Beginner Harmonica Lesson #1 (Your Very First Lesson)
Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль
► 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!
Пікірлер: 718
What the hell am i doin here? i have data structures final exam tomorrow. i don't even have harmonica.
@pritisharma3916
2 ай бұрын
How, s your test man! 😅😂😂
@weshopkins3208
2 ай бұрын
Comment of the year!
@frodeskibrek
2 ай бұрын
How did your test go? And have you bought a harmonica yet? 😃😃😁😁
@peggygarcia6125
2 ай бұрын
Did you get a harmonica yet?
@pritisharma3916
2 ай бұрын
@@peggygarcia6125 I got recently man!
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 wish half the tutorials I watch about anything were as excellent as this.
@Harmonicacom
4 ай бұрын
Aw thanks Miguel!
@MeloMystic
3 ай бұрын
i wish half the comments were as accurate as this one
@NIPDRIPT1TYSL1P
3 ай бұрын
SERIOUSLY ITS LIKE GOLDEN AGE OF CINEMA QUALITY I AM IN DISBELIEF
@draculas1926
Ай бұрын
Very true 😊
Probably one of the best harmonica tutorials I've ever seen.
@Harmonicacom
4 ай бұрын
Aw thanks David! 👊🏼
@davidbingley6734
4 ай бұрын
@@Harmonicacom 👍
I’m gonna learn how to play, mark my words 💯
@isaacphillips9579
2 ай бұрын
You the real Fred?
@josephgonzo
2 ай бұрын
yo what's good Fred, let's learn harmonica together!
@lboe9232
2 ай бұрын
Didn't expect to see you here, let's race 😂
@zackmccurdy8144
2 ай бұрын
F*** yeah! Likewise 🤙
@Im_That_Dude
2 ай бұрын
Consider your words marked
1st time a tutor has made sense and given me confidence to keep going.
@Harmonicacom
4 ай бұрын
Woo hoo! Glad to hear it, Anna. You can do it! You got this! 👊🏼
@WhiskeyRichard.
4 ай бұрын
@@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
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.
@adamwest6536
2 ай бұрын
Actually not a terrible idea😮
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
🙏🏼 Thanks Rex
I hope you are having a great life. You earned it with just one video. Thanks
@Harmonicacom
4 ай бұрын
Aw, thanks so much my friend.
I ACTUALLY LIVE FOR THE EFFORT PUT IN TO THIS VID LIKE BABY U GAVE US QUALITY
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I’ve never been more thankful to be an ex band kid😂 it helped with learning how to
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.
@lostbuffalo196
2 ай бұрын
Good deal. I'll say a prayer for him.
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
GREAT! Harmonica will be very healing for him!
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
Amen.
@Fogysoks4709
3 күн бұрын
❤
I just ordered my harmonica today, thank you for this tutorial
@Harmonicacom
9 күн бұрын
So glad to hear it! 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!
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
Right on! You're welcome. It's my pleasure. Rock on! 😎
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 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
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
Great harp. Glad you've picked up the most portable instrument on the planet. Rock on! 😎
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've been looking for a good harmonica tutorial for YEARS I just randomly decided to check again. FINALLY A GOOD ONE!!! THANK YOU!!!
@graceRaptureSoon
3 ай бұрын
I agree with you...
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
Awesome! Thank you! Rock on! 😎
please make this a series!
This is one of the best KZread 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.
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
SWEET! You got this Maryanne! 👊🏼 Never give up. 😎
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. 🙏🏼 😊
@Harmonicacom
4 ай бұрын
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! 👊🏼
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.
@AenesidemusOZ
3 ай бұрын
Same here 😂 Retired, bought a harmonica 🤣
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
You're welcome. It's my pleasure. Rock on! 😎
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.
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!👍
Excellent presentation and video
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 🤝
@Harmonicacom
5 ай бұрын
Right on Max! I'm excited for you!
@Techumsa
4 ай бұрын
Jason Dae West is good as well.
