Beginner Harmonica Lesson #1 (Your Very First Lesson)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2024
- ► Need a fast track for learning harmonica? www.harmonica.com/lessons/
The full written free Beginner Harmonica Lesson #1 here: www.harmonica.com/your-very-f...
More info about the 3 Types of harmonica here: www.harmonica.com/exploring-t...
STEP 1 - Get the Right Harp
✅ Why? The 10-hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C is the easiest and most fun harmonica to learn to play, and all beginner lessons are on C harps.
I recommend getting something like a Lee Oskar or Hohner Special 20, or comparable.
Lee Oskar:
rockinronsmusic.com/products/...
Special 20:
rockinronsmusic.com/products/...
Or if you’re on a tight budget, the best cheap harmonica I’ve found is the East Top 008k which is in $20 range:
www.amazon.com/Easttop-Diaton...
For more info on brands: www.harmonica.com/which-harmo...
STEP 2 - Hold the Harp Right
Just pinching it on one or both sides is perfectly fine right now.
STEP 3 - Learn How to Breathe
Most beginners heave into the harmonica. That excessive force creates terrible tone,
causes reed to choke, and over time makes reeds go out of tune, and eventually break
STEP 4 - THE DEEP RELAXED MOUTH POSITION
If the moist inner portion of your lips is touching the harmonica, then you’re in great shape and you’re ready to start making music.
STEP 5 - Playing Chords
C chord = Blowing anywhere
G chord = Drawing between holes -1234
If you wanna know more about that theory stuff check out my lesson Harmonica Chords for Beginners:
• Harmonica Chords for B...
STEP 6: TONE & ARTICULATION
The darkest, roundest tones are taller vowel shapes, “UH” or “OO” as in book.
The brightest icepick tone comes from wider vowel shapes, with the brightest being “EE”
The harmonica players drumsticks are Tuh Kuh.
“T” is the tip of the tongue of the back of the top teeth
“K” is back of the tongue touching of the roof of our mouth at a place called the hard palette
The Train Groove:
1: Start by doing Tuh-Kuh breathing in, then Tuh-kuh breathing out, nice and slow
2: Next, make notes shorter "staccato" = Tut-kut
3: Slowly speed up tempo.
4: The train whistle = draw anywhere above holes 1 and 2. You want the train whistle to sound as lonesome as possible. Try "dwah" articulation and hand wah.
STEP 7: GROOVE WITH THE MUSIC
Any time you listen to music, there’s a pulse that you can bob your head or tap your foot to. Feeling that pulse is step 1 to grooving with the band. Each one of those pulses is called a “beat”. We name our rhythms after how many beats they last.
STEP 8: SINGLE NOTES
One thing you’ll notice I haven’t addressed is playing single notes. That’s cos, if today’s your first day playing harmonica, I wouldn’t even worry about single notes. Harmonica is unique in that learning how to isolate notes is a challenging technique.
A sneak peek into playing single notes: we’re just gonna draw the corner of our lips together and allow our lips to go up and down, keeping them relaxed. RELAXATION is the key to everything.
If you feel that you’re ready to learn how to isolate notes, you can check out my lesson Harmonica Single Notes for Beginners: • Harmonica Chords for B...
Piano Man by Billy Joel is a great harmonica song for beginners that doesn’t require single notes:
• How To Play Piano Man ...
Heart of Gold by Neil Young is another:
• How to Play Heart of G...
If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. I hope you never quit, and always keep playing the harmonica because it makes the world a better place! - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
What the hell am i doin here? i have data structures final exam tomorrow. i don't even have harmonica.
How, s your test man! 😅😂😂
Comment of the year!
How did your test go? And have you bought a harmonica yet? 😃😃😁😁
Did you get a harmonica yet?
@@peggygarcia6125 I got recently man!
I’m gonna learn how to play, mark my words 💯
You the real Fred?
yo what's good Fred, let's learn harmonica together!
Didn't expect to see you here, let's race 😂
F*** yeah! Likewise 🤙
Consider your words marked
I wish half the tutorials I watch about anything were as excellent as this.
Aw thanks Miguel!
i wish half the comments were as accurate as this one
SERIOUSLY ITS LIKE GOLDEN AGE OF CINEMA QUALITY I AM IN DISBELIEF
Very true 😊
I work nights and can’t wait to practice this. I’m going to practice for a whole year before I show my family.
