Let me qualify this by saying RUDE harmonica players don't get any respect. Unfortunately, rude, covers most harmonica players. I used to host jams and play with an open mic host band, as well as gigging heavily. The problems with many harmonica players are numerous. 1) They never shut up! They play through the verses, step all over the vocals, barge in on the bass solo, keyboard solo, guitar solos, and then of course, they want to solo themselves. It's rude. 2) They never know when it's time to sit out, or sit down. They're squatters. Even when a song obviously does not call for harmonica, they'll step all over it anyway. Instead giving others the respect they deserve, they just can't be quiet. 3) They sit in the audience and play along, often out of key, until it's their turn to come up and play, after they have loused up everyone elses turn on stage. 4) They're relentless about asking to "sit in with the band" and then want to turn a rock band into a blues band so they can dominate the scene as described above. In the 45 years I've been playing, there have only been a small handful of good harmonica players that have shown up at the jams I hosted. It was so bad that at one point I simply stopped allowing them to play. I know this sounds severe but, they have to first give respect if they are to get it in return. Especially when they are a guest or participant at a jam. If they're throwing their own jam, ba ha ha, like that will ever happen, they can do whatever they like and the attendees must then give them the respect due as a host. I love the sound of a good harp. But the vast majority of harp players ruin things for themselves.

@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726

3 жыл бұрын

Amen, my friend. Your post confirms everything I've seen, and you've said it more bluntly and economically than I did. I'm going to pin your comment so that the people it applies to, or might apply to if they don't pay attention, will pay attention. Thanks for being honest.

@anonyp4089

3 жыл бұрын

Yea, basically everything why harmonica players aren’t respected.

@mrtambourineman6107

3 жыл бұрын

Treat it like seasoning ! The correct amount of spice can really be the making of a dish, but too much or in the wrong place and it runs the whole thing! (Same with some lead guitarists too tbh, turning their amp up way to high or just not seeming to even listen to the rest of the band, just bloody showing off). Less is often much more guys, it's called a band, not a soloist for a reason! 😉

@nivyan

3 жыл бұрын

As an beginner harmonica player with low self-esteem, this comment terrifies me. I'm not even that much into blues, I just wanna play with people :'( Any advice as to how one can address these problems, without coming off as defensive or selfish? Personally, I don't get this 'dominating harmonica-trend'. I was under the impression the Harmonica was excellent backup for vocals/melodies, rather than the main thing. I can't really see the point of a harmonica playing front and center, outside in some blues-contexts.

@bobfeather1714

3 жыл бұрын

@@nivyan Like any instrument, there is a certain code of ethics. I'm not saying anyone follows it, but it all comes down to basic politeness and dynamic playing. When you're having a discussion with another person, and someone else is shouting into your conversation without politely waiting for appropriate moments to include themselves, this is considered rude. Of course, all polite conversation is welcome and encouraged, and we all enjoy the conversation. But way too many harmonica players just butt in wherever they feel like it, and step all over the things other people are playing with dis-associated soloing over the vocal melody, the keyboard solos, guitar solos, and so on. If you're going to play while someone else is singing, or soloing, you need to lay back and become part of the underpinning of the song and lay deep in the rhythm structure. Rude harmonica playing adds a selfish, chaotic element to a song that is just not welcome by others who are playing nice with each other. It often causes the overall band volume to rise out of control as everyone is now trying to be heard. If you want to be a great player, learn your instrument, play it in tune and play it well. And above all! Learn when it's appropriate to play, and when it's time to shut the hell up. This applies to all instruments.

This guy has very generous spirit. His harmonica tutoriasl are truly the best. Thank you Gussow

My professional violin playing brother-in-law gave me a whole set of Hohners because he said it was too difficult for him.

