What's New!

The Microphone Element (also known as the Cartridge or Capsule) is the engine that makes a mic work and gives each mic its unique tone. In this video lesson series by Fritz Hasenpusch "The Harp Mic Man" walks us through the common elements used by harmonica players: crystal (commonly Astatic), controlled magnetic/reluctance (commonly Shure), Dynamic (again, commonly Shure) and Condenser. He'll walk you through the history of development, construction and what microphones they were commonly found in. continue reading...

Our winners for April have been contacted and their prizes on their way. Congratulations to: Franko - Chris Michalek Custom Harmonica / Bob - Joe Spiers Stage II Custom Special 20 / Charlie - Hohner Special 20 set of 5 Harmonicas & Case / John - History of the Blues Harmonica Concert 2xCD / Bernardo - Blues Harmonica Jam Tracks & Soloing Concepts #3 Book/CD

Blues Chromatic Study 4 is up. In this study we take your blues chromatic skills to the next level with the use of the octave and learning how to play in minor. Our study song "So Blue For You" is a slow blues in the key of Dm. This study is for intermediate skill level players. You'll need a C Chromatic Harmonica for this study.

Joe's latest lesson is up. In this lesson we work on slaps (Chorus 4 of "Temperature"); how to play to a "Sweat Home Chicago" type of groove; the importance of reading music; and Joe gets to hold all the best blues harmonica mics to choose which one feels best to him.

Mark Hummel's latest submission is up. In this submission Mark continues his behind-the-scenes footage of the Blues Harmonica Blowouts. You'll see Rod Piazza, Kim Wilson, Mark Hummel and other guests.

Joe Tartaglia's Lesson 6 is up. In this lesson we work some more with temperature (with more help on slaps and rhythm). We also go over Jerry Portnoy's song "Blues for Big Nate."

Fritz Hasenpusch "The Harp Mic Man" has been a leading expert in the harp mic world for over 20 years. In this interview we'll dig into the most common questions asked by harmonica players. Make sure to visit his other lesson videos in the equipment section of the website as they go up.

In this study we'll take your blues chromatic skills to the next level with the use of the fake octave and dips (bending). Our study song "Easy Baby" is a slow hook-based groove in the key of D. This study is for intermediate skill level players. You'll need a C Chromatic Harmonica for this study.

The newest version of the "What's New Video" is now up (top left-hand corner). Take a look to learn about the newest givaways and such.

Joe Filisko is bar-none the best blues harmonica instructor I have ever met. His understanding of post-war Chicago blues harmonica is unequaled and is the world’s leading expert on pre-war and country blues harmonica. Join Joe for his regular submissions to BluesHarmonica.com, covering everything from technique to his journeys on the road.

This month Joe speaks of tongue splits.

Welcome Joe, it's a great pleasure to have Joe on the bluesharmonica.com team!