ok so ive been learning how to play for the last few years, only in the past summer till now have i been searchin the videos on youtube to get some good stuff down. i guess what im trying to say is thanks for all the help, got lots to learn and im just scratching the surface of your lessons. oh and bravado, excelent ive been baffled as how to do it just as you were thanks for that as well.
i am a novice harp player, and still struggling getting a good vibrato. Anyway, there seem to be a handful of widespread approaches to producing it: using diaphragm, throat, mouth or tongue. IMO, mastering them all would be a good idea. Thanks for inspirational video, Adam, and now it's time for me to go back woodshedding :P
Your vibrato explanation didnt do it for me. I just started playing and have got the single notes, bending and some overblowing but yet to perfect these techniques. Vibrato is still a mystery to me.
Adam! My problem is vibrato on blow notes. I can get that cool wavy sound drawing because the note is slightly bending and going back into clean. Maybe that is temolo, whatever. I want my blow notes to vibrato, not just shut on and off!
"In other words, I was going to do what meditators do when you come up against who you are, and what you are, and you just sit with it. You just confront exactly where you are, you don't try to hide from it, you just say, I'm going to do what I do, then I'm going to work on it."
You are awesome. And intense. I'm not kidding when I say these videos are sheer genius. I may not know much about harmonica, but I know you sure do. Thanks for this.
I love that part about your student playing vibrato for hours.Funny yet dedicated too.Thanks for the passing on of knowledge. It's like discovering the personal ' feel'
Adam, I'm not sure if My vibrato's are right. But I use the air flowing through the harp, into my mouth and down into my lungs and I vibrato by moving my cheeks, tongue and lowering my jaw to change the volume of air I guess in my mouth, it works... but is it correct?
man i maybe dont have money to give you for your beatiful lessons...but sometimes money isnt the case ..you know you re gonna get this whole help back someway... : ) THANX
adam, you have an incredible talent and your penchant for teaching is beyond inspirational. The satan and adam documentary can't be released soon enough.
Alright, I still don't know how to produce that effect... not even the "bad" one. I guess I just have to keep practicing, but it's frustrating as hell.
hello strongbanana, I know exactly what you mean but by now, I already can do a nice vibrato. The trick is to practice it hard. This is a great lesson.
hi adam. first of all i would like to thankyou for your kind lessons. it is really a big help to me, who is eager to learn this instrument but cant afford to take private lessons. ( and also here in our country, harp players are rare.)
im a beginner to harp playing. I had hard times doing the "caughing while exhaling"(i think i should start on that). When im trying do the vibrato(the caughing), it's like im only getting a staccato. im not getting the vibrations. hope you'll help me out...
hmm i'm a beginner at playing the harmonica, but i've played sax for many years and i always use my jaw to play vibrato, but offcourse that makes sense with the reed on the sax. but the strange thing is that i used it on the harmonica too, automatically, and the strange thing is that it sounds perfect and i make the same throat movement as in the video too.
@jorritsmit: The difference between sax and harp, of course, is that sax players make all their notes on the exhale. Harp players make half their notes on the inhale, and when they're playing cross harp (the most common blues position) they play more than half of their notes on the draw, since the root, 3rd, 5th, and flat 7th are all draw on the strong lower and middle octave notes. The sort of vibrato I describe here--deep throat vibrato--is superior on the draw notes, I think.
By any chance do you have I want you and or sweet home chicago tabbed out exactly the way you play it on harlem blues. P.S any one reading this that doesn't Adam and satans Harlem blues should get IT!!!
@ArtofDreaming1: You know, I don't have that, but I really should. I'm glad you like that solo. It would be a b---h to tab, actually, because the timing is tricky. I'll make a note and do that sometime in the not-too-distant future.
@ArtofDreaming1 I got a tab, the bad news is: it's the one from 'Adam Charlie' album don't know if it's the same (it's great though) and it's not digital. Also no time scale..if you'd really want it, I can see what I can do with a scanner. Another option is downloading the free program 'best practice' so you can slow it down and figure it out.
i feel kinda stupid saying this lol but i bin trying for a couple days now and i still cant blow through just one hole i always end up blowing through two or three holes any ideas?
Adam, thanks for the great tuition! I suppose I am a bit impatient, I can get clean, clear 2 hole draws, but when it comes to vibrato, i'm sounding identical to what you started off at 28. My vibrato is sounding quite stuttered at the moment... Like you said in the video, I should just continue with what i have, and does the relaxation happen naturally? Thanks again.
You're absolutely right, the 2 draw is the most difficult obstacle as a new player that I have so far. I find I am pinching in an attempt to close off the 2 from the 1 and 3. I know this is old, but the little tips have been helping me greatly.
onebongoboy: Thanks Adam for all your great instruction. I watch your vids, all the time. I have a question, relating to the Beatles song I Should have known better. I believe the harp part in the intro of the song is either A or Ab, but is it a 3,4 draw in the first few bars? Thanks!
Thanks Adam. This lesson not only improved my two hold draw, but also my 3 hole draw which was more difficult for me. BTW, you beginner packages has really helped me a lot.
You really are offering something to the people Adam. Your a great player and a great teacher. Myself I can lay it down Blues wise on my Les Paul or Ovation. I think the Blues in its trueist form comes from this simple little instrument that you've mastered. Bought an E Blues a while back and its time to get busy and at least pick up the basics. Thought I might get some guidance thru the Tube. I never expected to land Mr Miyagi ( alis Magic Dick) as an instructer. Thanks for sharing your gift.
Thanks for the tips on vibrato, it seemed to have worked for me. I used to do that coughing thing and it eventually changed to a smoother sounding vibrato, did take a while though haha
hey adam...im just started harmonica and it might be a dumb question but to achieve single notes im using my tongue to slightly touch that hole so it actually comes a pretty cool sound...is there any problem with that?i mean it took me 2 days to make that and from what i know the easy things arent always the best...keep on..:D
Great video! I've always had some issues with my vibrato.
And yes, it IS vibrato. Tremolo is a completely different effect, used mostly by folk blues players and, occassionaly, by Sonny Boy Williamson II. It sounds very soft and is consisted of fluttering your free(right) palm in front of the hand that's holding the harp, never completely enclosing the harp. That creates an air turbulence and modifies the sound. There are two types of tremolo, soft & rapid (depends on the fluttering speed).
thanks man, u realy realy realy helped me out! people told me before that my draw on the 2 sounded bad, thanks to u it al good now and we made a few new songs with a good feeling.
Adam i have to say i have learned so much from you. I have been practicing for a couple of months. im trying to expand my playing to more notes right now im kinda in the 2,3,4,5,6, hole mode nothing more cepts some bends lol. I know there have been alot of legends in the past but you are for sure one of the greatest. Any tips for me im going to post some vids of me playing if u want to give a listen Go to my channel at Thezimmy84.