Thank you I’ve had the same comment said to me when I joined a blues band ‘ what else do you play?’ I was asked, and as happens I could play keyboards but I didn’t let on until they listened to me play and asked me to join. Another musician years ago said to me you won’t get anywhere playing the little toy. It’s a little instrument that makes a unique sound if played soulfully, and god knows it’s not easy to master because you are always learning and have to practice like any other musician. Thanks Adam for your videos they have been a great help for me to improve.

I lived in Brazil for a year, and one thing that blew mind was how much this was not the case there. There wasn't any baggage with harmonica at all, quite the contrary in fact! I play a couple of instruments, and although harmonica isn't my primary instrument these days I would say I play it relatively well (that is to say, I actually *play* it). It took me a while to get used to people saying "we're having a party, make sure you bring your harmonica!" haha.

There really are very few great harp players. I stumbled onto it later in life thinking “it’s gotta be easier than guitar”. Yeah right. If you can wrestle a good tone, melody and rhythm out this tinny little thing you are a major bad ass.

adam gussow is the best harp professor I’ve ever seen.... am a huge fan for more than 10 years

Adam you are right on most points. However, I feel there is growing change in India in past twenty years. Now harmonica players get respect and there is more and more kids trying to learn. In India however, 96 % play chromatic harp only a few play diatonic. Rohan who played with you in Bristol in 2017 plays Diatonic and that has brought lots of respect and interest in harmonica. In India. It’s a good sign for people like you who put out so many videos on harmonica and people like me have learnt so much from your videos

+ 1 million times with you Adam (especially point #'4) i'm glad you did this video, I was thinking of doing for awhile but no one would have took me seriously in the harmonica "community"

@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Christelle. You are a serious musician, with real training. So you know how it is. Most harmonica players flee from anything that looks or sounds like "music school." I understand that--blues harmonica, played well, is the feeling of getting OUT of school--but I also know that my harmonica playing was transformed by my one encounter with actual music-school training, when I studied jazz guitar at the Berklee School of Music. I couldn't play jazz guitar! I just didn't have the mind for all the changes. But I learned a few cool things--and they've stuck with me all these years, and they have profoundly affected the way I play blues harmonica. I think that EVERY harmonica player, in any style, would benefit from a course in basic harmony.

@jefgat155

7 жыл бұрын

Oh I would take you seriously ~ BIG respect, you're an inspiration in so many ways. Thank You!

@jt659

7 жыл бұрын

Anyone who listens to you should take you seriously! You are awesome!

@bandplop6162

3 жыл бұрын

High Cristelle, I love your kind to play harmonica.

@bryantherocker

3 жыл бұрын

@@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726 CHECK OUT JUZZIE SMITH, ONE OF THE BEST HARMONICA PLAYERS, HE GETS MASSIVE RESPECT FROM MUSICIANS AND AUDIENCES

Oddly enough my experience has been just the opposite. I find people absolutely galvanized and stopped in their tracks when they hear a well played blues harp. Key words; well played. A smile comes to their faces. They begin to move to the rhythm and I'm talking people of all ages who don't do the same when it comes to hearing a really good guitar, mandolin or violin player (speaking mostly of street musicians but I think it's a fair sampling of instruments that we tend to associate with "respect"). Now I know hearing a decent harmonica player and just telling someone you play are two different things but hey who cares what people think when you tell them "I play harmonica" and they look disinterested. I just know that when I'm stuck in traffic and I'm noodling in my car I get a lot of surprised looks, smiles and thumbs up. Maybe what I'm trying to say is folks might not think of the harmonica as a 'real' instrument in the abstract but they sure do love it in reality. Also a bit of a chick magnet :-)

who care about what people think? if you're not playing to get hired in a band, you don't need to proove yourself to anybody. I just starting harmonica and I don't care about ppl respecting or not. but i understand your points

@congerscott6064

3 жыл бұрын

I just started my self, im doing it because i love it and could less what anyone else thinks or says 👍🇺🇸.

There are plenty of harmonica players that take their instruments more seriously than .....guitar players for instance.

@thBrilliantFool

3 жыл бұрын

?

