Learn harmonica by ear, BEND NOTES NOW!

[jogMERLIN1991]

My friend, you are the man. Just 2 minutes listening to you hoodle diddling! EUREKA!

THANKS!

[BlaxMassMajor]

epic tip

[GM154]

HAHA! This guy is awesome.

So much help!! Thanks man!

[Myeviltwin100]

1:15 hahahaha

[landztranz]

Nice. It's interesting that some people -- maybe a lot of 'em -- need this advice, which is great. I've been playing harps for a little over 3 years and, for some reason, I just instinctively knew how to do it. And I'm no genius, believe me.

[Chrisevs88]

Ive been trying to bend notes for a few days now, one go of hoodle diddle and its sorted, wicked vid!!!!

[HerrGuitarTutor]

Very goot!

[fatgonzo]

I'm just starting out and wanted to learn to bend before anything else. Went through many explanations without getting it, but this really helped me understand what I need to practice in a matter of minutes. Many thanks sir!

[MrSvante88]

Stopped this video at around 2:40 and then practised for a short while. Then bent my first note ever. EXTREMELY AWESOME video!!!

Just after a few more minutes it starts to sound pretty cool. Noticed there's a kind of downward movement of a pout whilst saying "hoodle" that's creating the bend..

[akasilenz]

I use the U blocking with my tongue when i play.. i can't bend when i'm doing the regular tongueing technique PLEEASSE HELP!!

[Lambs619]

This guy is fucking cool

[ShakinSlim]

Hey man. Great lesson, thanks! Don't suppose you could let me know how to play that turnaround lick you played right at the end? From about 2:58

[misterkurdt]

Thank you so much, this has been driving me insane! You seem quirky and cool, so I'm gonna subscribe :) Thanks again.

[ErkKnuckle]

HOODLE DIDDLE!!! the all purpose cure to the harmonica musician's problems, order now and you wont be sorry!!!!

[Phinneylol]

Lol. How could you be more motivated?  Awesome! Gonna give it a try. :)

[marcmessier]

i Asked my grandfather if he still had his harmonica the other other week, he said he didnt know where it was, i was a little bit sad. and this week he found it.

Im a great whistleler( spell wrong) and i do bend my 'notes' when i whistles. so it was fairly easy to do it with the harmonica.

My GF's harmonica is a 65+ years old MarineBand Hohner key of C. Box is in perfect condition and the harmonica aswell.

[superninjaswordsmen]

Doesnt work for me :(

[Mistervenetti]

You sound like Robin Williams!

[SuperDinomagic]

super great!

i can bend harp only in 2 minutes since i buffer the videos. --a

but i cant control the bend --a

[jonathanr1295]

You needa cover Whammer Jammer!

[MrZeppelinfan100]

Wait Am I the only one who doesnt get it? I'm saying hoodle diddle when I play but nothing happens!

[maddogmineiro]

You are just AWESOME!!!!

Thanks man!

[meanjeanbean87]

I finally almost got it!! Best bid I seen about this

[ThomasMetal75]

HOODLE DIDDLE! If you don't believe it, put the harmonica down!

[argueta1999]

Hoddle Didlle! This sounds awesome! You are crazy, crazy good!!! like the videos.

[RB68353]

hi! i use a Hohner Crownetta 10. but it just have 8 numbered holes.

so its being a problem cause i cant play all sounds.

you have an idea?

[squirely100]

it took one day i can't belive it worked

[ThePREECHER]

hey nitetrain....i definitely got it from you...this other guy in california got me going explaining a backwards whistle but the hoodle diddle definitely got it going for me...thanks man...made my day...

chills and thrills

[Gibsonmanner]

He's crazy. But also crazy good. Nice job

[relicMk]

hahah the gun in the back

[DaewonsongRave]

Finally, someone who explains correctly :D

[viXzen]

Great ! This totally works! I've been sitting here trying to bend notes for hours, but didnt really understand what i had to do with my mouth, Hoddle diddle makes it so easy ! : D Thanks again!

[95283525]

nice, have you ever heard of christellester. shes fantastic

[Hejmai]

Youre a total hero!!!

[tatertot205]

I <3 Hoodle-Diddle

[youlosez]

I'm saying hoodle diddle while inhaling, but it doesn't sound like you or those other guys when it's supposed to be bending. I guess I gotta keep practicing. Keep up the good work James.