Recently I think my vibrato (or whateva it is) has improved with a somewhat different approach. I try to create a spasmodic movement--similar to convulsions during weeping--that includes the bottom of the throat, chest and diaphragm. I think it is a more visceral, expressive sound, and maybe Howlin' Wolf did something similar. It is most effective for me around the 3, 4 and 5 holes.
google "tremolo vibrato" and take a look at what wikipedia says. I'm actually doing both--varying pitch slightly, varying intensity--and if I pull my tongue back in my mouth as I play, to get that Howlin Wolf sound, the pitch varies quite distinctly--"vibrato," according to the definition offered in Wikipedia, which is the generally accepted definition.
i know the definitions of both, and what you're doing is tremolo. it's a common mistake to make, especially among guitar players (the whammy bar is commonly called a tremolo bar even though it does vibrato). The "vibrato" you're referring to with the tounge actually doesnt change the pitch, but instead the EQ. it's like a wah pedal. bassy, fat sound when your tongue is back; thin, trebly, "quack" when it is forward.
vibrato would be to rapidly bend and unbend a note.
When it comes to blues harmonica, you simply don't know what you're talking about. If you'd like, I can upload a video (I'll call it "Howling Wolf vibrato") in which I quite audibly raise and lower the pitch, reference you and your silly claim by name (notme98), and make a fool of you in public. I'm assuming you'd rather not go that way.
i'm not trying to embarrass you or insult you, im just clarifying the difference between tremolo and vibrato, which is a very common mix-up. i admit, i'm a beginner at harmonica, but these are not harmonica terms; they are music terms. and i'm no beginner at music.
is "howling wolf" what you're doing in this video? if so, i'm not hearing any vibrato, and even if there is some, the tremolo is much more prominent.
Adam i really love you thank you so much, still i don't understand how you're doing the vibrato, is it just moving the jaw or something in the throat also?
Hey Adam... Great great tutorials... you are clear, passionate, and a great teacher (and the attitude helps... cool!). I'm a beginner, but I feel I'm learning a lot... Thank you very much for doing this. Tell us if you accept donations...
One question... Anyone... Any tips for the draw? in the video, Adam's way of drawing is, for me, weird... He extends his lips... Maybe he'll explain it later... But let me know if anyone has a useful tip, or the video were he does.
Donations may be sent to: Modern Blues Harmonica, P.O. Box 2216, Oxford MS 38655
The extended lips thing is pretty much industry standard. It makes a huge difference. I learned it from Jon Gindick (google him), who has taught more people how to play the harmonica than anybody else in the world. Tell him I sentcha. And make your lips big and fat.
Don't worry. I had the same problem at the beginning and it was frustrating to me as well! I'd say, just keep trying without too much pressure, and listen to throat vibratos from different players. Give your ears, your throat and your breath time and be gentle to them ;-) One fine day I just realized it was in my tone. It could work the same for other people ;-)
I'm trying this and am still at the backwards cough stage. I figure that starting with a very quiet backwards cough might be best solution for not damaging the throat, until the natural vibrato kicks in.
Hi I'm practicing on the second hole draw. but it's never in tune with the 3 hole blow. Altough it sounds loud enough and i'm not bending the note. Is my harp out of tune?
Your embouchure is flawed. You might want to check out the video on my website, Modern Blues Harmonica (dot) com, entitled "Blues Harmonica Tone Clinic."
Yes, the series is free, all 175+ of my videos. But please feel free to drop a buck or two in the electronic tip bucket, which can be found at the bottom of my website's homepage...Modern Blues Harmonica (dot) com
I hope the exercise work, couse Ive always have wanted to get a vibrato like profesionals do... Its one of the things that blows my mind when I listen to harp player making vibratoes, going form one octove to other one getting that fast vibrato creating tension in chords progresions... even in chromatic harps the do it
Thanks Adam, this lesson inspired another harp breakthrough for me! I've been working on my vibrato, but didn't have the proper technique; I was making that "yeh" sound with my upper throat. I see that I should use my antire throat or atleast the lower part more - is this right???
Thanks again man. I need a good teacher, but can't afford one so I'm glad I found you on youtube here.
sorry...I forgot something...when you were plaing the 2nd hole you were sucking the air or ejecting it?...sorry...I couldn't get it because of the audio..thanks
Is there any problem if you want to emulate the same lesson using a D harmonica?... I've been leraning to play just by intuition..I mean just usin my ear...jeje I'm not that good but I'm really interested on this amazing instrument. I'm a flute player but I'd like to leran this just to create more music......so kudzuRunner...please...keep puloading this kind of videos...hey by the way do you think...waht is the best pitch to play blues...Just your opinion...thanks by the way
I just got that index... and it was the single best dollar that I have ever spent!... This is exactly what I felt was missing from you most excellent resource.. some way to quickly scroll through all of the information to target precisely what you want to!! Adam, thanks again for all you are doing on the harmonica, your brilliance passion is why I refer all my more advanced players to you!! HAPPY HARPING!!! mike
Mr. Gussow, you must be the Harp player on the Internet and I would like to thank you for sharing the knowledge you have. I also have a question about what age you started playing.
Holy crap. I'm kinda depressed. I remember it taking ages to learn to bend notes, then one day it just happened and I never looked back. But for some reason I can't seem to tackle the throat vibrato and for me it's one of the most important parts of blues harmonica. A lot of my friends think I play reeaallly well, but IIII know what's missing. Sigh. I hope if I follow this clip and others like it, ONE DAY I will just 'get it'. Grrr ... *makes sad face*
These videos are great! I've had a harmonica for years, but now I'm really going for it. I think I'm getting the vibrato sound OK, but it feels like it's coming from quite far down, like the vibrato is happening in my thoracic diaphragm. You look like it should be coming from the throat, is that right? Am I developing a mistaken technique if it's coming from lower down?
In all seriousness, apart from the usefulness of these lessons, I really appreciate the intellectual, philosophic reflections you share with us. You have a way of relating music to life, to our humanity, that sticks with me, and motivates me. The bit about confronting who you are, without hiding from it, like meditation, really hit the mark with me. Thanks.
Thanks! You should check out the three lessons called "crossroads," where I talk too much, probably, but lay out the life journey of a serious harp player.
I will...the ones where you're in your car at night, right? At least one of those I saw...I'll rewatch them soon. And I don't think you talk too much, you're really interesting. Not to sound too fawning or anything..:) I wish I could get a real time lesson from you.
wow your really amazing at the harmonica. I've picked up a little from the books I've purchased but besides them all that I have acquired is what i teach myself thanks for the help
I find that when I am attempting throat vibrato that the muscles in my diaphragm still contact and relax. Also, I don't think my throat is moving much, if at all. Any tips on how to fix this?
Secondly, allow me to take this opportunity to thank you for all your excellent vidoes. You never fail to amaze me.
Can u create a lesson plz. with HARP compare. I mean Cvs.A or Cvs.B (also B flat..dont know what it is).. cause i start to learn C, but when went into music store to chose something different, there were a thousands of different harps With major and minor high and low etc.... what adventages for eatch of them?
Adam, your videos are great. Thanks so much! One thing I found - the right harp matters a lot, especially for the 2-hole draw. With the inexpensive Hohner BluesBand (C) harp, all I could manage was a very duckish 2-hole draw.