@thBrilliantFool

3 жыл бұрын

I play harmonica and guitar. Wtf are you talking about?

Good points....I recently taught an 'intro to harp' workshop to a room of guitar and piano players....I have never seen so many jaws drop so quickly.Even though I started them at the most basic level and took it slow, they were 'gobsmacked' by how difficult and complex harp playing is. What I took from the workshop was "lots of people can play with a harp....very few can play it".

@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726

7 жыл бұрын

Yes! That's a great way of putting it.

@paulbasham7826

6 жыл бұрын

Mickey Rats i

Oh I have introduced your music to a lot of people and you have the utmost respected earned from all I have shown your videos to. You are a gem. Still listening to you daily! :-)

If u cover popular songs, people will think differently, lots of people dont understand blues music.

Yeah, my mother, who is also a musician, one time said "Wow, he's playing harmonica like on real instrument".

Thanks, well said Adam....I'm 63 and starting with this great instrument again...more seriously this time around.

my guitar player really respects me, he tried the harmonica once but he got frustrated really fast and gave up. He respects my patience.

@rodolfobadioli2222

6 жыл бұрын

MrMrForeveralone ora ma p Molmmmmmmlll F Lev

Man, you and a few others I listen too get ALL my respect. Ive been fooling with it for 40 years, and You, Ricci, Musselwhite, Butterfield, just awesome to listen too.

Adam I can't tell you how many times I have said the same thing over the years why? You have confirmed my thoughts, thank you! I have been playing for 39 years not professionally although have jammed with some cool musician's from time to time with good results. I play simply for the joy of playing and feeling good about playing, if we did get more respect maybe I would of took it up professionly. But I did get to play at my wedding with a guy named Wah Wah very cool indeed!

Very good, Adam! I must share it with my friends. thank you for that video

Thanks so much Adam for saying that. So true !!

Dropping gold, Adam.

G`day, from QLD Australia, Adam, your lessons are fantastic, you have a way of teaching, which takes out the formal scare factor. grew up with a piano, and way too formal for a gal that cant not write out the notes first. you can just feel it...agree with the "its too easy to sound good, badly" .Thankyou its saved my sanity.

Thank you master Adam! I have deep respect for you, Christelle Berthon, Jason Ricci and some other real harmonica players, who want to share real knowledge with us. I do not consider myself a good harmonica player (even harmonica player), but I like to watch your videos and to learn, to blow and draw a little bit for my soul in front of my computer and enjoy in it (i was so brave to made some videos:-) ) . I like to play harmonica and more I play I am aware of how much I do not know, and because of that, your lessons and advice are priceless! Good bless you! All the best from Serbia!

@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726

7 жыл бұрын

Hey, you're on the path, and that's what counts.

It is a very insightful video topic, coming from a long term working musician. Thanks for sharing.

5:19 I play the banjo and I just got a harmonica. RIP me.

@faethe000

4 жыл бұрын

LOL I play the harmonica, ukulele and bass. RIP me too.

I get that all the time too Adam. What else do you play or do you sing? I tell those people that I play the harmonica because I can't sing. After a song or two I have their respect. This is all thanks to you and a couple other guys out there that I have followed over the years and learned a few licks from

Very important message Adam, and very true. I have a friend who plays French horn. I recently told her that I was taking a music theory class. She knew what I play and said, "Why would you need music theory for a harmonica"? Luckily I had sheet music in my pocket of a jazz arrangement so I pulled it out and said, "To play this"! I think we can start changing perceptions of the instrument by educating people, and of course, by taking our instrument seriously and playing it as a real instrument.

@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726

7 жыл бұрын

Yes, you are right. We need to take our instrument seriously, play it like a real instrument, and give non-harmonica players a chance to catch up.

