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One more thing - and in the long run perhaps the most important thing: Being relaxed gives the music a chance speak. Not to belabor the obvious, but Blues is soulful; it's not just a collection of technical skills. Being relaxed clears your mind so that you can hear / feel the soulful dimension of what you are playing. This is equally true whether you are playing a composition piece (i.e., something that's already been written - and may already be widely known - think Juke), or totally improvising. Relaxation is the necessary foundation for giving the music a chance to speak, not just *to* you, but *through* you. You are the conduit, the channel, between the music and the everyday world. And you can't be that channel if you're all tensed up.

@TomlinHarmonica

5 жыл бұрын

I couldn't agree more to this James! Well said :)

@JamesCoplan

5 жыл бұрын

@@TomlinHarmonica Thanks!

This is definitely true. I know I play better when I'm relaxed than when I'm not. It's probably why I play better when I'm alone, or jamming with my friend who I jam with regularly, than I do when others are watching me play.

@mrtambourineman6107

3 жыл бұрын

That's why its really important to play in front of others as much as possible, the first few times I played guitar in front of others, I was awful!! And anything but chilled. Now I love it! 🤘😊

Thank you Tomlin! Just like life, things are so much better from a chilled foundation as opposed to being nutted up!

This is an extremely valuable lesson!! I've been playing music since the 6th grade (over 50 years) and I've never heard anyone else say this before!! Thanks, Tomlin!! You've done it again!!

@mr.erikloreen5182

Жыл бұрын

Ioouoj i😊iui8,

Perfect! This is absolutely spot on for me. Thanks Tomlin!

This is a concept that takes time to appreciate. Been at this nearly 4 years, am just beginning to realize how important being relaxed is to tone, flexibility, speed, etc. Thanks for this lesson!

Wow, I responded to this one year ago and I am finding myself actually actively focusing on relaxing now. I didn't even realize how I was tensing up my shoulders and face! I am glad that you reposted this lesson Tomlin!! I appreciate all your wonderful tips!! Thank you much!! :)

RELAX! So often overlooked, thank you for the reminder, Tomlin.

Tomlin, you must be a mind-reader, because you touched on most of the things I am struggling with. I especially like the way you go beyond the simple admonition "relax," which is a very nice sentiment but way too abstract, and translate it into concrete advice for each aspect of harping. Thank you!

You're so right. Felt like a "Gossow moment." 👍🏻

So true, Tomlin. Sometimes after just a few minutes, my lips feel like they are asleep - as if I have just come out of the dentist! I have to rest a while. Relaxation is everything. Cheers!

Great advice, and good to keep in mind during practice. I find I start off relaxed, and 10 minutes into it, I'm hunched or bent forward, shoulders tensed, and lips tensed. It's good to stop and take a few breath, and then keep going.

@mrtambourineman6107

3 жыл бұрын

Always check in with my shoulders

hi, my name is summer and i am twelve and im learning the harmonica these harmonica lessons are really good

:-) incredible! ... how very simple thinks can completely change effort and feeling from playing ... Thank you.

Brilliant Tomlin, thank you!

Lovin' this info. Thanks, Tomlin!

Truly a valuable lesson! I like your remark, "we don't want to hear the wasp in a jar". LOL

I appreciate you taking the time to make these videos. 🍻

Super advice, thanks Tomlin!!!

You are the best. Thank you.

same as vocals, relaxing is key.

@mrtambourineman6107

3 жыл бұрын

What if E is the key...

I really needed this lesson! Thanks Tomlin!

Another great lesson Tomlin ...thanks!

Great lesson with some super important material!! Remember To RELAX!!! :)

Such a good teacher and even a better person! Inspiration for many especially me!

muchas gracias por esos consejos, por lo que he visto es una cuestion de estar relajado completamente al tocar , sin tensiones. grcs. Crack.

Hello Tomlin, I'm one of your students and apart from your excellent courses (genuine comment as well as genuine sycophancy) I keep returning to your very helpful KZread videos such as this one to remind me of the basics - relax!! Best wishes, Peter M

Sincere thanks for these valuable suggestions! I am beginner harmonica player. Your suggestions will definitely help me to improve my stage performance. Thank you!

Thank you Tomlin for yet another great lesson...John

without doubt one of your VERY best videos Tomlin, nice setting, nicely presented..Great content...

Tomlin, thanks man. Terrific advice, and explained with the skills and knowledge of a great teacher.

Excellent advice as ever. I've just realised I've been drawing way too hard on my bends!

There’s some excellent tips here, thank you Tomlin!

Thank you 🙏

Soooo right!! Thank you very much !!!

Another great video sir. Very helpful. Oh my my! My first time to play in front of people was a mess. I tried to look back at it the next day as Something to learn from! The next time I played was at an open mic night. It was much better.

Thank you Tomlin! :)

Great advice!!

Thanks. I've been playing a long time and could hit the full 3'' two-step bend if bending down from 3 draw, but have had trouble with the pitch when jumping to it from other holes. But I just tried your relaxing advice on that bend, and found that I've been adding unneeded tension when jumping to that bend. Already see improvement.

@Harpdog.TonyWatson

5 жыл бұрын

Correction - I meant full two-half step bend, or whole step bend, of course.