When I bought a Hohner Marine Band Special 20 (C), the 2-hole draw was SO much easier, and stronger sounding. It was like night and day. I thought others might be in the same boat. If so, make sure you have a good harp.
I wish I read your comment 45 mins ago b4 I spent $40 on a Hohner blues harp. My 2 hole draw sounds bad, I thought I was doing something wrong. Next paycheck I'll try the Marine band special 20.
My girlfriend bought me a long 56 hole harmonica for christmas, which I liked. But after seeing some of your videos I had to get a diatonic one too (cos I love the blues). I been playing guitar for over 10 years so its great to play something new. I am really enjoying learning. Thank you very much for your videos.
Adam - you're amazing! I just discovered you last week and already your harp mastery and life story has been an inspiration. Thanks! The quality and strength of that vibrato is what struck me when I heard you play. And how you achieve it (seemingly all in the throat). The only way I can get that strong a vibrato on the 2 hole is by drawing normally and shaking the harp. Seems to work for me, but I question whether or not this is a good technique. What do you think? Thanks for the lessons! Joe
I can't diagnose without seeing you in action, I"m afraid. Ultimately, the sound is what counts, not how you produce it. If you get a great sound using your technique and you can kick your vibrato into gear whenever you want--hey, I'm a fan.
Is the vibrado supposed to sound like a series of draws because mine sounds like that. I can see your throat moving but cant quite get that basic movement.
i just going to concentrate upon the single note draws and 2draw daily for a few months.until i have it pat,as per your first 1/2 lessons.thnaks very much
BTW i saw the trailer on your site for the Satan and Adam movie,is Satan still around and OK ?
Awesome Video!! i like how you covered the vibrato, but i am still confused on achieving vibrato when a beginner such as myself doesn't have any notion of how to start a vibrato effect.
I'm sure I cover this in this video or the one before or after. I suggest that you begin by coughing inwardly, learn how to strengthen that, then slowly allow it to smooth out.
Awesome Video!! i like how you covered the vibrato, but i am still confused on achieving vibrato when a beginner such as myself doesn't have any notion of how to start a vibrato effect.
I had real trouble too. I didn't start to get the idea until I saw this video. Listen carefully to Adam, getting a good single note on 2 draw. When you're comfortable with it & have the right embouchure, (mouth shape), try the vibrato. Practice and begin by breathing out gently (without harp), make a 'huh, huh' sound. Try it breathing in. Then with harp. Difficult? Only at first. Try every day. It will come. Took me about 2 weeks to get the idea. It's worth paying for a lesson.
Hey Adam. 1st of all, thanks a lot for these lessons. I'm totally new to the harmonica and your video's are helping a lot. In this video you talk about the 2 hole draw. So far I'm failing big time. Even if I put the harmonica deeper inside my mouth it isnt working, cause then I also draw the 1 hole. Maybe i should learn to use tongueblocking :-) Or maybe i need way more practicing
Well I thought I was wrong with my technique on the 2nd draw until I bought a Hohner Marine Band (special 20)
Seems like cheap or old harmonicas tend to be weaker on this one. Am I wrong Adam? I try both my old Delta and my new Hohner back to back and I don't have any problems with my Hohner. By the way, thanks a lot Adam for your complete and really helpful videos. As a pure beginner, you're my private teacher ;)
I have been playing about 6 months, i actually jumped on stage with a friends blues band the day i bought my harps. I had been practicing the BS lessons that come with the harp all day and have enough theory knowledge to know to stay in my limitations. I impressed everyone, but now more is expected, your lessons are so appreciated as the books and cds i've bought don't come near the explanation of techniques and getting that "pro sound" thanks a lot
Hello Adam, I'd like to thank you for taking the time to create and upload all of these amazing harmonica lessons on YouTube, I've always been one of those "all the best musicians taught themselves how to play" type of guys but your lessons have progressed my playing further in 2 days than I've been able to get myself in one month! You really have a knack for teaching. Again we really do appreciate it and please check out my channel for some rare Hendrix.
Thanks DJ. Yeah, most of the good players taught themselves, but some of us had a great teacher come along at the right moment and give us a helping hand. I'm just trying to repay the favor.
Heeyyy Adammm.. Jee mannnnn your tipssss aree reallyyy goood... is helping me a lotttttt... thankss for the lessons.... i got it... you're a damnn good teacher... =)
dam. u're the man adam. thanks for your good lessons and tips. I'm starting the harmonica. mine is a blues harp in C. by the way, I would like to know what is a bar and that 8 bar u're talking. (I barely starting, my 3rd day xD).
I've been playing blues harp for many years and have played hundreds of blues gigs and always thought my vibrato was just fine. Until now. It's great to see your lessons on youtube. I always enjoyed your column in the late "Blues Access" magazine. Thanks for helping me (hopefully) improve my harp chops!
on nvm completle forget about my last comment, i was playing it and found out that i was tilting my head down while doing the draw, turns out i tilt my head up and perfect beautiful sound came ou. so im assuming the hole breathing tchnique has to do with you voice box ? and now all the sudden my throat hurts lol i guess its working it way into the harmonica :)
hey i was watching these videos and i dunno what the problem is i try the 2 hole draw and i dont get any sound what so ever. im thinking i might have to open the read thingy up should i do that? the sound im getting is a very high pitch noise but very low volume of it, it sounds like its stuck to me, but i just want some advice before i mess things up. Its Also a Key Of C.
Great lesson!!! Adam is my mentor. I would like to add a small tip to his great vibrato that helps me get it out better however I am not very good at this yet. Try laying down on your back while performing Adams "Seven Beats to Better Vibrato Method/Better Vibrato Just 5 Minutes A Day". This will automatically bring the vibrato more from the gut. Thanks Adam
i had problems with my 2 draw as well. so much in fact that i returned 3! harmonicas thinking they were faulty when i first started. anyway, i posted on a forum and some guy told me something so simple i had to laugh at myself. basically as you are drawing in you also breathe in with your nose. now i'm still a newbie but the note doesn't give me trouble ;)
i'm having trouble,,it keeps on going flat on the 2 draw,,but as I breath through my noise it sounds a bit better,,BUT my lungs fill up instantly =),,,,
Adam,,,do you breathe through your noise on this note?
I can do draws decently on most of the holes, but for some reason, the 2 hole draw is giving me the most trouble and of course it's the most important. Is it normally a trouble draw? (i'm on a hohner marine band 1896 in C)
blow as much or more air AROUND the harp (i.e., above and below the top and bottom coverplates) as through the holes, by allowing the harp to fall away from your mouth on that 8th beat.
It's easy, but only if you do as I say: blow as much or more air AROUND the harp (i.e., above and below the top and bottom coverplates) as through the holes, by allowing the harp to fall away from your mouth on that 8th beat.
hey, i think here is a good place to make a question.. so, you write everywhere "Blues harmonica". Is is any special type of harmonica? or just way of playing?
It's a special way of playing. But you can play that style--blues harmonica--on any 10-hole diatonic harmonica, and on many varieties of chromatic harmonica.
Since I began on Hohner's Marine Band model 1896 (10-hole diatonic) in 1974 and still use it, I guess I'd be a fool to advocate any other brand or model, wouldn't I? Sign up to harp-L and ask for advice over there, if you're looking for more options.