Part of it is the live music public seems to really like intermediate level blues harmonica, so many guitar players or singers can whip out a harmonica on a few songs and get a good response from the audience without ever progressing to an advanced level. As such, the audience is satisfied by blues harp used as an occasional flavoring by a multitasking guitarist/singer such that only a really expert harp man such as yourself adds considerable ADDITIONAL value to an act. In other words, a harp player has to be really impressive to justify that being the only musical skill brought to the paid gig situation.

Adam, even when you played a little “Dylan/Billy Joel” style, your practiced tone and tremolo was still there. It already sounded better than a lot of ‘players’.

I think perhaps because it is much more fun for me to learn the harp than it is for anybody to listen to me learning. Like a new banjo player, or bagpipes, I have been banished to the garage. Doesn't matter, I can watch myself in the car windows without looking like a fool.

@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726

7 жыл бұрын

Playing the harmonica well begins and ends with a musician taking joy in the sound and feel of the instrument. So I wouldn't worry too much about what other people think. Sounds like you've got your priorities straight.

@scott31312

6 жыл бұрын

You read my mind..

Great call on the uphill struggle harp players face! I've been lucky to find true musicians that know their mixolydian from their Ionian (i have no idea what they mean BTW) that respect the harp player, because they have no idea what how the harp works. As a harp player, never feel belittled, and never doubt how much you know, because it comes from the heart - as basic as breathing in and breathing out - the very thing that keeps you alive.

I think the main reason is that it is perceived as easy to play. I play the electronic organ - an instrument that gets even less respect than the harmonica - and many people believe that the organplayer doesn't really play at all, he/she just press a button and the organ does the rest - and I have also heard the "don't you play something else" sentense. For some reason people often assume that I also play piano or accordion. I can understand the piano as they to some extend look similar, but the accordion?!?

Now make a vídeo explaning why everyone respects harmónica players

Thanks Adam! The 4th point is very important! Thanks for this video.We, firstly, should take this awesome instrument seriously.

u r good I'm getting a sonny boy boy blues set for Xmas. I'm gunnar pik it up from him. great tips.

I think another problem is that its blues instrument. Blues is, sad to say, not popular these days. Among blues fans harmonica has way more respect. Outside blues - none. Blues guitar overlaps with country, rock, and pop .. it's just another shade of well known instrument. Not harmonica. Also pros like you make it sound sooo easy .. I only started to appreciate harmonica when I started to play. Guys hits perfect low A on C harp .. nobody bats an eye, it's just a tone right ? I will burst into tears on the other hands, as I just can't do it.

First Adam and Christine - I much appreciate your sharing with us all - you have both added so much to the world with your contributions. Adam - thanks for tackling this question. (Christine - thanks for your Orange Blossom fun!) The problem, as you say Adam, is that the harp is easy to play; but hard to play well, coupled with the fact that, at its root, blues (the blues feeling) is instinctive/intuitive; since the harp is easy to play it allows new players to easily express their instinctive blues feeling just by breathing in and out - making something almost like music (likely annoying to anyone other than the player) The good thing is that the harp allows new players an almost immediate, direct, organic connection between their feelings and the music - this direct, easily accessible connection is one of the great joys of the harmonica. Adam - Please keep on keeping us on the path to a higher ground.

@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your wise comments. I think you've got that dialectic, the good/bad element of harmonica's quick-start gift to the beginner, exactly right. I hope every beginner will read what you've written and try to tilt the balance in the direction of "good" rather than.....annoying. But I suspect that every player who ever got good was annoying to SOMEBODY early on. I did a lot of yowling in the bedroom as a 16-year-old.

The "size matters" in terms of visual importance, and the lack of bass-ey presence

You guys just don't realize the enormous respect and following you now have (with thanks to the internet). It is not necessary to display a bruised ego or to "blow your own trumpet." Just carry on doing what you do best. You'll be amazed at how many people you inspire every day!

Thanks, great topic.

1. Connected with comedic antics. 2. Smallest instrument. 2a. Ignorance of instrument. 3. Too easy to sound good, badly. 4. It's assumed that harmonica players don't respect music. But then they hear Gussow play and throw that list out the window!