I’m going to copy you. 😊❤
1st time a tutor has made sense and given me confidence to keep going.
Woo hoo! Glad to hear it, Anna. You can do it! You got this! 👊🏼
@@Harmonicacom What's wrong with you?! Why are you such a good person!?
Seriously though I gave up 10 years ago, decided to try again, and in the first 30 seconds heard and saw exactly what I needed
Thanks dude
@@WhiskeyRichard. Yeah, this guy's really nice and informative.
Probably one of the best harmonica tutorials I've ever seen.
Aw thanks David! 👊🏼
@@Harmonicacom 👍
Sharing this with my brother who’s helping my dad relearn the harmonica. My dad has Parkinson’s and some memory loss but he still recognizes & loves his harmonica.
Good deal. I'll say a prayer for him.
GREAT! Harmonica will be very healing for him!
Amen.
❤
I ACTUALLY LIVE FOR THE EFFORT PUT IN TO THIS VID LIKE BABY U GAVE US QUALITY
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
The best tutorial video I’ve ever seen. We need this dude to do a tutorial for every single thing that needs a tutorial. A true gentleman, keep up the good work sir.
Actually not a terrible idea😮
🙏🏼 Thanks Rex
I hope you are having a great life. You earned it with just one video. Thanks
Aw, thanks so much my friend.
I leart harp hitch-hiking around Australia in the 90's. I used to cover huge distances between towns jamming out on my harmonica. Have fun it's a great instrument and you can rock oùt with guitar guys around a fire and take a jam session to a whole new level.
I play 7 instruments and finally got a harmonica for my birthday!
Can't wait to become good at it and have a good time bringing it along with me.
I got a Hohner Special 20
Great harp. Glad you've picked up the most portable instrument on the planet. Rock on! 😎
I just ordered my harmonica today, thank you for this tutorial
So glad to hear it! Rock on! 😎
I just ordered a harmonica, too. I'll be at the bar while I'm waiting.
I've been looking for a good harmonica tutorial for YEARS I just randomly decided to check again. FINALLY A GOOD ONE!!! THANK YOU!!!
I agree with you...
Awesome! Thank you! Rock on! 😎
I'm 74 and an old rocker from the UK, Thank you kindly for all the tips including buying the instrument, i've got asbestos on my lungs but i'm not put off, i'm gonna try my best to learn to play, thank you sir.
Yes, this will help your condition tremendously. Rock on! 😎
Good for you. Do your breathing exercise... it helps a lot
Finally retired, I had a desire to learn to play the harmonica years ago, just for fun. If the power goes out, I'll be able to play to myself... I chose this lesson by chance and I was lucky, as I can see. So - thank you.
Same here 😂 Retired, bought a harmonica 🤣
You're welcome. It's my pleasure. Rock on! 😎
Best harmonica teaching videos I have ever come across. Love the way you break everything down. I really appreciate you taking the time to make all these and help beginners out like myself. Thanks for all you do!
Right on! You're welcome. It's my pleasure. Rock on! 😎
please make this a series!
AWESOME TUTORIAL!!!
Bro, you have presented the instrument and the essential keys for gaining mastery in such an EXCELLENT way.
I've been playing the harp since I was first given one for my 12 th birthday (a Hohner Marine Band- C flavored) and jamming with others since I turned 16. I've taught others to play as well but you covered in your tutorial EVERYTHING ANYONE NEEDS TO KNOW if they want to enjoy this simple instrument.
As a retired DOE teacher and lover of the blues, you have given the internet and the instrument a gift of a lifetime with your excellent tutorial. Great job, Luke👍🏽🙌🏽👏🏽
I don’t know how I got here but I couldn’t stop watching! You are a great teacher!! The editing of the video l, the information given, the enthusiasm was great. I never thought I could like the harmonica😮. I’m going to pursue this instrument. 🙏🏼 😊
I'm soooo happy to hear this Alejandro. Best decision man. Harmonica is my favorite instrument, and I play many! 🙌🏼 Here's my article on brands if you don't have one: www.harmonica.com/which-harmonica-to-buy/
Rock on! 😎You got this! 👊🏼
This is one of the best TH-cam videos as far as lessons goes. Like even if I had a private teacher come to my house I would have not learned as much or had been able to overcome discouragement as much. Thank you so much.
