Harmonica

[Jayems]

Hey, I just picked up my 2nd harmonica... because I tried to play when i was about 16 and never practiced, and now am wanting to learn.

So, I guess if there are any harmonica players our there that could give some tips that would be great. Basically, i just make noise... have a hell of a time hitting single notes. Reading some good tutorials out there, but just wondering if anyone else plays.



Almost identical... if it matters...

in C

[ken0042]

Blow out, not in.

[metallicat]

I have a harmonica, but I have probably put about 3 minutes into learning it in the past three years...so I have nothing to add.

Although I do remember this website: www.harmonicalessons.com

Hopefully that helps. I love the harmonica, I just don't have the patience to learn it (same goes with my guitar).

[Ranchlander]

I only play it with my acoustic (I've got the metal wrap bar that holds it in place ). Lost interest pretty fast when I bought my new Yamaha FG 730.

[J pold]

Don't know how to play but man they are awesome

[Superfraggle]

Originally Posted by ken0042

Blow out, not in.

actually, you want to do both. . Only blowing out eliminates half your notes.

I'm hardly an expert, but here's a couple things you can do:

1) you've probably figured this out, but put your hand over the back of the harmonica and move it around...you can do lots of fun stuff with notes just by strategically muffling the sound and giving it a bit of a flutter.

2) try bending notes. This is done using your tongue. Kind of hard to explain, but try doing different things with your tongue while playing. Kind of like shaping your mouth like you're saying eeeeeeeeoooooooooooeeeeeeeeeooooooooeeeeeee...etc.

Harmonicas are great. Pretty cheap and very portable. Just play it lots and you'll be surprised at how quickly it comes along. Listen to guys like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, etc...it's inspiring.

[Clarkey]

How much was that dude?

I've thought about getting one. My guitar is collecting dust right now though.

[Jayems]

Originally Posted by Clarkey

How much was that dude?

I've thought about getting one. My guitar is collecting dust right now though.

$22

You can get plastic ones for about $8

[toonmaster]

i love the harmonica.......tooted on a friends for a year after i realized it was in my pocket the next morning, i must have "borrowed" it

where did you pick yours up jayems?

[rockstar]

I have about 3 harmonicas, and I love them. Go great with guitars.

Bending is the one area I still have trouble in, though. I've been trying for ages!

[Hack&Lube]

Hmm, I really have to find my old Harmonica in my basement. Are there different kinds? I remember mine had like two stacks of holes.

Youtube has some Harmonica videos, I often watch Youtube for guitar techniques lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTpAQ...arch=harmonica

But most often, videos on Youtube just humble rather than inspire you

[Jayems]

Originally Posted by toonmaster

i love the harmonica.......tooted on a friends for a year after i realized it was in my pocket the next morning, i must have "borrowed" it

where did you pick yours up jayems?

I got mine at Music Canada (37th and 17th SW)

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

Are there different kinds? I remember mine had like two stacks of holes.

The one I have (with pic) is a Diatonic.. or something (single) There are once with lots of holes, 10+ and some with two stacks.. i am clearly no expert... but they come in all different keys too.

[Jake]

The harmonica is the only intrument I can play. I learned in grade 10... basically I just kept making those noises until you figure out how to put them all together nicely. Listening to songs with the harmonica in them and trying to imitate also helps. Life is a Highway is a good one to start with because its easy.

[Stormchaser]

You can use a technique called "cross harp" to play a blues like style. This is acheived by using a "C" harmonica which you have, and using it to play in the key of "F". When you suck in it play the "f" notes or chord. This can be done with most harmonicas and is a fun way to get into a totally different style too!

[SeeGeeWhy]

Sweet, I want to go camping and have a big jam session with my friends now.