I have just decided to pick up my harmonica, also a Hohner's Marine Band Modeal 1896, and learn to play. Your lessons are very helpful. Just to be sure, draw is breathing in correct? The way your ambature looks I'm not always sure :)
ok so ive been learning how to play for the last few years, only in the past summer till now have i been searchin the videos on youtube to get some good stuff down. i guess what im trying to say is thanks for all the help, got lots to learn and im just scratching the surface of your lessons. oh and bravado, excelent ive been baffled as how to do it just as you were thanks for that as well.
bottleofhatered 2 days ago
I have been playing for over 20 years and have never broken down the anatomy or mechanics of of playing. Thanks Adam! I'll be back for more!
bluesologistdan 1 month ago
i am a novice harp player, and still struggling getting a good vibrato. Anyway, there seem to be a handful of widespread approaches to producing it: using diaphragm, throat, mouth or tongue. IMO, mastering them all would be a good idea. Thanks for inspirational video, Adam, and now it's time for me to go back woodshedding :P
deathoxy 2 months ago
Your vibrato explanation didnt do it for me. I just started playing and have got the single notes, bending and some overblowing but yet to perfect these techniques. Vibrato is still a mystery to me.
journeyquest1 4 months ago
Adam! My problem is vibrato on blow notes. I can get that cool wavy sound drawing because the note is slightly bending and going back into clean. Maybe that is temolo, whatever. I want my blow notes to vibrato, not just shut on and off!
clrn2mt 4 months ago
I love it, you are confirming how and what i play, people always ask me if i am playing "this or that" i reply, nope I am playing me :) your the best
terr3nce 6 months ago in playlist blues harmonica lessons 1
So basically you're telling me to practice for 7 weeks.
NickeyWhitfield 7 months ago
"In other words, I was going to do what meditators do when you come up against who you are, and what you are, and you just sit with it. You just confront exactly where you are, you don't try to hide from it, you just say, I'm going to do what I do, then I'm going to work on it."
You are awesome. And intense. I'm not kidding when I say these videos are sheer genius. I may not know much about harmonica, but I know you sure do. Thanks for this.
tcmzueck 7 months ago
I love that part about your student playing vibrato for hours.Funny yet dedicated too.Thanks for the passing on of knowledge. It's like discovering the personal ' feel'
skywardism 7 months ago
How long did it take you to get the vibrato that you can play now?
darm1920 9 months ago
Adam, I'm not sure if My vibrato's are right. But I use the air flowing through the harp, into my mouth and down into my lungs and I vibrato by moving my cheeks, tongue and lowering my jaw to change the volume of air I guess in my mouth, it works... but is it correct?
Love your stuff mate.
JetJockey87 10 months ago
ADAM TANKS FOR SHERING THE FAT LIP TIP IT WORCS OK
juanlora1967 11 months ago
sory i dont rait or speec to much englich i wunder if dat is the song of barreta the tv series you now the name or the tableture
juanlora1967 11 months ago
Just bought your kick and Stomp Album. Kick and Stomp has to be one of the best harmonica riffs ive heared. I love it. Cheers Adam
welshbarbarian 1 year ago
man i maybe dont have money to give you for your beatiful lessons...but sometimes money isnt the case ..you know you re gonna get this whole help back someway... : ) THANX
sxizofrenia13 1 year ago
adam, you have an incredible talent and your penchant for teaching is beyond inspirational. The satan and adam documentary can't be released soon enough.
979259 1 year ago
Alright, I still don't know how to produce that effect... not even the "bad" one. I guess I just have to keep practicing, but it's frustrating as hell.
Kuba022 1 year ago
@Strongbanana
hello strongbanana, I know exactly what you mean but by now, I already can do a nice vibrato. The trick is to practice it hard. This is a great lesson.
mestredecerimonias 1 year ago
Hi Adam-great series . My new MB harmonica has a muffled sound on the two hole draw-all the other notes sound bright .Can you suggest a remedy?
MrDougfoot
MrDougfoot 1 year ago
hi adam. first of all i would like to thankyou for your kind lessons. it is really a big help to me, who is eager to learn this instrument but cant afford to take private lessons. ( and also here in our country, harp players are rare.)
im a beginner to harp playing. I had hard times doing the "caughing while exhaling"(i think i should start on that). When im trying do the vibrato(the caughing), it's like im only getting a staccato. im not getting the vibrations. hope you'll help me out...
Jemoy007 1 year ago
hmm i'm a beginner at playing the harmonica, but i've played sax for many years and i always use my jaw to play vibrato, but offcourse that makes sense with the reed on the sax. but the strange thing is that i used it on the harmonica too, automatically, and the strange thing is that it sounds perfect and i make the same throat movement as in the video too.
jorritsmit 1 year ago
@jorritsmit: The difference between sax and harp, of course, is that sax players make all their notes on the exhale. Harp players make half their notes on the inhale, and when they're playing cross harp (the most common blues position) they play more than half of their notes on the draw, since the root, 3rd, 5th, and flat 7th are all draw on the strong lower and middle octave notes. The sort of vibrato I describe here--deep throat vibrato--is superior on the draw notes, I think.
KudzuRunner 1 year ago
@jorritsmit: .......(Part 2)....but on the higher blow notes, I've come to agree with you that jaw vibrato is superior.
KudzuRunner 1 year ago
By any chance do you have I want you and or sweet home chicago tabbed out exactly the way you play it on harlem blues. P.S any one reading this that doesn't Adam and satans Harlem blues should get IT!!!
ArtofDreaming1 1 year ago
@ArtofDreaming1: You know, I don't have that, but I really should. I'm glad you like that solo. It would be a b---h to tab, actually, because the timing is tricky. I'll make a note and do that sometime in the not-too-distant future.
KudzuRunner 1 year ago
@ArtofDreaming1 I got a tab, the bad news is: it's the one from 'Adam Charlie' album don't know if it's the same (it's great though) and it's not digital. Also no time scale..if you'd really want it, I can see what I can do with a scanner. Another option is downloading the free program 'best practice' so you can slow it down and figure it out.
jaegermeester 8 months ago
i feel kinda stupid saying this lol but i bin trying for a couple days now and i still cant blow through just one hole i always end up blowing through two or three holes any ideas?
rifleshot07 1 year ago
@rifleshot07
jezharp 1 year ago
@rifleshot07 watch video 001 or 002
jezharp 1 year ago
Adam, thanks for the great tuition! I suppose I am a bit impatient, I can get clean, clear 2 hole draws, but when it comes to vibrato, i'm sounding identical to what you started off at 28. My vibrato is sounding quite stuttered at the moment... Like you said in the video, I should just continue with what i have, and does the relaxation happen naturally? Thanks again.
jezharp 1 year ago
You're absolutely right, the 2 draw is the most difficult obstacle as a new player that I have so far. I find I am pinching in an attempt to close off the 2 from the 1 and 3. I know this is old, but the little tips have been helping me greatly.
