online harmonica lessons

I just received an email from a student asking questions about the Hohner 364... the 12-hole Low-C Harmonica (the 365 is a 14-hole). Though it no doubt looks cool in pictures (it's big!), the untreated wood comb and larger body size is not desirable. Now that the Hohner Thunderbird is out, you can get a Low-C in a standard body size... my first custom harmonica was from Richard Sleigh many years ago, and it was for a Low C Marine Band... again, so I could have a standard body size Low-C. It will cost you $200+ to have this done, and Thunderbirds are going for around $135 out the door. continue reading...

Today's tip comes from the HarpSmith. Thank you Kinya!

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Hello Everyone. For those of you having a challenging time identifying the correct key signature and tempo to a song that you would like to solo over ... check this out!

A DJ friend of my recently turned me on to a terrific piece of software called, "Mixed in Key." It will analyze any song located on your computer, then identify both the key signature and tempo. continue reading...

In Mark Hummel's latest submission he covers his thoughts on playing different positions to match the key, mood and groove of a song.

I'm in Trossingen, Germany at Steve Baker's Harmonica Masters Workshop. If you would like to follow my daily reports visit: http://www.facebook.com/bluesharmonica. Pictured here is Steve Baker, Joe Filisko and I video recording footage on the Marine Band Harmonica for Hohner Harmonicas.

Kirk "Jelly Roll" Johnson's distinctive, soulful style of harmonica has earned him critical acclaim, numerous awards, and a place among Nashville's top session musicians. A native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Jelly Roll's career has spanned 35 years. He began playing harmonica at age 19 in Cleveland, Tennessee. After touring with several rock, blues and country groups, he settled in Knoxville to work with the Tommy Cole Band. From 1979 to 1989, Jelly Roll played concerts and club dates all across America with Warner Brothers recording artist Con Hunley. continue reading...

Ever play the harp into a glass, ceramic or tin cup... if not, give it a try, it sounds really cool. Bullet mics are 2.5" in diameter, so if you find a cup around that size it will feel comparable to what you're already used to holding. Experiment with different materials (glass, tin, ceramic, etc.) and depths, it does make a difference in the sound. Try hand effect like the Wa Wa, Hand Tremolo, etc. If you decide to use this on the bandstand, place the vocal mic on whichever side you open your hands for your hand techniques. continue reading...

In this lesson I get down on Joe a bit for his lack of focus in regards to his technique practice. We also review "Gary's Blues," choruses 3 and 4 and "Take it Easy Now," Chorus 1. We then dig into "Take it Easy Now," chorus 2.