Philosofy
649 posts
Jan 24, 2015
1:41 PM
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I'll be traveling with a colleague who wants me to teach him harmonica. He says he can play Old Susanna, and that's about it. I promised to get him up to Turkey In The Straw at least. However, I'd like to give him a book should he decide to keep going. I know Annie Raines started with a Gindick book, and I started with Blacky Shakner. Are there any others? I think this gentleman loves bluegrass, not sure if he actually plays an instrument.
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Popculture Chameleon
5 posts
Jan 24, 2015
2:36 PM
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There is the Everything Harmonica book by Douglas Llichterman- Its a basic bare bones kind of book that explains the a good bit of beginning techniques. It also covers a history of the best old and new players in the harmonica world and even has a list of recommended songs that has popular harmonica riffs on the tracks- (In the middle of the road) is an example of one of the songs listed I also have Rock n Blues buy Gindick as well. Im still trying to go through that one though
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dougharps
823 posts
Jan 24, 2015
2:43 PM
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Winslow Yerxa's book, "Harmonica for Dummies" is the best beginner to advanced book I have encountered. It covers many styles, is comprehensive in scope, and includes a CD of examples.
Harmonica for Dummies
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Doug S.
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MindTheGap
512 posts
Jan 25, 2015
3:20 AM
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I agree that Harmonica for Dummies is the obvious choice. Particularly because it includes a range of styles, and it's one book rather than a set which is easier if you are travelling. For something even more lightweight and introductory, I took my first steps with 'How To Play The Pocket Harmonica' by Peter Pickow which, in hindsight, is surprisingly comprehensive.
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Harmlessonica
28 posts
Jan 25, 2015
4:55 AM
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Another vote here for Winslow's book - I've seen many of the popular books, and this is the one I keep coming back to. The Complete Idiot's guide is also pretty good.
I once loaned a book from the library 'Bluegrass Harmonica' by Michael Stevens which might be a good choice for your friend, but IMO it's not so good for a beginner. It's a short book (but large format, for use on a music stand) and the text is not so thorough. Some of the songs are the author's own, and you'd have to be able to use the book in tandem with the CD to be able to play them. By all means check it out if you can.
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Mirco
247 posts
Jan 25, 2015
10:31 AM
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I agree with the Jon Gindick books, either "Rock and Blues Harmonica" or "Harmonica for the Musically Hopeless." I think Winslow's book, while comprehensive, would be intimidating for a raw beginner. Hell, the size of it still intimidates me, and I've been playing for two years.
Another book, at the risk of widespread criticism, is David Harp's "Instant Blues Harmonica." VERY beginner oriented, but it teaches 2-3 licks, basic chord theory and improvisation, and a simplified blues scale. It's the book that made me enjoy harmonica enough to keep up with it.
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Marc Graci
YouTube Channel
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KC69
431 posts
Jan 25, 2015
10:33 AM
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I would purchase the beginner book by Frank Bard. Frank is a country/ bluegrass player. His book is the easiest to learn with that I have seen!!! it also includes a follow along cd. It is called Heartland Harmonica. Plenty of songs your friend will like. You can't go wrong with this book. Only $15.00 Frank is a two time Buckeye State Harmonica winner. He also plays guitar, Dobro, and banjo. The book teaches first, second and some third positions, along with timing.
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And I Thank You !!
KCz
Backwoodz
Bluz
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Manitoba Slim
8 posts
Jan 25, 2015
10:35 AM
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The Phil Duncan book "You Can Teach Yourself Blues Harp" is awesome. It starts out teaching chords so it is instantly rewarding. From there you move on to single notes and halfway through the book bending lessions begin. I'm 3/4 of the way through and it's on to octaves. From what I can tell a beginner will be much better off after completing this book than many others. Here's a link:
http://www.melbay.com/Products/94698BCD/you-can-teach-yourself-blues-harp.aspx
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