@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726

6 жыл бұрын

Nice!

I recently started playing the harmonica, I take it to work with me and occasionally play while walking about, the looks I get lead me to believe they (customers & co workers) find me odd and or amusing....smiles...i enjoy it, even though I have no idea what I am doing.

Great music & ya can keep it in your top pocket. blues harp, yes sir. I've play it forever.

I just make noise and every one claims that I'm god with the harp I always tell them they don't know what a good harp sounds like

Nice hat Adam. And great vídeo! :)

The harmonica is the humblest of instruments

#2B - Most other instruments allow the audience to *see* the action. Virtuosity is not merely heard; it can be observed in the movement of players' fingers. With the harmonica, there are very few visual queues because the instrument is essentially invisible while it's being played. For that matter, if one wants more than the mere nineteen naturally occurring notes the harmonica offers, one must learn how to coax the "hidden" notes out of it with PRECISE positioning of the lips and tongue, all of which is...as mentioned above...invisible while playing. When I tell people I play rack harp with guitar and vocals, people invariably say, "Oh, like Bob Dylan." Once I get my eyes to stop rolling, I do my best to turn them on to people like Jimi Lee, Hans Olson, and Jon Gindick. #4 reminded me of your first video. "So, I've been checking out KZread and plugging in search terms like, "Blues Harmonica," and what I've noticed is that there's a lot of guys out there who can't play. There's a few guys who can, but really not a whole lot of guys who are doing something new." Thanks to the internet, all the nuggets of gold are buried amid piles and piles of garbage. That's why I feel so lucky to have found your channel right out of the gate.

Some very good points here, reason 4 is a Very Big one. My question here is this: do you think that harmonica players are a bit Over-Desperate for that respect?? And another one to think about; why do players want respect First, almost as a motivator?? Go and Learn, Study the harmonica, and when you've done that, THEN expect some respect. How many Long and Lonely Years does a violin player spend in solitary confinement studying and practicing Before they get to play as a soloist in front of an orchestra...... Respect your instrument before you ask others for respect.

Hi there mr gussow you just brought back memories of my uncle he played a huge harmonica at a catholic club after the bingo

Hey Adam, I have a big Q you may enjoy. Why is the klezmer style unheard-of on the harp? It works well in 4th but everyone thinks the harp does blues only..

Thanx good advice

As an avid harmonica enthusiast, it can be quite easy to get discouraged while playin’ my ‘monica. Thanks to your videos, I now feel confident to blow some metal in public. Thanks!

awnswr the questions in form of harmonica song

Awsome words! That's the true.

This strikes a chord with me. Just got home from a gig where I am sure none of the audience had any idea of the complexities that were going on in my mouth / throat / lungs / diaphragm . Also agree with Chriselle about point 4. Classically trained on trumpet them Trombone! and I have ended up on harps! I really must be a joke!

@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726

7 жыл бұрын

So true. If you've come to the harmonica from another instrument, then you've got something important to share. Paul Butterfield bean as a flute player. Magic Dick played sax. I started guitar and harp at exactly the same moment. Jason Ricci started on skateboard (!!!!). That stuff shows up in our playing.

@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726

7 жыл бұрын

began as a flute player.....

Never noticed the lack of respect. Growing up I was fascinated by the sound such a portable little thing could produce. I always dreamt of travel and it seemed perfect for that too. No disrespect here. I can't be alone, surely.

Cheer up harmonica players, 6-years violinist here and picking harmonica as the next instrument! Wish me luck!

as hendrix once said, it's okay knowing about the technicalities of notes, but you have to know what goes between them.

