Beginning Study Plan
This lesson track is for new harmonica players or for those that are studying blues harmonica in a formal way for the first time. You may already have developed some skills on the instrument, but the material found here will ensure a strong foundation for your studies at BluesHarmonica.com.
Within this level of study you'll develop the skills to play within the 12 Bar Blues with good tone, rhythm, and the techniques important to blues harmonica playing (most importantly tongue blocking and bending).
Beginning Section 1
Start with Blues Harmonica Fundamentals to learn about the basics of the harmonica and some of the important techniques used in blues.
Beginning Section 2
"Walk With Me" [Tongue Blocking Study 1] is your first study song! In this song we'll work on basic tongue blocking skills, tongue switching, tremolo, two note combinations, shakes, breathing and rhythm. Each study song is written to challenge you as a player, and when finished, a great song to play for friends or your local jam. Expect each study song to take from one to three months to complete. You'll need an A Harmonica for this study song.
As you're working on "Walk with Me," also work on Movement Exercises Study 1... the portions of the exercises without bending. Use this as a warmup exercise each day. Also work on Section 1 of Solo Harmonica Study 1. You'll need the G Harmonica for this study.
As you're working through your lessons watch Beginning Student Joe Tartaglia work on this same material with me on camera. You'll find his trials and tribulations, as well as his questions and my answers, to be very helpful in your journey.
Once you've completed your study song and can play it reasonable well (strive for excellence, not perfection) record yourself and submit it to me (David Barrett) for my review and go ahead and move on to the next section. Submitting a study song is of course not required, but it's there if you would like my feedback. Visit the Software section of Equipment Lessons to learn about the recording and submission process. There are also lessons on how to use software such as the Amazing Slow Downer that help you in your studies by allowing you to slow down and loop sections of a song you're working on.
When you have some free time join me for a tour of the German Harmonica Museum in Trossingen, Germany, home of Hohner Harmonicas. Here you'll learn about the history of the harmonica and a little bit about the manufacturing process.
Beginning Section 3
"Temperature" [Tongue Blocking Study 2] is your next study song, working slaps, lifts, tongue switching and more complex rhythms. You'll need an A Harmonica again for this study song. The song "Temperature" sounds great on an amplifier. Take this opportunity to visit the Cupping & Hand Effects to learn how to use the bullet mic. Also visit the Equipment Lessons page and watch the lessons "Amps - What You Need To Know" and "Mics - What You Need To Know."
As you're working on "Temperature" also work on Section 1 of Solo Harmonica Study 2. You'll need a G Harmonica for this study.
While working on "Temperature" let's start developing your bending skills in Bending Study 1.
Remember to check in with Beginning Student Joe Tartaglia to see how he's doing with the same material.
Beginning Section 4
"Feelin' for the Blues" [Bending Study 2] will be your first song to use bending. You'll need an A Harmonica for this study.
Bending is a technique that takes time to develop. While you're working on your bending skills this is a great opportunity to watch the hugely valuable artist interviews. Focus on the artists' Recommended Listening section to start your awareness of the fathers of blues harmonica that influenced all of today's great players. Check out Joe Filisko's interview to get started.
Remember to check in with Beginning Student Joe Tartaglia to see how he's doing with the same material.
Beginning Section 5
Let's finish with a really fun song in Third Position called "Rollin' Rhumba, Version 1" This song has some great high-end licks for you to play; not to mention how fun it is to play a Rhumba! Skip all of the opening videos, just jump into the song! You'll need a G Harmonica for this study
This is a good opportunity to watch the first part of the series on Understanding Position Playing. The idea of position playing can be very confusing, so let's get started now with the introduction.
