Hey, even i have just picked one up. I also want to learn how to play it. Please can some one pass on some information. Even the basics will do for now.

Train Horn

I've been playing harmonica for about five years. I started with a cheap £5 harp in the key of C and a beginner's book by John Gindick and I learned to play simple songs, like nursery rhymes and hymns in the key of the harp (1st position).

While learning simple tunes in first position, I practiced and practiced until I could bend the 4 draw. Then I upgraded to a better brand harmonica and practiced two draw and three draw bends, incorporating these into 1st and 2nd position scales.

I purchased a tab book with note for note transcriptions of Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson songs and practiced these, until I could play along with the song. By necessity, I had to buy more harmonicas in different keys to be able to play along with these. I recommend harmonicas in the key of A and D for the second purchase. I also purchased transcribe, so that I could slow down the songs when learning to play them.

Then I joined a band and played the songs I learned with the band and jammed my way through others.  I also started to follow Adam Gussow and David Barrett on the internet, as well as buying David's books.

Nowadays, I've just completed four years of guitar and voice lessons and I'm in between bands (looking for a gigging blues band in Glasgow).

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Dawsie

Last edited by Dawsie (January 27, 2012 8:36 am)