Nothing livens up a dull party better than bringing out the bongos.

wow I'm confused, man i have picked it up and set it down so many times . I respect harmonica players more then I do alot of other instruments played , then when you put it togather with other instruments , it just doesn't get any better . RESPECT

Hey man, ı love yur all videos. Yu are really good man. I want to learn harmonika, but first ı need learn speak english :'( Because i cant understand yu... :)

@gussow HERO :)

Great comments - I got another reason - because it is so easy to blow everyone else away. It can take a LONG time if you are a new player to figure out how loud to play, and how loud you are in the house. Oh - and by the way, if you are a guest invited up to play a song, word of warning - don't smoke the lead guitar player.

@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726

7 жыл бұрын

Yes. The volume thing. You're right about that.

It of my opinion, but the reason harp players get no respect?? There are just so many that ' sit in' or jam with bands, that aren't actually any good, or think that bending and distortion are " the sound". I've played for a lot of years (40+), not always a priority, but I know I play well. When I hear someone destroy a harp solo it makes me cringe. Now on to knowing the language? I'm that guy you speak of. Glad I've found your videos. Can you get me to that next step? I'm itching to get out there but I can't communicate with true musicians.

I found you video by doing this search "they never take the harmonica player serious" I have been playing since I was like 6. I'm 71 now. And in a lifetime of bending notes they have always just looked at me a a cute addition but not a serious part of the band. I have asked a Guitar player about what their Axe cost them and they give me a price that is about half of the Harp I am blowing. When I point this out to them they blow me off as a liar. No way can a harp with a little pushy thing on it ever cost that much. Or oh hell why did you spend that much for that when you can go buy one for 15 bucks. So I pull my old Delta Blues Harp and do a lick and then pull out my antique Honer Echo which is a tremelo instead of a diatonic and I show them the difference. Then i pick up my Swan Chromatic and blow them away. Not enough yet I pull out one of my Bass Harps and show them rythym. Then I ask them to show me the difference in what they play. Sadly they need a set of pedals on an electric guitar to even come close.

There are a lot of Harmoniphobes in the world!!! Seriously though, really good points.

Well said.

I use to play the Ukulele. To get more respect, I have started to learn the Harmonica. 🤪

@jesteroffools1035

2 жыл бұрын

Yup musicians look at the ukelele as less serious as the harmonica but I do find musicians who grow up in the 60s and 80s respecting it because of the bands or artist like the Beatles,The Doors, Aerosmith, and Stevie Wonder. Learning 4 instruments in college guitar,piano,ukelele,and harmonica. My piano professor cringed more at the ukelele than the harmonica when I was telling her I was learning them besides piano and guitar. Guitar professor was actually amazed at the harmonica but cared less about the ukelele because a lot of his music idols were blues and classic rock bands.

What’s the difference between a trampoline and harmonica? You take your shoes off when you jump on a trampoline.

@jesteroffools1035

2 жыл бұрын

😂

a couple more reasons I can think of, often before a harmonica player acquires much skill, he or she will play over the top of other musicians or play too long, being considerate is so important when we want people to respect us.

i watched you one minute ,and in the next i had three in the post gave one to my sisters son then got me another.)

Sir, it is small but it is too difficult to play, a player must know where to blow and where to draw and since guitar is in trend and a hub of people are crazy over it, harmonica is becoming extinct.In India too, only around 350 players are left who play harmonica, so it must get some respect 👍

@tanmayshekhawat

2 жыл бұрын

I am from India and I have been playing for about a year. Where did you get that number: 350?

@shauryabhansali3731

2 жыл бұрын

@@tanmayshekhawat Got from another player...

@tanmayshekhawat

2 жыл бұрын

@@shauryabhansali3731 I don't believe it to be true. There are facebook groups in India which have thousands of members

I'm not looking for respect I play harp cuz I Love

Same

You speak the truth

For me as a guitar player learning harmonica, it’s just another powerful weapon in the arsenal.

How do we promote the instrument in modern times to be serious and get to be a valued part of a band

Most people play the harmonica "by ear". They can't read music. Perhaps the exception is using the chromatic harmonica? -- but it's not required.

