I'm a new learner
Dear Sir,
I'm a new learner and I don't know how to use the Harmonica. I do not know how to hold it either.
Please tell me how to to use it. I have a G Harmonica. This was what was available.
Please let me know how I can master this with the free lessons.
Dear Sir,
I just wanted to ask if certain songs have to be played in certain positions or is any position okay for any song?
Please do let me know.
Helo samjoyjade. Answering your question literally...
Everything in your beginning studies is played in 2nd Position (also known as Cross Harp). Using an A Harmonica, this playes you and the band in the Key of E.
With this said, I'm not sure if you mean "position" like a harmonica player thinks of position playing (playing in different keys on one harmonica). Is this what you meant, or are you speaking of where you play on the harmonica (the hole range).
If not either of these, please clarify for me exactly what you're asking.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your prompt response.
I mean like the 1st Position (Straight Harp) or 2nd Position (Cross Harp).
Please do let me know.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your prompt response.
I mean like the 1st Position (Straight Harp) or 2nd Position (Cross Harp).
Please do let me know.
Okay, thank you... that's not normally a beginning student question... I just wanted to make sure I understood your question.
"I just wanted to ask if certain songs have to be played in certain positions or is any position okay for any song?
You can play any song in any position, as long as you and the band are in the same key. For example... the band is in G... you can use the C Harmonica in 2nd Position... G Harmonica in 1st Position... F Harmonica in 3rd Position, etc. Each position has its unique sound, so you as a player can choose which position fits best.
The first couple years of your lessons will be in 2nd Position (the most common position by far for blues). Once you've mastered your common techniques and concepts in 2nd Position, we'll move on to exploring what's cool about the other positions.
Thank you, Sir
Hi David, When I first got on your site, I fond a set of lessons: 1 thru 10, and was following along with your student. When I was ready to leave for awhile, I minimized hte screen and this worked well for a while. It has disappeared and I can't find it. Help. Owen
Hello Owen. I think you're speaking of the Lessons page, found here https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons_by_level
David, I am new to the site and the Harmonica (or any wind instrument). I have 2 questions.
1. I find it harded to execute draw notes and feel like I am working harder to make the sound out. Let me know if you have any advice.
2. I can play single notes, but frequently the air escaping from around the harp is as loud as the note. Sometimes it feels like it's a challenge to get the air to pass through the harp versus around the sides even when I try to really seal onto the harp. Any suggestions are appreciated.
With kind regards, Eric
Hello Eric, welcome to the site, and the harmonica.
1. Yes, draw notes are challenging. It's your tongue location that's causing the issue. Check out the FAQ page (https://www.bluesharmonica.com/faq) and watch the video titled, "My 2 draw and/or high-end notes sounds flat, airy or not at all!"
2. Is it really air escaping around the harp? In most cases it's air passing through the harp, not going to the vibration of the reed. The fix is the same video I showed you above. With this said, are you having the same issue of "air leakage" on both draws and blows? Also, if you haven't already watched my lessons with my wife Sharon and Hob, do so, there's really a good review of embouchure in their lessons.
Hey there,
Retired old guy with no music background but think I can learn to play the harp. Funny I know...
im a true lefty and wondering what hand I HAVE to use to hold the harmonica? I am definitely more comfortable holding in my right hand and cupping with my left. BUT..I am just starting out and it's a right handed world so maybe I should just start off the "right" way? Did read somewhere that some players hold the harp by the right hand and flip it upside down?
Looking for feedback...
sign me,
confused...lol
Hello Benson.paul.
Yes, that is an option.
Have you tried the "two thumbs up" method that I teach (reference the "Cupping & Hand Effects" https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/cupping_hand_effects). This hold is both hands together, so not really a left/right thing.
Hi David,
Im a begginer. I bought a Hohner Blues Bender in the Key of C, as advised by web searching.
The lessons you are using The Key of A, as I understand.
Will this disadvantage me when following the lessons.
Thanks
Harry Roberts
Welcome to the site Harry. 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.
Hello samjoyjade, welcome to the site. After logging in, the page that opens up is called your dashboard. This is the same page that opens up when clicking on your user name at the top right of any page (under the picture of the harmonica and the word Welcome). On this page is a large video frame with a play button in the middle titled “Watch Me First!,” this tells you how to use the sight and where to start.
As a beginner, you’ll start with Blues Harmonica Fundamentals (https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/blues_harmonica_fundamentals). After this lesson you’ll move on to studying two lessons at the same time… Tongue Block Study 1 (https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/tongue_blocking_1) and Solo Harmonica Study 1 (https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/solo_study_1).
As you work through your lessons, you can also watch two beginning students on camera work through the same material with me. These students are Sharon Barrett (https://www.bluesharmonica.com/contributor/sharon-barrett) and Hob Bosold (https://www.bluesharmonica.com/contributor/hob_bosold). You’ll find their questions, and my answers to their questions, helpful in your studies as well.
I use the A Harmonica for the instruction. You cannot play along with me with your G Harmonica, but you can pause the lesson and play (your harmonica will sound lower).
If you have any questions during your studies, feel free to ask any of the experts at BluesHarmonica.com on the forum https://www.bluesharmonica.com/forum