What's New!

Billy Branch was born in Chicago in 1951 and was raised in Los Angeles. He first picked up a harmonica at the age of ten and immediately began to play simple tunes. Billy returned to Chicago in the summer of '69 and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in political science. It was during these years that he was introduced to the Blues. He soon became immersed in the local blues scene. continue reading...

Gary Smith continues his insight into songwriting with his blues harmonica instrumental on the Up The Line CD, "Rocket Ride."

Just wanted to let you know what I've been working on as of late.

Improvising Study 7 - Heads, Hooks, Bridges & Breaks
This is done and will be up on the site soon.

Interview with Billy Branch
Now edited and will be on the site very soon continue reading...

Gary Smith continues his insight into songwriting with his blues harmonica instrumental on the Up The Line CD, "The Walk."

I just placed up notation for Joe Tartaglia his first version of his original blues harmonica instrumental and an MP3 of him playing it from the video. Listen to the MP3 and analyze the music notation to get the most out of this improvising study.

If you have your original blues harmonica instrumental already recorded you can now upload it to the site at http://www.bluesharmonica.com/shuffle_king_contest

Joe Tartaglia plays his first version of his original blues harmonica instrumental!

Joe Plays his Entire Original Instrumental [Version 1]
David's Critique - Chorus 1
David's Critique - Chorus 2
David's Critique - Chorus 3
David's Critique - Chorus 4, Part 1
David's Critique - Chorus 4, Part 2
Final Thoughts on Version 1

Gary Smith continues his insight into songwriting with his blues harmonica instrumental on the Up The Line CD "Fog Town Swing."

Visit http://www.facebook.com/bluesharmonica to see a pic of King of the Chug winner Thomas Troussier with his one-of-a-kind shirt, Hohner harmonica case and Hohner Marine Band Deluxes! Congrats! To listen to Thomas and all the other submissions visit: http://www.bluesharmonica.com/share/king-of-the-chug

Improvising Study 3 - Dynamics
In Study 1 you learned how to use repetition to create memorable solos and instrumentals. In Study 2 you learned the art of Focus Notes, Textures and Rhythm. In Study 3 we focus on the most important and most underused element in conveying emotion... dynamics.

This study is for all skill levels, though it is recommended that you have completed up to Bending and Tongue Blocking Studies 2. You’ll need a B-flat Harmonica for this study. continue reading...