Without saying which harps I've had, I have been at this si cr last summer and am stuck, wanting or intending to start over. I thought my intelligence and intuition would allow me to figure out how to excell playing a harmonica but this is not the case. I thought about just giving up but am haunted by desire to play and play well, even if from a limited selection of tunes.
So I have two questions: 1-While money would be an issue I'm goi going to say lets throw that out at this point as I'm looking for the best learning Key of C harmonica and in this case money is no object (okay I can't believe I said that) but I'm considering getting three key of C harps of different models or from different makers and just stick with those for however long it takes to get to where I'm feeling accomplished enough to play for or with my friends (I seem to know a lot of muscians but only one harp player). Maybe all I'll ever play are C harps, I have no idea but can best guess that I'll mostly play by myself at home and along with CD's.
2. I've tried instructional books but am having a hard time getting inspired.
What's the best approach online- I only have perked up by reading comments here about Adam and Ronnie S. I only have an iPhone for Internet so that might limit things some but I do have a computer ( not hooked up to the Internet) with a good sound system (it's just old -2009 iMac but plays CD's and DVD's really well. I'm trying to get my Senior Center to get a local harmonica instructor to do group lessons, I think that would be fun.
Recap: 1- reccomends 3 C harmonicas 2- reccomend DVD pkg instruction or something online that I can access via my iPhone.
There are several harmonicas that are good for beginners. A few good choices are the Hohner Special 20 , the Lee Oskar Major Diatonic, Suzuki Bluesmaster and Harpmaster and the Bushman Delta Frost which is very similar to the Suzuki Harpmaster. Although you only need one harmonica to learn to play, I would recommend getting a harp in the key of A in addition to one in C because an A harp is better for playing in the high register. When you get ready to start learning to bend notes you could get a harp in the key of D because it's easier to learn to bend the all important 2-in and 3-in holes than it is on a C or an A. At least that was the case with me.
As for instructional material, there is much more available today in the internet age than in the 1980s when I started. You could buy some of Adam's downloads ( I not sure but they would probably work on a iPhone) or buy the Harmonica for Dummies book (don't be put off by the title) by Winslow Yerxa. It comes with a CD with playing examples. David Barrett's series of books, CDs and DVDs are also very good. You could go to youtube and check out free harmonica lessons. Good luck and hang in there.
Last Edited by DanP on Apr 22, 2016 5:25 PM
I agree with DanP about an A harp instead or in addition to your C, especially if you want to learn blues harp.
If I were to start all over again, I'd get a Special 20 in A and follow all the way through Jerry Portnoy's Masterclass lessons, now free on Youtube. They predated Adam's lessons and are more "contained." Adam's lessons are vast and therefore a bit more difficult to navigate.
Once you've completed Jerry's lessons you will be in good stead to cast a new direction. I'd recommend Adam's lessons over Ronnie's. They're more structured and more complete.
Good luck and let us know how you do.
Michelle
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