SPRS4 1 year ago
onebongoboy: Thanks Adam for all your great instruction. I watch your vids, all the time. I have a question, relating to the Beatles song I Should have known better. I believe the harp part in the intro of the song is either A or Ab, but is it a 3,4 draw in the first few bars? Thanks!
onebongoboy 1 year ago
notme98 needs to spend time practicing and studying, and not his/her time being a doucher. Adam love what your doing, peace n love
addonizio4philly 1 year ago
Thanks Adam. This lesson not only improved my two hold draw, but also my 3 hole draw which was more difficult for me. BTW, you beginner packages has really helped me a lot.
boblau 1 year ago
Q: do you breath out for seven beat or do you breath in? cuz it looks like you breath in
thinisha 1 year ago
i'm ready to get me a good 2 hole draw today man... or hopefully this week lol
kristophershaun 1 year ago
You really are offering something to the people Adam. Your a great player and a great teacher. Myself I can lay it down Blues wise on my Les Paul or Ovation. I think the Blues in its trueist form comes from this simple little instrument that you've mastered. Bought an E Blues a while back and its time to get busy and at least pick up the basics. Thought I might get some guidance thru the Tube. I never expected to land Mr Miyagi ( alis Magic Dick) as an instructer. Thanks for sharing your gift.
olbuzz 1 year ago
If only I could do a bad vibrato...
mestredecerimonias 1 year ago
thank you, I'm a beginner and was having troubles playing whole 2 but with your fat lip advice it definitely helped. Thank you, :)
Jarable187 1 year ago
Thanks for the tips on vibrato, it seemed to have worked for me. I used to do that coughing thing and it eventually changed to a smoother sounding vibrato, did take a while though haha
darkstar941 2 years ago
7:57 made my day xp
Good job man, you are awesome!
deck444 2 years ago
hey adam...im just started harmonica and it might be a dumb question but to achieve single notes im using my tongue to slightly touch that hole so it actually comes a pretty cool sound...is there any problem with that?i mean it took me 2 days to make that and from what i know the easy things arent always the best...keep on..:D
SwampDevilGr 2 years ago
Great video! I've always had some issues with my vibrato.
And yes, it IS vibrato. Tremolo is a completely different effect, used mostly by folk blues players and, occassionaly, by Sonny Boy Williamson II. It sounds very soft and is consisted of fluttering your free(right) palm in front of the hand that's holding the harp, never completely enclosing the harp. That creates an air turbulence and modifies the sound. There are two types of tremolo, soft & rapid (depends on the fluttering speed).
nemojdamekoljes 2 years ago
Got to the end of your vid, and I thought, Im so far away for being able to do that its not even funny... no wait, yea, it kinda is.
tomcornwall83 2 years ago
thanks man, u realy realy realy helped me out! people told me before that my draw on the 2 sounded bad, thanks to u it al good now and we made a few new songs with a good feeling.
Thanks Aagain!
Tequilla070 2 years ago
Adam i have to say i have learned so much from you. I have been practicing for a couple of months. im trying to expand my playing to more notes right now im kinda in the 2,3,4,5,6, hole mode nothing more cepts some bends lol. I know there have been alot of legends in the past but you are for sure one of the greatest. Any tips for me im going to post some vids of me playing if u want to give a listen Go to my channel at Thezimmy84.
TheZimmy84 2 years ago
Recently I think my vibrato (or whateva it is) has improved with a somewhat different approach. I try to create a spasmodic movement--similar to convulsions during weeping--that includes the bottom of the throat, chest and diaphragm. I think it is a more visceral, expressive sound, and maybe Howlin' Wolf did something similar. It is most effective for me around the 3, 4 and 5 holes.
paulybrooklyn 2 years ago
"common! shut up, amp!" super
TanatakaCorpusDomini 2 years ago 10
can you use a guitar amp for playing the harp?
i have a CRATE amp
uses the normal guitar jack
would i just buy a harp mic for it to work?
i think it sounds really cool haha
eXaCtAcT 2 years ago
it's tremolo, not vibrato
notme98 2 years ago
google "tremolo vibrato" and take a look at what wikipedia says. I'm actually doing both--varying pitch slightly, varying intensity--and if I pull my tongue back in my mouth as I play, to get that Howlin Wolf sound, the pitch varies quite distinctly--"vibrato," according to the definition offered in Wikipedia, which is the generally accepted definition.
KudzuRunner 2 years ago
i know the definitions of both, and what you're doing is tremolo. it's a common mistake to make, especially among guitar players (the whammy bar is commonly called a tremolo bar even though it does vibrato). The "vibrato" you're referring to with the tounge actually doesnt change the pitch, but instead the EQ. it's like a wah pedal. bassy, fat sound when your tongue is back; thin, trebly, "quack" when it is forward.
vibrato would be to rapidly bend and unbend a note.
notme98 2 years ago
When it comes to blues harmonica, you simply don't know what you're talking about. If you'd like, I can upload a video (I'll call it "Howling Wolf vibrato") in which I quite audibly raise and lower the pitch, reference you and your silly claim by name (notme98), and make a fool of you in public. I'm assuming you'd rather not go that way.
If you think I'm bluffing, just try me.
KudzuRunner 2 years ago
i'm not trying to embarrass you or insult you, im just clarifying the difference between tremolo and vibrato, which is a very common mix-up. i admit, i'm a beginner at harmonica, but these are not harmonica terms; they are music terms. and i'm no beginner at music.
is "howling wolf" what you're doing in this video? if so, i'm not hearing any vibrato, and even if there is some, the tremolo is much more prominent.
notme98 2 years ago
@notme98 hater
ccaall0375 1 year ago
Adam i really love you thank you so much, still i don't understand how you're doing the vibrato, is it just moving the jaw or something in the throat also?
camicm123 2 years ago
Hey Adam... Great great tutorials... you are clear, passionate, and a great teacher (and the attitude helps... cool!). I'm a beginner, but I feel I'm learning a lot... Thank you very much for doing this. Tell us if you accept donations...
One question... Anyone... Any tips for the draw? in the video, Adam's way of drawing is, for me, weird... He extends his lips... Maybe he'll explain it later... But let me know if anyone has a useful tip, or the video were he does.
etouma 2 years ago
Donations may be sent to: Modern Blues Harmonica, P.O. Box 2216, Oxford MS 38655
The extended lips thing is pretty much industry standard. It makes a huge difference. I learned it from Jon Gindick (google him), who has taught more people how to play the harmonica than anybody else in the world. Tell him I sentcha. And make your lips big and fat.
KudzuRunner 2 years ago
Thanks so much for this superb instructional. There are outthere some killer harp players now, but not many as superb teachers as you!
OtisSpain 2 years ago
i can put throat vibrato on whenever i blow but i find it near impossible to put vibrato while i inhale or draw. It's soo frustrating to me!
aab35 2 years ago
Don't worry. I had the same problem at the beginning and it was frustrating to me as well! I'd say, just keep trying without too much pressure, and listen to throat vibratos from different players. Give your ears, your throat and your breath time and be gentle to them ;-) One fine day I just realized it was in my tone. It could work the same for other people ;-)
marmotbreizh 2 years ago
I have exactly the same problem. Help!