Bob Dylan’s use of Charlie McCoy playing harmonica on some of his recordings helped me infuse a complete love of harmonica

Wheni tell people i play harmonica, i also add that I've worked hard at it. Or that i take it seriously. Because i know what they are thinking.

I always placed jazz above the blues...maybe that held me back all my life from mastering the harp. My brain sometimes tells me blues harp music sounds all the same, jazz music could kick it up! Now I'm serious about blues...I don't need a ton of respect. I would rather you just enjoy the sound.

there are many great harp players. it really is a shame though. I started playing guitar about 17 years ago. a lot of blues. started playing harp seriously much more recently and getting the intonation on those bends or even natural notes correct is damn hard. however, it is not easy to play guitar either. Two different animals, both equally relevant. Especially in blues. Nothing but respect for anyone taking harp seriously is how I feel. Many hurdles and not all are about playing as Gussow says here. keep harpin and I'll keep playin guitar and harpin. not at the same time though!

@bryangideon5822

7 жыл бұрын

Hi Adam I'm 66 And still learning from your videos. I was told " you won't get far in a band playing the harmonica" how wrong they Were I play in a blues band and asked frequently by the band members to fit in a bit of harp for most of the songs. Thank for inspiration

I’m primarily a guitar player. I dabble in harmonica, but I’m not as good as I’d like to be. Harmonica has a lot of untapped potential, but most players don’t tap into it. Harmonica can be used for rhythm, lead, or like a horn instrument. A saxophone, guitar, or piano can play ska, classical, big band, rock, pop, soul, or blues. Harmonica should be capable of doing all of that too. But most players only ever do blues. Also harmonica doesn’t usually fill any role in the band. Guitars and piano are usually melody or rhythm. Drums and bass hold down the rhythm section. Most horns are either the melody or play iconic riffs. Harmonica players usually just solo and mess around.

My other instrument is ukulele... respect is just not coming my way any time soon.

@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726

7 жыл бұрын

Ya know.....what can I say? Tiny Tim wrecked it for the rest of you guys.

Another line I hear.. "you got a harmonica for every key, so you cant go wrong..." Yeah...Right..

I have heard that the only way to gain any sort of respect as a harmonica player in the music community is to play the chromatic. So why is it that as I poke around on KZread, none of the players of diatonics seem to recommend the chromatic? Even yourself in your beginner video, you showed a Hohner chromatic and portrayed it almost as garbage as it fell apart in your hands. I had no prior experience with the harmonica but I play guitar and have an intermediate understanding of music theory, how chords are constructed etc etc and have really enjoyed starting right on the chromatic. I think the main reason (in the music community) that diatonic players specifically don't get respect is because they think that its more of a technique instrument rather than a musical instrument because you technically can't play a wrong note (I am aware you can bend and overblow). So given that none of the diatonic players seem to recommend the chromatic (especially to beginners), is it possible that even they think that the diatonic is an easier instrument to play which gives some validity to other peoples perception of the diatonic? It could be possible that the diatonic community is perpetuating their own negative stereotypes unintentionally.

Perhaps Mick Jagger's harmonica playing on the new Stones Album Blue and Lonesome will help us get more respect.

@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726

7 жыл бұрын

Ouch.

@dancabana8096

6 жыл бұрын

I don't think he plays the harmonica that good... his tone is kind of weak and the precision is so so. BUT, it is Mick Jagger so everyone might think he's good like many people think that Bob Dylan is a fine player...

the hard thing to learn is harmonica to me,but still learning

well I thought about it and I realize all players sound different, they all have unique go to's just like guitar or drum or singing regardless of their skill level . Bringing it is better than not being there. Flip a coin and hope for the best

Its also a good thing, it keeps certain harmonica players humble enough to keep youtubing and give us free lessons. Just look at Eddie van Halen. Its not like hes out there handing out free lessons left and right!