SWEET! You got this Maryanne! 👊🏼 Never give up. 😎
You made this fun - I’m a guitar player that has a few cheap harmonicas but I’m going to finally learn . Mainly bending and adding harmonica melodies and soft chords to my music. Your lesson was over before i knew it!
Sweet! Good for you. Harmonica is the BEST!
My harmonica teacher was in the United States.
Thank you so much!! I'm watching from Korea.
Luke's best channel for harmonica for all levels and reviews of different harmonicas to help minimizing mistakes selecting harmonica for everyone. Learn with fun and with his educational talents and teaching experience plus using multimedia in producing high quality videos. I always find from this channel many refreshing basic to intermediate techniques slipped my mind along time playing.
Niiiiice. Rock on! 😎
This is the best beginner harp lesson I have ever seen! Thanks for sharing. I learned most of this by trial and error years ago. I haven't played in a loooonnng time, but I see that I have a lot of bad habits to unlearn. Subscribed!👍
I am basically a retired musician (guitarist ) and now after many many years harmonica call my attention ! i dont even have my firt harmonica but after seen your tutorial im sure im goin to buy it and star the lesson . thank you !
Good. You won't regret it! Best instrument EVER! 😎
Thanks a lot for this lessons Luke. I got my Fender Blues Deluxe for my 36 birthday from my momma, just five days ago. My very first instrument in my whole life. Im super excited to learn... I know it gonna take time... But i know thanks to people like you... I will learn the right way from the beginning. Appreciated 🤝
Right on Max! I'm excited for you!
Jason Dae West is good as well.
@@Techumsa i will check it out. Thanks.
just bought my first harmonica, thankfully it was one of those you recommended. Also 12 years back, Sir Neil Young inspired me to look at acoustic guitar differently, now i bought a harmonica just so i can play his songs. your video helped me clear my head. Thank you. I'll learn from your channel.
Right on! Here's Heart of Gold: th-cam.com/video/HRCV6ZGlXbo/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the tutorial! The guidebook didn't show as good as this video and i really enjoyed playing my first songs thanks to this tutorial. I really hope i will play very well one day.
This is my first day I’ve been wanting to get into harmonica. I have a good quality one and your training is helping me tremendously given me confidence. Thank you for the videos.
Awesome! You got this! 👊🏼
I’ve never been more thankful to be an ex band kid😂 it helped with learning how to
For sure! 😎💯
Nice tutorial! I’ve been playing the diatonic harmonica for 53 years. My first harmonica was in the key of B-flat. I always play the harmonica with two hands. It’s the only way I can play it with feeling, phrasing, vibrato, note-bending and all that good stuff. BTW: Among my many instruments, the harmonica, pan flute and slide whistle are the only instruments I play strictly by ear. And the first tune I learned to play on the harmonica was the “Wedding March” with chords. 🎶
Very cool! Thanks for sharing Christopher. 👊🏼
@@Harmonicacom :):)
man you are the BOSS! i first watched your videos about 3 months ago but still whatching you can always learn something new
For sure! Can't spend too long on the fundamentals.
I bought my very first harmonica yesterday. After researching and thinking I went with the Hohner blues master. I know it's nothing special but for tryout it was affordable.
I looked at the order carefully to buy a C Major one. When it arrived I was excited. For about 2 minutes until I opened it, and find it out I got a G Major harmonica in a C Major box. I sent it back so I can order another C Major one now. Rough start.
Oof. False start. Sorry to hear that. Hope you've got your C now!
My whole life I’ve always said I can’t play an instrument I can only sing until I found you my brother! Thanks so much. Your videos are so easy to follow 🤙🏻
Awesome Kenneth! So glad to hear it. Rock on! 😎
Honestly just knowing how to hold and use it properly helps so much, I can pretty much play by ear now since I’m already familiar with posture and other things like that from my experience in chorus.
Awesome! Rock on! 😎
Not so long ago I decided I would learn to play a musical instrument and the harmonica looked quite accessible given its price and size. Now I am pretty sure I’ve just found the best tutorial video ever! This has provided me the missing motivation to keep on going
Aw thanks for the kind words. Plus, we even have the same name. 👊🏼
Loved this video!! Thanks for sharing your expertise with the universe.