BackFortyBushcraft 2 years ago
hey adam
the riffs that you demonstrate, towards the end. whats the name of the song or where can i find more info on it.
xindeathwedefyx 2 years ago
Is vibrato something that is used only with a draw or should I be trying to use it on the blow as well?
tecumseh1984 2 years ago
I'm trying this and am still at the backwards cough stage. I figure that starting with a very quiet backwards cough might be best solution for not damaging the throat, until the natural vibrato kicks in.
Slimduanie 2 years ago
So you want more of a 'fish face' instead of a 'kiss face'?
arcadiandelsol 2 years ago
"come on, shut up, Amp!"..love it...
I feel like i owe you now...
great lessons...
i have sent several local blues musicians to this playlist...
gxcope 2 years ago 3
hmm.. I always slightly bend the note..
moviesandmusicBE 2 years ago
Hi I'm practicing on the second hole draw. but it's never in tune with the 3 hole blow. Altough it sounds loud enough and i'm not bending the note. Is my harp out of tune?
joepiejoey 2 years ago
Your embouchure is flawed. You might want to check out the video on my website, Modern Blues Harmonica (dot) com, entitled "Blues Harmonica Tone Clinic."
KudzuRunner 2 years ago
I can't believe this series of lessons are free, on youtube...
Thank you, Mr Gussow!
ogobongo 2 years ago
Yes, the series is free, all 175+ of my videos. But please feel free to drop a buck or two in the electronic tip bucket, which can be found at the bottom of my website's homepage...Modern Blues Harmonica (dot) com
KudzuRunner 2 years ago
THANKS Adam. This Lesson is the real 'Breakthrough' Lesson for me because I've always wondered how to go
about Achieving what you have just taught
us on this Video! Thanks So Much !
My Vibrato has always Sucked - along with
my Tone, and I'm grateful that you've showed us how to go about improving our
playing style!
dylansdisciple1 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Do you want to undress me?
fastsexfinder(dot)(com)
Arizonasquirter85 2 years ago
That exercise drawing for 7 beats worked incredibly well for me.
When I first started out, I was really weak...after a couple of weeks I was like a high performance vaccuum cleaner!
MusicMan20061210 2 years ago
That's good to know! I've always felt that the excercise really worked, but some positive feedback is nice.
KudzuRunner 2 years ago
Yes,I think for anybody that is just beginning...there is just plain exhaustion first.There's a physical hurdle to get over in the breathing.
I had no problem in blowing,since I've played the trumpet for many years.But drawing in air of resistance was really a different thing.
Thanks,Adam
Roland
MusicMan20061210 2 years ago
so humor
great man ！
robyhaha 3 years ago
I hope the exercise work, couse Ive always have wanted to get a vibrato like profesionals do... Its one of the things that blows my mind when I listen to harp player making vibratoes, going form one octove to other one getting that fast vibrato creating tension in chords progresions... even in chromatic harps the do it
AraguaJam 3 years ago
Hey adam,
when i play vibrato i often find myself tightening up in the stomache and entire abdomen. Anyway to stop this?
tenichols10 3 years ago
Thanks Adam, this lesson inspired another harp breakthrough for me! I've been working on my vibrato, but didn't have the proper technique; I was making that "yeh" sound with my upper throat. I see that I should use my antire throat or atleast the lower part more - is this right???
Thanks again man. I need a good teacher, but can't afford one so I'm glad I found you on youtube here.
samuraiKevin2 3 years ago
and it also inspired me to play the harp, i bought a Bb harp so i can along with your teachings, thanks it's helping alot
kardonman 3 years ago
sorry i did not put any effort into that comment, i was talking more about the tune you are playing while using the amp.
kardonman 3 years ago
you should do a lesson on how to play what you play amplafied
kardonman 3 years ago
I've done that. "Amping the Harp." A short free video on Youtube, a much longer video at Modern Blues Harmonica.
KudzuRunner 3 years ago
marry marry chirstmas
kardonman 3 years ago
....same as guitar - tone and vibrato = class!
Geetar2112 3 years ago
Like the control vibrato!
chromatic8d 3 years ago
is that a B flat?
awesomlee 3 years ago
sorry...I forgot something...when you were plaing the 2nd hole you were sucking the air or ejecting it?...sorry...I couldn't get it because of the audio..thanks
Sayonarabanzai 3 years ago
sucking
Apriltheses 3 years ago
Is there any problem if you want to emulate the same lesson using a D harmonica?... I've been leraning to play just by intuition..I mean just usin my ear...jeje I'm not that good but I'm really interested on this amazing instrument. I'm a flute player but I'd like to leran this just to create more music......so kudzuRunner...please...keep puloading this kind of videos...hey by the way do you think...waht is the best pitch to play blues...Just your opinion...thanks by the way
Sayonarabanzai 3 years ago
screw 5 minuets a day i just got it in 5 seconds
thanks adam
SoloBen247 3 years ago
Hi Adam,
What key harmonica do you use in each lesson.
lowfunk99 3 years ago
For $1 you can buy a 100-page (!) index to the first 100 of my videos; it has all the keys. Visit Modern Blues Harmonica....YouTube products...
KudzuRunner 3 years ago
I just got that index... and it was the single best dollar that I have ever spent!... This is exactly what I felt was missing from you most excellent resource.. some way to quickly scroll through all of the information to target precisely what you want to!! Adam, thanks again for all you are doing on the harmonica, your brilliance passion is why I refer all my more advanced players to you!! HAPPY HARPING!!! mike
pazzmanmusic 3 years ago
not to be rude, mr. Gussow, but he clearly asked what key is your harmonica. You made no real answer.
Lowfunk his harmonica is in the key of Bb, i do believe.
zoob1993 3 years ago
Not to be rude, mr. noob
Zoob*
But he clearly asked what harmonica was used in each lesson. While he does often use a Bb harmonica, many of his lessons use other keys.
anon540 3 years ago 2
Mr. Gussow, you must be the Harp player on the Internet and I would like to thank you for sharing the knowledge you have. I also have a question about what age you started playing.
Thanks
tab1990 3 years ago
I started when I was 16 years old, in the fall of my senior year in high school.
KudzuRunner 3 years ago
The Zen of HARP. : D
maxellison55 3 years ago
hey man can you tell me your web site!
you talk a lot of it ..lol i want to know it!
thanks bye
rubenchohp 3 years ago
THANK YOU! this video and #2 has made such a difference for me! I cant wait to get through the next 190 videos :)
odelay12v 3 years ago
Holy crap. I'm kinda depressed. I remember it taking ages to learn to bend notes, then one day it just happened and I never looked back. But for some reason I can't seem to tackle the throat vibrato and for me it's one of the most important parts of blues harmonica. A lot of my friends think I play reeaallly well, but IIII know what's missing. Sigh. I hope if I follow this clip and others like it, ONE DAY I will just 'get it'. Grrr ... *makes sad face*
CurlywurlyBooBoo 3 years ago
These videos are great! I've had a harmonica for years, but now I'm really going for it. I think I'm getting the vibrato sound OK, but it feels like it's coming from quite far down, like the vibrato is happening in my thoracic diaphragm. You look like it should be coming from the throat, is that right? Am I developing a mistaken technique if it's coming from lower down?