I respect all Harpers. and Musicians (and most humans in general..) and I agree with you. I do play the Didgeridoo as a second instrument (net very well). I play Poker exceptionally well, but i would trade to be as good as you or Benny Green. Pick up a harp in Bb and play a G song uh uh you are screwed (Diatonically). you have to know your Keys and cross-overs too.. As Pecos Pete once said , "You caint Sing without a String" Ping. . Oh whop doodle yellow bug scoot along ditty, whop bop doodle and Crambone.. ( Tom and Jerry, one of there finest, look it up, UNCLE PECOS.)

Interesting - the better guitar players I have played with do respect harmonica - music fans don't because it doesn't fulfill their expectations. I think generally playing harp in a rack should be made illegal (there are 3 exceptions, Paul Oscher for one, Ray Bonneville for another - can't remember the other one but it isn't Bob)... Interesting and important point about knowledge of music. My early piano lessons have proved invaluable in understanding theory - more if I'm honest than all the earnest young (to me) men now talking about half- step bends (semitones in English) or 4 chords (subdominants) on KZread. I jest though - people like you have done so much for the instrument! Brilliant video sir!

@Steve_McD

7 жыл бұрын

Was the other rack harmonica Player Dr. Ross the harmonica Boss?

@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726

7 жыл бұрын

Two incredible rack harp players are Dave Harris and Jimi Lee. Here's Dave: kzread.info/dash/bejne/gKSNpKiPqaa3iLw.html

@Philharpo

7 жыл бұрын

I was thinking of Jimi Lee. Love the Dave Harris though. Thanks. And Dr Ross is a good call too.

@paulbasham7826

6 жыл бұрын

Philharpo i

Blues harmonica is the best instrument ever!!!

honestly, i wish my harmonica had the tone of a trumpet. but i still prefer the convenience of a harmonica.

I love your videos and there is a lot of truth in what you’re saying here. That being said, you’re definitely painting with too wide a brush here.

I've played in bands for years and often someone with a harmonica will ask to sit in with the band. Seldom is it someone like our host who has studied the instrument for years and knows what he is doing but too often it is someone who had a few dollars in their pocket and on a whim has just purchased a harmonica and has no idea how to play and what is involved. If you ask that person what key their harp is in and they have no idea what you're talking about that is a tell-tale sign that they should not be imposing on the band. I try and keep an open mind but when I see someone approach the stage with a harmonica I can't help but think "Oh no, here we go again." And that is why harmonica "players" do not get any respect.

I started playing harmonica as long time guitar player. Unlike most bob dylan wannabes I actually treed to learn the instrument by taking lessons. I play a lot of instruments and I have to say that harmonica is one of the hardest. I found it actually kind of discouraging. Basically until you are at a very advanced level, you are stuck in a 1-1.5 octave range as far as the blues stuff is concerned. To do more interesting things you need to be very good with bends. Even if you can do a bend, it is a whole other level to actually be able to bend all the holes to the exact level you want them to (I got stuck at the 3 hole, not being able to actually correctly bend 0.5-1 step). So harmonica players absolutely get my respect for being able to do all that stuff. The one thing that really didn't help was that the harmonica teacher was a bit of a douche. It strikes me that he internelized a lot of the disrespect you mentioned. A lot of the lessons he was always trying to prove how good he was at music. Also playing lousy piano and guitar to kind of show off. One time I had my guitar with me (just because I had another gig), and he asked me to play and then disrespected my playing. All in all a very insecure guy which is kind of strange because he was a very good harp player, and thats the reason I took lessons with him! Your videos are great btw, keep up the good work!

Well, I don't know that it's true. My first instrument (age 6) was a piano. My second was a saxophone. My third was a guitar (self-taught) my 4th was a harmonica (self-taught). The easiest was a harmonica. After all, there's only 10 x 2 (plus bends) notes. It's pretty easy to be a mediocre harmonica player, and therein lies the apparent disrespect you're talking about. The proficiency required is not great; the artistic requirement is extreme. The ability to express complex and beautiful ideas on such a constrictive instrument is worthy of and does in fact receive adequate respect.