New Guy
My name is Ricky. I am new to harmonica. I play drums and piano, and I am really excited to learn this instrument. I hope it is not bad form to introduce myself. I just felt like saying hello. --Ricky
Ricky, this is Will. You are going to really enjoy David's teaching and the harmonica. Dave is really a great teacher and a kind man.
One tip from me, I am 64 yrs old and if your passion is there anything is possible. Take your time and go right through how Daviid introduces the Harmonica. If you are like me, you want to absorb everything right now.
All in good time. Each of the songs will train your mind, spirit and tongue to get to the next stage. You will see why you are where you are at after you accomplish one lesson and go on to the next.
You are in for a great ride, my friend.
Will
Hey, welcome Ricky,
Start on the Beginner track series under Study Plans. I started out as a beginner on this site nearly two years ago. Since then, it's been a great journey. Honestly, you really get what you put in it. There's no effortless way to learn it but David does an excellent job of ensuring that your time is maximally efficient. This site is one stop shopping for blues harmonica.
You'll need to get some initial gear though. Your basic harps are A, Bb, C, D, LoF, G. If you're low on funds, I like Special 20 or Lee Oskar. You'll eventually want to get Crossovers or Seydel 1847 though, but it's cool to wait until after you learn bending because you'll probably blow out a few. DEFINITELY you'll need The Amazing Slowdowner. After that, all you need is time and commitment. Check out today's "Tip of the Day" for a more advanced shopping list. I wouldn't get that stuff until you're absolutely sure you want to stick with harmonica. It can get pricey... I recommend rockinronsmusic4less.com for buying all your harps. Cheapest prices you'll find and with free shipping. Much cheaper than getting them in your local music store. You just call him and a couple days later whatever you need shows up in the mail.
-Taylor
Oh, and if you want to start on Chromatic, I recommend getting a $75 Swan off Amazon rather than a $220 Hohner 270 Deluxe. I've had nothing but trouble with my Hohner. I had to pay an extra $60 after buying a brand new one because it had problems out of the box and needed to be serviced. It still plays like crap and is very unpredictable. In fact, it played even worse after having it serviced. Plus the staff at Hohner tech support were pretty unhelpful (I still love the Crossovers/Thunderbirds though). John Nemeth got me wise to Swan. I love my Swan. Never had a sticky reed, bends easier, less leakage, and the button is smoother. I can barely tell the difference in sound too. You'll need those extra lower holes too when you get through the Lesson series and start trying to learn GH Smith and Little Walter chromatic songs.
Thanks for the support, gentlemen.
I have a Special 20 in A. I couldn't get a C.(?) Anyway, thanks. I look forward to all the site has to offer.