[sidestep530]

Thanks wow awsome

[jasonplape17]

i love this guy!! haha



[guitarismysword1]

haha it actually helped :D thanks. you are crazy but very helpful

[Diputsur1999]

When I'm old, I want to be like you...

[Liltez321]

wow that actually worked thanks!!!!!!!!!

[jcnextbest]

damm i learned this on the first few tries!!

genius. hoodle diddle sounds silly but it works great.

[nokidhero]

i think the hoodle diddle is the best explination ive seen so far on how to bend notes.

[kpotassium]

I can bend hole 1, but no others. after weeks of trying, I can only bend hole one. Im using a Suzuki Harpmaster MR-200 in C, could it be a problem with the harmonica? do you perhaps need to spend a little over £20 for a decent one? or do I just need to keep trying? help appreciated.

[nighttrainjames]

@kpotassium If you can bend one, you can bend em all. The technique is sound, keep playing, and you'll constantly improve. I use a $2 plastic a lot, they all bend the same, just have fun and keep playing, and you'll do fine. NTJ

[kpotassium]

@nighttrainjames guess i'll keep trying with this harp then, frustratingly it's impossible to tell whether im making progress with bending, seems odd that the same technique only works on one hole >.<

thanks for the advice.

[zamton]

@kpotassium Yes same here I can only bend the first one..

[nokidhero]

@kpotassium im new but some one wasw telling me that the reeds need to be worked a little. i saw someone useing a peice of paper to bend the notes a little. maybe that will help.

[kpotassium]

@nokidhero thanks, that did actually help

[kargakovar]

i have watched a lots of bend video but this is best.... but there is a key point for bend... you have to try try try try... different breathes, different postion and you will catch it... :)

[Rockinjohnnyfi]

Holy crap!

[noburega]

sr , with all due respect , you own the lunatic blues flow in your veins , please do teach us more . wonderful riff

[gratheroni]

HAH! HOODLE DIDDLE!

Only thing that's gotten me even close thus far. I feel a little creepy repeating it over and over, but I'll keep trying it...

[dennisoh1983]

been trying to bend notes for a week now....doesnt work!!, once i tried HOODLE DIDDLE, it works!!! thanks! you deserve more views!

[natezach97]

its the joker middle aged but crazier!

[kpotassium]

I still cant get the hang of it... ima keep trying though. damn things so frustrating o.O

[Bossness123]

i love that toad

[Bossness123]

wow thats some good shit i gotta recomend you!

[cjsimon]

..::hoodle diddle for ever::.. !!!!!

[sammcj2000]

Howdy,

I'm looking for some advice...

I'm able to bend 4 pretty well but I can seem to get 3 to work properly, when I try I find either it doesn't make much of a change or it mute's out?

Any ideas? (Hohner marine band C)

[freakofnature1974]

*plays notes* "hoodle diddle"  xD

[ivargu1]

Great video, I'm a first time player and this one really got me understanding the workings of bending. You have a way of teaching that really delivers the message. My thanks.

[VRvertex]

thank you thank you thank you! Hoodle Diddle for life!

[rawrgrr4298]

Did you write hoodle diddle on your extractor fan?! You're crazy awesome! :p

I wish i was born in a southern state in America, anywhere other than the UK :(

One day, i'll go to one of those dirty bars where you see a bunch of people get up and just play blues all night having a good time.

[eagxel]

You crazy man, it's working at 2:20, whohaaa!

[kingleray88]

oh god thanks to you i finally got over this bending issue. I have been trying for a looong time with no luck and I cant believe hoodle diddle became the road to success.

[DannyGrease]

your a good teacher, for sure.....nive video again, Jim!!

Danny

[88Kamikaze69]

Man I love your style, I'm a noobie myself that only knows 8 songs and no blues yet but i love your stuff on it and I'll try to imitate as best I can ^^

You sir just got a subscriber :)

[olelancucki]

is it a Hohner pro harp?

[nighttrainjames]

@olelancucki Yes, yes it is, and I don't endorse them one bit.  I jyst blew out a reed on one of my Pro-Harps, they's nice and all, but they're really nothing special.

[olelancucki]

@nighttrainjames haha :) got one too, and i dont enjoy it as well

i heard that special 20 is much better while they costs both the same

[envywright]

Hahah even if I didn't learn something which I did / I have to say I was well entertained "hoodle diddle" lol... I encourage u to make some more vidz !