Talos21975 3 years ago
Actually, ignore that last question. I just watched the next lesson and it answered all my questions! I'll make sure I check ahead next time!
Talos21975 3 years ago
great post man
ilverocinghy 3 years ago
In all seriousness, apart from the usefulness of these lessons, I really appreciate the intellectual, philosophic reflections you share with us. You have a way of relating music to life, to our humanity, that sticks with me, and motivates me. The bit about confronting who you are, without hiding from it, like meditation, really hit the mark with me. Thanks.
expatriot1 3 years ago 3
Thanks! You should check out the three lessons called "crossroads," where I talk too much, probably, but lay out the life journey of a serious harp player.
KudzuRunner 3 years ago
I will...the ones where you're in your car at night, right? At least one of those I saw...I'll rewatch them soon. And I don't think you talk too much, you're really interesting. Not to sound too fawning or anything..:) I wish I could get a real time lesson from you.
expatriot1 3 years ago
Not "old maids' mouth" LOL!!!
expatriot1 3 years ago
wow your really amazing at the harmonica. I've picked up a little from the books I've purchased but besides them all that I have acquired is what i teach myself thanks for the help
chaosrogue7 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Teach us the harmonica solo in "Hook" by Blues Traveler and I'll subscribe!
Jaysun325 3 years ago
my tongue get's dry.. haha
KennyRedjo 3 years ago
Great video on throat vibrato.
jcd48 3 years ago
Hi Adam,
I find that when I am attempting throat vibrato that the muscles in my diaphragm still contact and relax. Also, I don't think my throat is moving much, if at all. Any tips on how to fix this?
Secondly, allow me to take this opportunity to thank you for all your excellent vidoes. You never fail to amaze me.
Thank you sir.
boxjob 3 years ago
hi. Great videos!!!
Can u create a lesson plz. with HARP compare. I mean Cvs.A or Cvs.B (also B flat..dont know what it is).. cause i start to learn C, but when went into music store to chose something different, there were a thousands of different harps With major and minor high and low etc.... what adventages for eatch of them?
maybe i'am to stupid lol
Thanks
kloijhi 3 years ago
Adam, your videos are great. Thanks so much! One thing I found - the right harp matters a lot, especially for the 2-hole draw. With the inexpensive Hohner BluesBand (C) harp, all I could manage was a very duckish 2-hole draw.
When I bought a Hohner Marine Band Special 20 (C), the 2-hole draw was SO much easier, and stronger sounding. It was like night and day. I thought others might be in the same boat. If so, make sure you have a good harp.
dpomerleau 3 years ago
I wish I read your comment 45 mins ago b4 I spent $40 on a Hohner blues harp. My 2 hole draw sounds bad, I thought I was doing something wrong. Next paycheck I'll try the Marine band special 20.
Smeddog1 3 years ago
hey Adam thanks for these lessons they'r great!
i'm a begginer so you're helping me a lot!
are you using a B flat hohner marine band harp?
motzyca22 3 years ago
Thanks for taking the time with this. Great videos.
CR0SSHARP 4 years ago
My girlfriend bought me a long 56 hole harmonica for christmas, which I liked. But after seeing some of your videos I had to get a diatonic one too (cos I love the blues). I been playing guitar for over 10 years so its great to play something new. I am really enjoying learning. Thank you very much for your videos.
gaz470 4 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Hi Adam,
Change yourself and your work will seem different.
Thanks for all.
horasdispersas 4 years ago
Adam - you're amazing! I just discovered you last week and already your harp mastery and life story has been an inspiration. Thanks! The quality and strength of that vibrato is what struck me when I heard you play. And how you achieve it (seemingly all in the throat). The only way I can get that strong a vibrato on the 2 hole is by drawing normally and shaking the harp. Seems to work for me, but I question whether or not this is a good technique. What do you think? Thanks for the lessons! Joe
jopeyman 4 years ago
I can't diagnose without seeing you in action, I"m afraid. Ultimately, the sound is what counts, not how you produce it. If you get a great sound using your technique and you can kick your vibrato into gear whenever you want--hey, I'm a fan.
KudzuRunner 4 years ago
Is the vibrado supposed to sound like a series of draws because mine sounds like that. I can see your throat moving but cant quite get that basic movement.
bartosik666 4 years ago
Another important lesson on tone that has me rethinking my technique.
MisterPignose 4 years ago
No commercial sure adam has a site and he does but he gives free lesson on here and take time to personally reply to most people
thats a lot of free time and input ,so no commercial
jaceuk 4 years ago
Hi Adam, I´m Brazilian and i "play" harmonica since 1999 but, i confess, after a saw ur video, i saw: i play nothing!
Thank u for ur lessons and when i start playing "good" i´ll post a video with a note: "adam was my teacher".
hugs and happy chistmas! thank u again!
amnesia01 4 years ago
Thanks! I've never been to Brazil (Brasil), by the way, but have huge respect for the musicians and music down there.
KudzuRunner 4 years ago
hey adam thanks for all you do, i got a question, do you play a harp in the key of "A", and which key is your favorite
redbaron447 4 years ago
Hi Adam,
Just got my first Harp a Hohner blues in C,
i just going to concentrate upon the single note draws and 2draw daily for a few months.until i have it pat,as per your first 1/2 lessons.thnaks very much
BTW i saw the trailer on your site for the Satan and Adam movie,is Satan still around and OK ?
Thanks again
jaceuk 4 years ago
How about using the tongue for the vibrato?
SammySteele 4 years ago
Awesome Video!! i like how you covered the vibrato, but i am still confused on achieving vibrato when a beginner such as myself doesn't have any notion of how to start a vibrato effect.
lessavyfav712712 4 years ago
I'm sure I cover this in this video or the one before or after. I suggest that you begin by coughing inwardly, learn how to strengthen that, then slowly allow it to smooth out.
KudzuRunner 4 years ago
Awesome Video!! i like how you covered the vibrato, but i am still confused on achieving vibrato when a beginner such as myself doesn't have any notion of how to start a vibrato effect.
atgdeadeye 4 years ago
I had real trouble too. I didn't start to get the idea until I saw this video. Listen carefully to Adam, getting a good single note on 2 draw. When you're comfortable with it & have the right embouchure, (mouth shape), try the vibrato. Practice and begin by breathing out gently (without harp), make a 'huh, huh' sound. Try it breathing in. Then with harp. Difficult? Only at first. Try every day. It will come. Took me about 2 weeks to get the idea. It's worth paying for a lesson.
shakebag1 4 years ago
it is hard to see what he is doing in the video, in regards to throat vibrato. any tips?
atgdeadeye 4 years ago
Hey Adam. 1st of all, thanks a lot for these lessons. I'm totally new to the harmonica and your video's are helping a lot. In this video you talk about the 2 hole draw. So far I'm failing big time. Even if I put the harmonica deeper inside my mouth it isnt working, cause then I also draw the 1 hole. Maybe i should learn to use tongueblocking :-) Or maybe i need way more practicing
Piek00 4 years ago
Well I thought I was wrong with my technique on the 2nd draw until I bought a Hohner Marine Band (special 20)
Seems like cheap or old harmonicas tend to be weaker on this one. Am I wrong Adam? I try both my old Delta and my new Hohner back to back and I don't have any problems with my Hohner. By the way, thanks a lot Adam for your complete and really helpful videos. As a pure beginner, you're my private teacher ;)
Keep doing this amasing work!