Thanks for watching! 😎🙌🏼🎶 My pleasure.
This happened to me for singing. I sang for 25 years and never sounded good. However I didn't give up and one day learn how ro sing Raspberry Beret on my own. I found a harmonica last year and picked it up more seriously in the last few months. Now its time for me to sing and play. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for sharing! You got this! 👊🏼
Sure is the best way to learn
Your videos are a great reference to make sure I dont pick up bad habits. Thank you
Right on Nathan! You're welcome. Rock on! 😎
God bless you. You just ordered one 2 day's a go thank goodness, I found you can't wait to get it now that I've found you. Thanks for your videos
Wonderful! Hope you have a blast with it! Rock on! 😎
Not a single local shop has a C keyed harp. Lol i used to have a marineband bit lost it. Well i bought a G keyed one but honestly this vids crushes. Even with a G key harp this has helped me out a good bit.
Walter White is learning harmonica
i really enjoy this guy!
like his style, only been at it 3 months, wish i could talk to person to answer my questions.
Ask away Keith!
Consider joining the forum: forum.harmonica.com
Thanks👍 waiting for lesson 2
Thank you so much, man, for the tutorial now i want to start playing the song from stevie wonder and take my harmonica skill to the next level❤️🔥
Please keep these going!!! Just started learning
Thanks for watching! 😎🙌🏼🎶 You got this! 👊🏼
I am amazed every time I heard someone playing harmonica. Thank you for sharing this video..
You should learn Luz!!!
i have started today playing my first lesson in harmonica. this video helps me to perfectly play it on the first day. didn't know that i had a talent of playing this instrument. thankyou for sharing your knowledge
That's great! You got this! 👊🏼
thinking of taking the leap to learn harmonica . LOVING this informational video. .. really informative , easy to understand and follow. .. love the holding tips and purchasing suggestions. . Thank you for making this video .
Glad it was helpful! LEARN HARMONICA!! DO IT!! 😎
Hey I was curious if you would ever do a video on how to play Louis Armstrong songs like La vie en rose?
Loving the videos! I feel like I’m really learning!
Rotate Back 45° 💙 Exactly what I needed to learn. Thanks man!
Nice. 👊🏼
Thank you. I'm trying so hard.
This is really helpful for beginners. I've been wanting to play the harmonica for years as a kid and as a teen
I'm 30 years old now. I'm thinking of giving it a go
When I see a harmonica playing, I instantly think of one of my favourite singers and songwriters, Bob Dylan.
You should DEFINITELY do this! Rock on! 😎
Probably the BEST lesson 1 ,,I've heard in along time
Awesome job dude !!
Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it!
Omg, I’ve wanting to learn to play the harmonica for awhile, and this video made me really excited to start!!! ❤ Thank you for all the amazing info!!! Checking one of the harmonicas that you recommended right now 🫶🏻
I'm so glad hear this Regina! Hope you start and never quit! 👊🏼
Excellent video!! Very informative and helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
I enjoy your lessons every time. Keep it up!👌🙏🙏
🙏🏼
I had no idea there was so much to learn with what seems such a basic instrument? Great lesson!
Sweeeeet. Glad you enjoyed it. Rock on! 😎
Great lesson I love the comedy you make your tutorials very Interesting
Mate that was excellent!!!! Never quit!!!
Thanks! I'll never quit. You never quit either! 👊🏼
I’m looking at buying one and this has sold it for me, really brings a whole new meaning to “what that mouth do”
Woo hoo!! So glad you're coming! www.harmonica.com/which-harmonica-to-buy/
Another great and very helpful video. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful! 🙌🏼
Omg you are the best harmonica teacher I have found so far, on top of teaching properly, you do it on the funny way and I couldn't hold my giggles from coming 😄 thank you for that and can't wait to start learning how to play harmonica with you 😊
Aw thanks! Welcome aboard. 😁
Your teaching style continues improve! I love it luke!
Aw thanks Adam. Good lookin' out my bro. I appreciate it. Rock on! 😎
Amazing video, absolutely amazing!
Aw thanks. 🙏🏼
Wow, what a marvelous teaching video!
Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it!
What a fun lesson man! You really make it easy! Subscribed at this time, thanks and greetings from Mexico!
Gracias for the sub hermano! Aloha from Hawaii.
Amazing video. Just bought a harmonica it should come in tomorrow. Can't wait to practice.