You're dope man. Great advice even outside harmonica.

Nice one bud good lesson and great advice

thanks man this is great

Brilliant very good advice, also tomlin covered alot of ground!, Nice One👍

Great stuff!!! Thank you!

Fantastic lesson!! This has been the missing ingredient in my playing for sure. All of your points about relaxation are spot on! I feel AND hear the improvement of my tone with 3 draw bends!! Thank you!! :)

@freddieramos9681

5 жыл бұрын

It would really help me if I knew what key you are playing

Thank you for the great tips!

Thank you!

Good one on fundamentals

THIS LESSON VERY COOL THANKS

Thank you Tomlin!

great video, thank you

Wasp in the jar, how descriptive. I like it. A very important lesson that applies to lots of other instruments too. Cheers

Awesome Lesson 🤌🏽

Yes I think this is an issue to my sound.... good input. Those "bad"bends sound like me...wow

Wow - after playing for ever - I recently realized that I am too tense while playing and need to work on relaxing - and along came your reposting to provide tips to help me. Very useful. Thanks Tomlin

First the bends, concentration can be stress, tightening, guilty! I thought of getting a 'blues bender' to get me used to the action. Second point I found interesting, being on stage, in front of people, etc...I am going to set it up, so practicing with a mic, check///Thanks and keep harpN

I do warbles with my jaw. That's an option too.

Relaxing is an important part of everything we do.

Getting nervous and tight is part of a musical life....saying to just relax into it - is easier for someone who can play perfectly. Your playing fluidity is not just from being relaxed. It's specifically that you are very good at it. You might feel relaxed - but a relaxed approach doesn't help the bum notes if you don't know the notes you are blowing are crap. Playing allot - helps relaxed playing because you hit the notes and the harp sounds good.

@maxwellfan55

7 ай бұрын

Totally agree. Same applies to any instrument. Practice, practice, practice, keep learning upward and play to people, not just yourself. This will set you up good. That said, relaxation technique is very sound advice, whatever level. Always remember that before any performance and try not get fazed by others gawping at you. Me? I talk to my God, give thanks and know it's not the end of the world if I ain't perfect, even tho' I try to be.

So funny I got the same gold throw pellow as well as the same Blanket Anyways great lesson thks!

You have so many great tips and tutorials. I'm so greatful for this. Can i support your channel in some way?

Hi Tomlin, really like your Harp Lessons. One thing I would highly appreciate if you could always mention during session or in your comments what is the Key of the Harp you are using during your lesson. Thx!

@kimberlyabettes3525

2 жыл бұрын

I think all of his lessons are with a C Blues Band harmonica.

grreeeeeeeaaaat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Watching this playing is so frustrating , while it is super great , will never get onto this road , feeling to give up now .

My number one rule on fitness, music, learning to fly a plane, etc ... don't quit.

Frankie says relax

Hi Tomlin. Does the Wah-Wah work better with tongue blocking? It seems that you are using tongue blocking for the Wah-Wah.

@TomlinHarmonica

5 жыл бұрын

Great question Heinz. I'm tongue blocking the 4 hole but the lower notes I am lip pursing. It is easier to get a really deep wah with tongue-blocking because you are sealing more of the harmonica.

Great lesson, but I'd say that sometimes you do want the wasp in the bottle if you want to play down and dirty blues. But intention should be the selector, not the lack of skill.

I'm relaxed. I practice in my car and I always find myself driving about 5 or 10 miles an hour slower than I normally would be ! How's that for relaxed ? 🚘🚘🚘🚘🚗🚗🚔🚔🚔

@colincampbell4261

5 жыл бұрын

Whilst driving?

@sunnyscott4876

5 жыл бұрын

@@colincampbell4261 Absolutely !

@octaviomaciel9125

4 жыл бұрын

Sunny Scott 😀 I practice driving too 😂

@gardenharp

3 жыл бұрын

one of the best things about the harp - what other instrument can you play in a traffic jam?

Take a double shot of whiskey before going onstage! It's always been my preparation and it definitely helps you relax!

Remember to relax.

Didn't know that Kevin from Home Alone has a site for learning harmonica :D

So.... I should relax to be a better harmonica player?

@thedon9670

5 жыл бұрын

yes

@octaviomaciel9125

4 жыл бұрын

Same thing for playing any instrument, relax first then practice and remind yourself to stay relaxed.

Nice watch😂

Until now i cannot blow bending :( just the draw two or three hole

You can remove the word "Harmoica" from the title )

And therein lies (I suspect) the reason why - after four years plus of trying and trying and trying - I cannot play the harmonica properly. It is simply impossible for me to play from the diaphragm because I have no idea how to relax, despite being chilled out in the mind to the max. No relaxing of every muscle and sinew means no circular breathing means no tone. I did once tape myself many years ago after taking something that I cannot mention on here and that was the closest I ever got to a rich tone.

just watch sonny boy, he looks like he is going to go to sleep while he is playing, lol

It's funny how "pro" players advocate being relaxed but don't consider the years they've already put in practising the instrument!! Knowledge and technique is of course the most important lesson.. So don't worry about this clickbait.. relaxed playing will come by itself once you start getting good!

Great Lessons...but the pink watch is so distractive.

Bro are you really Scottish??