Beginning student
Good afternoon David
I have just logged in to learn the harmonica. I purchased a C harmonica (MS Series Blues Harp) from Joondalup Music store and see in your fundamentals session that I should be using an A harmonica? I don't really want to go out an purchase another instrument at this early stage in my learning. Can I use my existing instrument?
Cheers
Frank Cook
Hi Dave, is there a beginners tutorial for the D harmonica? That's the one I ended up getting… I'd like to at least start out on it to see how I do before investing in a new one.
Thanks,
Maureen
Hello Maureen.
I'm sorry, all the lessons are designed around the A Harmonica (except for that one intro lesson on the C... since the C Harmonica is the most common inexpensive key of harmonica sold).
You can go through the material, you'll just need to pause the recording playback and try it, since the keys don't match up.
You can use a program like the Amazing Slow Downer to change the key of the study songs. There is a lesson on the program here: https://www.bluesharmonica.com/practice_tools_amazing_slow_downer
Thanks David.
So are you saying that I can use the (LOA) lessons as is (meant for "A" harp) as the technique will be the same it's just that it's going to sound much different?
I kind of want to get a little bit of a feel for it before I buy another harmonica.
Thanks,
Maureen
You're correct, the technique will be the same, it's just that it's going to sound higher in pitch (not much different).
Thanks David
I'll give the link a try and see how I go.
Cheers
Frank
Welcome to the site Frank. There is an intro lesson for those with only the C Harmonica, and it's found here http://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/c_harmonica_intro_lesson. After this lesson, if you decide to continue, you'll need to pick up an A Harmonica (this C Harmonica study will keep you busy for 2-3 months, so there's no hurry). Best wishes on your studies.