11touche 4 years ago
I have been playing about 6 months, i actually jumped on stage with a friends blues band the day i bought my harps. I had been practicing the BS lessons that come with the harp all day and have enough theory knowledge to know to stay in my limitations. I impressed everyone, but now more is expected, your lessons are so appreciated as the books and cds i've bought don't come near the explanation of techniques and getting that "pro sound" thanks a lot
shizzispantz 4 years ago
are you a commercial?
nwLohmann 4 years ago
Hello Adam, I'd like to thank you for taking the time to create and upload all of these amazing harmonica lessons on YouTube, I've always been one of those "all the best musicians taught themselves how to play" type of guys but your lessons have progressed my playing further in 2 days than I've been able to get myself in one month! You really have a knack for teaching. Again we really do appreciate it and please check out my channel for some rare Hendrix.
DjCav 4 years ago
Thanks DJ. Yeah, most of the good players taught themselves, but some of us had a great teacher come along at the right moment and give us a helping hand. I'm just trying to repay the favor.
KudzuRunner 4 years ago
hey adam my 2B seems to sound better than my 2D i can do fabrato on 2B but not much on 2D any tips? thanks
1977formula 4 years ago
Heeyyy Adammm.. Jee mannnnn your tipssss aree reallyyy goood... is helping me a lotttttt... thankss for the lessons.... i got it... you're a damnn good teacher... =)
chovaum 4 years ago
dam. u're the man adam. thanks for your good lessons and tips. I'm starting the harmonica. mine is a blues harp in C. by the way, I would like to know what is a bar and that 8 bar u're talking. (I barely starting, my 3rd day xD).
masterKitano 4 years ago
I've been playing blues harp for many years and have played hundreds of blues gigs and always thought my vibrato was just fine. Until now. It's great to see your lessons on youtube. I always enjoyed your column in the late "Blues Access" magazine. Thanks for helping me (hopefully) improve my harp chops!
bluzlvr 4 years ago
on nvm completle forget about my last comment, i was playing it and found out that i was tilting my head down while doing the draw, turns out i tilt my head up and perfect beautiful sound came ou. so im assuming the hole breathing tchnique has to do with you voice box ? and now all the sudden my throat hurts lol i guess its working it way into the harmonica :)
PinnacleMetalGod 4 years ago
hey i was watching these videos and i dunno what the problem is i try the 2 hole draw and i dont get any sound what so ever. im thinking i might have to open the read thingy up should i do that? the sound im getting is a very high pitch noise but very low volume of it, it sounds like its stuck to me, but i just want some advice before i mess things up. Its Also a Key Of C.
PinnacleMetalGod 4 years ago
can you explain once how this throuth is working while the vibrato? What do i feel when i put my fingers on my throuth?
bekschoever 4 years ago
truly awesome video lesson exactly what I have been looking for
hjc5812 4 years ago
Great lesson!!! Adam is my mentor. I would like to add a small tip to his great vibrato that helps me get it out better however I am not very good at this yet. Try laying down on your back while performing Adams "Seven Beats to Better Vibrato Method/Better Vibrato Just 5 Minutes A Day". This will automatically bring the vibrato more from the gut. Thanks Adam
Wharty 4 years ago
i had problems with my 2 draw as well. so much in fact that i returned 3! harmonicas thinking they were faulty when i first started. anyway, i posted on a forum and some guy told me something so simple i had to laugh at myself. basically as you are drawing in you also breathe in with your nose. now i'm still a newbie but the note doesn't give me trouble ;)
two40 4 years ago
i'm having trouble,,it keeps on going flat on the 2 draw,,but as I breath through my noise it sounds a bit better,,BUT my lungs fill up instantly =),,,,
Adam,,,do you breathe through your noise on this note?
zloop 4 years ago
Old Maids mouth...makes me chuckle...Church Lady mouth would be a good analogy too :-)
dwest1000 4 years ago
Yes: Church Lady mouth is perfect.
KudzuRunner 4 years ago
n/m...my jaw was not low enough
capcrusader10 4 years ago
I can do draws decently on most of the holes, but for some reason, the 2 hole draw is giving me the most trouble and of course it's the most important. Is it normally a trouble draw? (i'm on a hohner marine band 1896 in C)
capcrusader10 4 years ago
how long do Hohner Marine Bands last?
SSGDonut 4 years ago
Adam I find your videos VERY helpful. Thank you and keep it up please.
Canteaus 4 years ago
me too
rhye999 4 years ago
Is there a trick to getting all the air back out on beat 8? I am having dificulty with it.
capcrusader10 4 years ago
I'm also having difficulty with it, could anyone help?
DTURKIZZLE 4 years ago
blow as much or more air AROUND the harp (i.e., above and below the top and bottom coverplates) as through the holes, by allowing the harp to fall away from your mouth on that 8th beat.
Taersier 4 years ago
nice, thankyou so much! That makes SO much more sense.
DTURKIZZLE 4 years ago
It's easy, but only if you do as I say: blow as much or more air AROUND the harp (i.e., above and below the top and bottom coverplates) as through the holes, by allowing the harp to fall away from your mouth on that 8th beat.
KudzuRunner 4 years ago
Thanks you man!
malditaszorras 4 years ago
hey, i think here is a good place to make a question.. so, you write everywhere "Blues harmonica". Is is any special type of harmonica? or just way of playing?
fyzikfyzik 4 years ago
It's a special way of playing. But you can play that style--blues harmonica--on any 10-hole diatonic harmonica, and on many varieties of chromatic harmonica.
KudzuRunner 4 years ago
Adam, what brand harp should I (a beginner) go out and purchase...these lessons are excellent!!
raynedog 4 years ago
Since I began on Hohner's Marine Band model 1896 (10-hole diatonic) in 1974 and still use it, I guess I'd be a fool to advocate any other brand or model, wouldn't I? Sign up to harp-L and ask for advice over there, if you're looking for more options.
KudzuRunner 4 years ago
I have just decided to pick up my harmonica, also a Hohner's Marine Band Modeal 1896, and learn to play. Your lessons are very helpful. Just to be sure, draw is breathing in correct? The way your ambature looks I'm not always sure :)
capcrusader10 4 years ago
Yes, draw is breathing in.
KudzuRunner 4 years ago
thanks anyway, i may not get it perfect yet, but these vids sure help me a lot!
cheers!
TheBigGreenFellow 4 years ago
thanks for these great vids! but im still having trouble getting a clear single note, i keep hearing the notes around it.. any further tips?
TheBigGreenFellow 4 years ago
No. I've given you the best that I've got. Now's a good time for private lessons.
KudzuRunner 4 years ago