Hope you're having a blast with it! 😎
What a great introduction - Thanks!
Aw Thanks! HI Pammy Wong! 👋🏼🎶
Awsome !! You make it very clear and fun, thanks.
Glad you liked it!
Hi 👋
Please make videos like this like playlist and cover all the topics as like daily or weekly Study so we can learn playing harmonica and master it.
Thanks for the help 😊
So helpful, THANKS.
You're welcome. It's my pleasure. Rock on! 😎
Bringing attention to how well this vid is put together. Entertaining. Makes me want to learn 👏👏 thanks!
And of course great content. I'm excited to learn!
Thanks! YES. Harmonica is the BEST!!
Thank you for making it so easy for a beginner.❤
You are so welcome!
fantastic tutorial
Great video! Super helpful.
Thanks. Glad it helped!
Bro this tutorial is fantastic! Thank you!
Glad you liked it! You're welcome. It's my pleasure. Rock on! 😎
This was Awesome ❤ my daughter and I loved it!
AWESOME!! Glad you liked it!!
Love that Intro!
This video is great! This was my first time playing harmonica and it helped so much 😊
I'm so glad!
Thanks for this. Be watching it a few times over. Likely over the next few weeks haha
Glad you enjoyed it!
Amazing vid man thanks!
Glad you liked it!
Ayeee. Glad i found this. I was gifted a huge set of late 40's Hohner harmonicas including a super cool EchoHarp. So freaking cool and all in the original boxes. Im about to try and get to Tom Petty status
Thank you for these tips
You're welcome Heather!
For years I'd drive to work, one hand on the wheel the other on my harmonica, I taught myself a version lol. I stopped because I was told using one hand was incorrect, I couldn't play with two hands! Ha! Now I see they were wrong. Thank you. I will pick it up and learn how to correctly play from you.
Yes. One hand is A OK!!!! Rock on! 😎
😃This is actually helping thank you！
Cool. You're welcome. It's my pleasure. Rock on! 😎
Thx much! Great info, to the point
👊🏼
Awesome! Nicely done!
Thank you! Cheers!
Luke, I was looking for Boxing Day Sales and found your 'Beginners Refresher'! For Free...Hold the Payments! What a great way to start the New Year: with the basics and fundamentals! Happy New Year!
Awesome! Thank you! Yes, ALWAYS good to return to the fundamentals!!!!
This video was very helpful and easy to understand!
Glad you liked it!
Great video!
❤ the cool way of teaching😅😂...thoroughly enjoyes learning 👌
Thank you for this wonderful 💖 lessons n scripts
Right on my friend. God bless your harmonica journey.
Great lesson Luke. I'm a little more advanced than this but a refresher never hurts. Also made me realize I wasn't subscribed to your channel. Problem solved. Keep on keeping on.
Thanks for the sub! Yeah, always good to refresh the fundamentals. Particularly, the train is good for all of us to practice!! Rock on! 😎
please sir make this into a proper series...... you literally the REAL OG !!!
Thanks for the kind words.
I think I need to commit. Best teacher I found so far. Time to buy the course! I’m excited. The hohner rocket has arrived
Woo hoo! I'm excited too! See ya soon. Rock on! 😎
Love it fr man keep it up 👍🏻
Thanks! Will do! Rock on! 😎
Got what looks to be a very old antique, made in Germany, M. Hohner, Echo Bell Metal Reeds harp. It is in the Key of C and I think you can play from either end. Sounds fantastic to me. Very excited to learn a few things with it. I play guitar and a few other instruments. Never really thought about playing the harp though. I think I’m going to like this little beauty although it may not be the best beginners harp I’m thinking. Looks like a real fine piece that’s been in the fam for a long long time.
Ohhh, I see it’s a C on one side and G on the other. Ahhh
My Dad loved his Marine Band honer in “c”. My son wants one like that. I bought him a tremolo. He never touches it. I love it though. But I can see I will have to get him that special 20. I’ve been goofing around with a chromatic in “c” because I wanted to experiment playing different scales on one harmonica. It’s a big learning curve, but fun. Guess I just like harmonicas of all kinds! Enjoying your tutorials. Thanks!
Good call. Get him a SP20!
Very nice presentation with your instructions should be no problem learning
Thank you! Rock on! 😎