What's New!

Part 1 of this series offers audio demonstrations from Professor John Shirley of various microphone types and mic placements for recording both acoustic and amplified harmonica. It also outlines issues of audio interference (comb filtering) when combining multiple signals from the same source and provides examples of the use of Direct Injects and Line Outs. Lesson location: http://www.bluesharmonica.com/harmonica_recording_techniques

A new addition to the Overbend Study 1 Lesson (http://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/bending_study_8_overbend_study_1_t...) continue reading...

In this submission Gary answers questions from students, specifically... dealing with a loud band, mic'ing your amp, using monitors, playing through a vocal mic, cupping the chromatic harp, stage presence, dealing with feedback, using a wireless mic, creating deep tone and playing softer.

The goal of this lesson is to continue advancing your overbend skills while simultaneously filling in the harmonic/theory knowledge that’s required of a traditional blues player to be able to apply/execute overbends well in our common three positions (1st, 2nd and 3rd). This will be achieved by studying chords (arpeggios) and chord scales (a combination of chord tones and scale tones), all to give you more material to play while improvising. continue reading...

Joe Filisko continues his series on the Fox Chase & Lost John http://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/fox_chase_study_1_technique_approach

This Saturday Noon-1:30pm on KPFA with Tom Mazzolini (founder/producer SF Blues Festival and Battle of the Blues Harmonicas) Gary Smith​, Aki Kumar​ and I will be playing for you live on the air. If you don't live in the SF Bay Area you can listen online at https://kpfa.org/program/blues-by-the-bay/

Beginning Student Hob Bosold's latest lesson is now up (http://www.bluesharmonica.com/contributor/hob_bosold). In this lesson we review tongue switching, sliding on the face of the harmonica with one breath and solo harmonica study material. Hob learns how bending works, how to play two-note combinations, shakes, speed licks and how to approach playing with good tone on the high end.

Videos include:
Lesson 3 – Intro
Lesson 3 – Tongue Block Study 1: Walk With Me, Choruses 1-3 Review, Part 1
Lesson 3 – Tongue Block Study 1: Walk With Me, Choruses 1-3 Review, Part 2 continue reading...

The focus of this study song is to show you how to begin incorporating the 6OB in your second position playing. One approach that is particularly emphasized is taking licks from the lower octave of the harmonica that use the 3’ Bb and move them up an octave to 6OB Bb. Taking licks from an area you’re already very comfortable with and moving them up an octave is a great way to develop familiarity with how the 6OB can be used. continue reading...

Interview with guitarist/vocalist Eric Noden (of Joe Filisko & Eric Noden) where he shares his insights on playing in a duo setting is now up at Accompaniment Study 9 lesson (http://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/accompaniment_study_9)

In Intermediate Student Ryan Walker’s latest lesson (Lesson 34) we work on his final Solo Harmonica Study composition, we complete Accompaniment Study 8 on Hooks and he shares his latest experimenting with effects pedals http://www.bluesharmonica.com/contributor/ryan_walker