@MaximilianoJ
4 ай бұрын
@@Techumsa i will check it out. Thanks.
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.
My harmonica teacher was in the United States. Thank you so much!! I'm watching from Korea.
Loved this video!! Thanks for sharing your expertise with the universe.
@Harmonicacom
5 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching! 😎🙌🏼🎶 My pleasure.
Your videos are a great reference to make sure I dont pick up bad habits. Thank you
@Harmonicacom
5 ай бұрын
Right on Nathan! You're welcome. Rock on! 😎
I’ve been aching to do this so I can do the intro to train train by Blackfoot… Can’t find anyone else to help so I have to do it myself. Thanks a mill. Subscribed.
Please keep these going!!! Just started learning
@Harmonicacom
4 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching! 😎🙌🏼🎶 You got this! 👊🏼
Walter White is learning harmonica
Great lesson I love the comedy you make your tutorials very Interesting
man you are the BOSS! i first watched your videos about 3 months ago but still whatching you can always learn something new
@Harmonicacom
5 ай бұрын
For sure! Can't spend too long on the fundamentals.
fantastic tutorial
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.
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.
@Harmonicacom
5 ай бұрын
Niiiiice. Rock on! 😎
Probably the BEST lesson 1 ,,I've heard in along time Awesome job dude !!
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it!
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!
@Harmonicacom
4 ай бұрын
Sweet! Good for you. Harmonica is the BEST!
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 .
@Harmonicacom
4 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful! LEARN HARMONICA!! DO IT!! 😎
Thanks👍 waiting for lesson 2
Love that Intro!
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.
@Harmonicacom
9 күн бұрын
Awesome! You got this! 👊🏼
Excellent teaching
@Harmonicacom
22 күн бұрын
Thanks Dean!
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 !
@Harmonicacom
Ай бұрын
Good. You won't regret it! Best instrument EVER! 😎
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.
@Harmonicacom
5 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing! You got this! 👊🏼
@richierich1283
Ай бұрын
Sure is the best way to learn
大変参考になります。
@Harmonicacom
5 ай бұрын
役に立ってよかったです!
Great video!
Bro this tutorial is fantastic! Thank you!
@Harmonicacom
3 ай бұрын
Glad you liked it! You're welcome. It's my pleasure. Rock on! 😎
I enjoy your lessons every time. Keep it up!👌🙏🙏
@Harmonicacom
5 ай бұрын
🙏🏼
So helpful, THANKS.
@Harmonicacom
4 ай бұрын
You're welcome. It's my pleasure. Rock on! 😎
This video was very helpful and easy to understand!
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
Glad you liked it!
Excellent video!! Very informative and helpful.
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
I am amazed every time I heard someone playing harmonica. Thank you for sharing this video..
@Harmonicacom
5 ай бұрын
You should learn Luz!!!
Who else is tryna be the piano man?
@Harmonicacom
Ай бұрын
🤣 kzread.info/dash/bejne/Ynany9uTk7q0f7A.htmlsi=FYwTU8wUNDLSp5_v
Amazing video, absolutely amazing!
@Harmonicacom
5 ай бұрын
Aw thanks. 🙏🏼
Thanks for this!
@Harmonicacom
Ай бұрын
You're welcome. It's my pleasure. Rock on! 😎
Following. Just got my first harmonica & my goal is to learn how to play Neil Young’s Heart of Gold.
😃This is actually helping thank you!
@Harmonicacom
25 күн бұрын
Cool. You're welcome. It's my pleasure. Rock on! 😎
Amazing tutorial
@Harmonicacom
Ай бұрын
Glad you think so! Thanks for watching! 😎🙌🏼🎶
Thx much! Great info, to the point
@Harmonicacom
Ай бұрын
👊🏼
excellent teaching
@Harmonicacom
Ай бұрын
Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it!
Mate that was excellent!!!! Never quit!!!
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
Thanks! I'll never quit. You never quit either! 👊🏼
Thank you for making it so easy for a beginner.❤
@Harmonicacom
Ай бұрын
You are so welcome!
