Many harmonica instruction methods teach single note lip pursing as the very first item. To my mind, that is putting the cart before the horse. A harmonica is first of all a chordal instrument. Play any group of adjacent holes anywhere on the harp, either on the blow or draw, and you have a chord.
For further study, among the best players to list to is John Lee Williamson, or Sonny Boy I. His whole style is worth some deep study, as it really is the foundation of modern playing. I’ll be creating some blog posts on Sonny Boy I .. so keep a look out for them.
Topics and/or subjects covered in this lesson:Technique
Print Chords & Tab
A Harp in the Key of E.
Loop 0:35 Breakdown of Chord Rhythm
Loop 4:18 Train Example
Loop 5:18 Blues March Breakdown
Loop 6:47 Blues March Example
Loop 7:26 12 Bar Blues Form
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Same as the one chord. The pattern doesn't change.
Hi Jerry. I,m so glad in having found such great place to play harp.
I would like to know which holes you play when you go to the fourth chord.
Thanks in advance Jerry.
First and most basic: alternate two quick in breaths then two quick out breaths. Two in breaths on the first 3 holes, then two out breaths on the first 3 holes, then two in breaths on the first 2 holes, then two out breaths on the first 3 holes - then keep repeating this pattern. Over time, as the muscle memory becomes entrenched, you will be able do this faster and faster. This will give you a nice train rhythm and develop your ability to change breath direction quickly. It also will help develop a vibrato.
Thanks
Hi Jerry, could you reco some exercises for breath control?
Thanks so much for your time I'll go cheep. the delux Is almost double. both well sound close
Go cheap.
I was getting ready to order and came across the marine band delux. or should Iget the other one last question
One question i'm checking the marine band delux it has screws on the side but almost double the price. Is there much defference the tone of the harmonica.
No
I always have backups.
Thank you. Do you always have an extra with you when you play? I'm going to order someday
There is a very slight difference in the tuning, and the wood in the comb of the Crossover is bamboo as opposed to pear wood in a standard Marine Band. The Crossover is more expensive.
One question what is the difference in the marine band and the marine cross over?
So when buy I should A. C. Bb. keys, It would better if I got 2 of each key. The Marine it what I had years ago.
No, don't take it apart. Better than Lee Oskar I don't know - but I do know that most professional blues players use a Marine Band model.
So it sounds like it's better than Lee Oskar
you don't take apart right?
Harmonicas are like people - some live a long time, others die early. If dried saliva builds up around the holes, take a small penknife and scrape it off. Hope this helps.
Does the marine band have a long life if you take care it.? And what is the best way to clean it? thanks for your time
I prefer the sound and feel of the Marine Band, though perhaps it's just that I've always played them. Don't think the reed plates are replaceable.
Do you think it sounds better then Lee Oskar