonica and post war Chicago blues. In this class I’ll share: well-known recordings from these artists; their importance in history; the key elements to their playing styles; and some of their most famous songs (Telephone Blues, Cotton’s Creeper, Chitlin Con Carne, etc.). The songs I cover I’ll provide transcriptions and the class will be audio recorded for your use after the class. Jam circle Friday night and guitar/harmonica duo performance Saturday night. continue reading...

Good evening everyone! Tonight I’m announcing a very cool three-day workshop… the first time offered on the West Coast (did this in Chicago many years ago). Information below and link to register. Hope you can make it! Spend three days focused on learning Little Walter’s, Big Walter Horton’s and Sonny Boy Williamson II’s (Rice Miller) approach to the diatonic harmonica and post war Chicago blues. continue reading...

Amps are on order for the new small amp trial (single-speaker design, commonly 10"). Some have already arrived, and I have to say, I'm REALLY impressed with some of them. Please go to https://www.facebook.com/bluesharmonica/ to see my trial checklist and make suggestions before I begin if you see something I can add. Each amp will be demonstrated with multiple mics.

Here is the list of amps we will try. If you don't see an amp in there you would like tested, let me know on that post.

Fender Champion 20 1x8” - $99

Fender Mustang 1x8” - $119

VHT Special 6 1x10” - $249 continue reading...

In Joe Filisko's latest lesson on the Fox Chase/Lost John (http://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/fox_chase_study_2_artist_studies) he covers the middle and end sections of "Lost Boy Blues" by Palmer McAbee

I’m going to do a NEW, SMALL AMP (not vintage) trial/tutorial for BluesHarmonica.com. The focus is small (generally 10” and preferably tube) new amps that are less than $1K and are easy to get in the marketplace. Please take a look at the list bellow and let me know if there are any amps I may be missing via commenting on this post on BluesHarmonica.com's FB page here https://www.facebook.com/bluesharmonica/ Thank you!

VHT Special 6 - $249
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/vht-special-6-6w-1x10-...

Fender Super Champ X2 - $379 continue reading...

In Gary’s latest submission he shares the mods he's performed on his Fender Blues Jr. We also speak of other smaller amps and some of the new mics we have in our collection. You can find this lesson here http://www.bluesharmonica.com/contributor/gary_smith

In Joe Filisko's latest lesson on the Fox Chase/Lost John (http://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/fox_chase_study_2_artist_studies) he covers the middle section of "Lost Boy Blues" by Palmer McAbee

For those interested in teaching harmonica, and have completed Levels of Achievement Level 6 at BluesHarmonica.com, a series of instructor training videos is now on the site for you to work through. This material consists of topics such as choosing a teaching location, teaching days and times, fees, how to assess where a student starts in their training, and training for you on how to help students with technique at advancing levels. I also provide templates for you to use in your teaching and discounts for your students to access BluesHarmonica.com. continue reading...