Some great tips on how to handle the harmonica before you start to actually learn to play it.
@Harmonicacom
3 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
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. 🎶
@Harmonicacom
4 ай бұрын
Very cool! Thanks for sharing Christopher. 👊🏼
@christophertsiliacos8958
4 ай бұрын
@@Harmonicacom :):)
What a great introduction - Thanks!
@Harmonicacom
3 ай бұрын
Aw Thanks! HI Pammy Wong! 👋🏼🎶
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!
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
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
Wonderful! Hope you have a blast with it! Rock on! 😎
Thank you for these tips
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
You're welcome Heather!
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.
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
Oof. False start. Sorry to hear that. Hope you've got your C now!
Thanks again!
@Harmonicacom
Ай бұрын
You're welcome. It's my pleasure. Rock on! 😎
Many Thanks !
@Harmonicacom
25 күн бұрын
You're welcome. It's my pleasure. Rock on! 😎
Thanks Brorher
Another great and very helpful video. Thanks.
@Harmonicacom
4 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful! 🙌🏼
Your teaching style continues improve! I love it luke!
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
Aw thanks Adam. Good lookin' out my bro. I appreciate it. Rock on! 😎
What a fun lesson man! You really make it easy! Subscribed at this time, thanks and greetings from Mexico!
@Harmonicacom
4 ай бұрын
Gracias for the sub hermano! Aloha from Hawaii.
Amazing vid man thanks!
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
Glad you liked it!
Thanks for this. Be watching it a few times over. Likely over the next few weeks haha
@Harmonicacom
9 күн бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you a lot ❤
@Harmonicacom
10 күн бұрын
You're welcome 😊
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
@Harmonicacom
22 күн бұрын
Woo hoo! I'm excited too! See ya soon. Rock on! 😎
Very cool video. Excellent teacher.
@Harmonicacom
5 ай бұрын
Thank you kindly!
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!
@Harmonicacom
5 ай бұрын
Thanks! YES. Harmonica is the BEST!!
Great video! Super helpful.
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
Thanks. Glad it helped!
Rotate Back 45° 💙 Exactly what I needed to learn. Thanks man!
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
Nice. 👊🏼
This is really good stuff ❤
@Harmonicacom
Ай бұрын
👊🏼
This was Awesome ❤ my daughter and I loved it!
@Harmonicacom
3 ай бұрын
AWESOME!! Glad you liked it!!
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 🤙🏻
@Harmonicacom
4 ай бұрын
Awesome Kenneth! So glad to hear it. Rock on! 😎
Very nice presentation with your instructions should be no problem learning
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
Thank you! Rock on! 😎
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❤️🔥
Awsome !! You make it very clear and fun, thanks.
@Harmonicacom
Ай бұрын
Glad you liked it!
Amazing Tutorial 👌🏿 Greetings, im a harmonica player from South Africa.
@Harmonicacom
14 күн бұрын
Woo hoo! Thanks for the shout mate. Rock on! 😎
PERFECT TUTORIAL, EXCELLENT !
@Harmonicacom
Ай бұрын
Glad you liked it!
i really enjoy this guy! like his style, only been at it 3 months, wish i could talk to person to answer my questions.
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
Ask away Keith! Consider joining the forum: forum.harmonica.com
best first lesson
Great lesson. So clear learning so I can teach my grandkids
@Harmonicacom
Ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful! God bless you for passing it on. 👊🏼
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 🫶🏻
@Harmonicacom
Ай бұрын
I'm so glad hear this Regina! Hope you start and never quit! 👊🏼
I am waiting for lesson 2. it's very clear to learn.
@Harmonicacom
2 ай бұрын
You could try this: kzread.info/dash/bejne/mXll1bSLhteYfbA.html
Thanks Luke👍 Greetings from Germany Michael
@Harmonicacom
3 ай бұрын
Aloha from Hawaii!
Awesome! Nicely done!
@Harmonicacom
4 ай бұрын
Thank you! Cheers!