[fyfer24]

Really appreciate this, perfect way to learn to bend. Thanks so much!!!

[foobarturkey]

Thanks so much for teaching me how to bend :)

[thewiredmedium]

Thank you for this. I'm not getting much of a bend yet but the "Hoodle-Diddle" trick gave my playing so much more feeling. It's a lot of fun to play around with

[minime170]

Ughh, am I the only one who's confused. I really hope I understand soon. Its seems to be a good trick. :(

[wheelinkid00]

wow thanks!

helped me out alot

[133serge13318]

man i watched this video like months ago and still no bends.

i just picked up my harmonica again, remembered hoodle diddle, and i got a perfect bend! holy shit

Great vid!

[nighttrainjames]

@133serge13318 I'm really glad you finally got it:) Sometimes ya just gotta try without trying, ya know? Great stuff:)

[133serge13318]

@nighttrainjames exactly!

i did noticed that i'm able to do it easier on my cheap A harmonica, then on others..

and i havent used A more than my G or C

[steph23ize]

@nighttrainjames Hi this is really useful. i bought a harmonica and it has 24 holes does hoodle diddle still work on that type? ive never played, cant read music but copped out a bit of silent night earlier. Hope you can share all of your knowledge :) You put a very fun slant on the whole learning experience and it's obvious that you have a passion for Harmonica Playing. I've always been curious about the instrument- it has such a beautiful sound. Steph- from Ireland

[nighttrainjames]

@steph23ize Echo's are'nt really bood benders, they're great for what they do. Learn all the public domain stuff I put up.  Use the keys system to get the mechanics to songs and get some diatonics. (10 holes) It matters.

[steph23ize]

@steph23ize ok thanks. Ill get one of them Diatonics for sure. Thanks

[steph23ize]

@nighttrainjames Hiya, I commented on your "Silent Night" Im Steph from Ireland. Was just wondering If hoodle Diddle works on every Harmonica? I have one with 24 holes in it and I want to be able to play it.

[nighttrainjames]

@steph23ize Echo's harps like what you have are for an entirely different style than a diatonic. You won't see Steve Tyler or Mick Jagger using echos. Diatonics can be as cheap as $3.50 a piece, just buy em and get used to doin it because harp players LOVE getting new equipment:)

[steph23ize]

@nighttrainjames ok thanks I defo will but can you tell me what style Echo harps are for? please and thanks :)

[steph23ize]

@nighttrainjames Will get some. Thanks :)

[MrNewmaneh]

hahaha amazingly entertaining and infromative! i can bend notes woot! thx!

[khairi4]

omg hoodle diddle really works.

thank you mr night train

[TheEttingoff]

Yes you can!!!

[rhinopleasures]

Hey! I just brought my harmonica home and have probably watched 10 videos at least on how to bend without any luck and sure enough i was able to bend before your video was over. Best advice I've herd so far! thanks so much!

[somewheretofit]

This is probably by far the most engaging and informative video on the subject that I've seen.

[mike13094]

Amazing... I'm in the same boat as one of the guys in the earlier posts... I have been playing for about 2 hours now just looking up videos and getting a grasp on things, but you have by far one of the best inside secret videos... A lot of advanced musicians or even anyone with talent wouldn't give up a great hint like that... I appreciate it and i guarantee everyone else did too. Make some more videos too if you have some time.. ill post some up if i can actually stick to the single notes.

[eswteam]

holy cow! I'm Polish and it still worked! ;) The ultimate method! Thank you good sir!

[themoolag]

you are one of the coolest instructions sir

[MaxPuppet2000]

OMG i love u !

it works....

the biggesst mysteries of mankind are solved with things like didl doodle!

HUMANITY FTW!

[ROOKnine]

THANK YOU NIGHT TRAIN!

[Johannson6990]

Wow no fucking joke within a minute after watching this video i just bent my first notes haha SCHWEET!!!! well im off playing now hahaha

[DaBull1225]

Your a trip man! Your a Hoot!!!! LOL!

[DontTreadOnMe1111]

thanks for the video! - a beginning harmonica player

[mikeanaro20]

crazy old man!!!

im just kidding your hilarious!!

[footballrocksalot]

Wow... Every one else makes it so complicated!! Great job man!!

[Goldkingfish]

I'm not sure I'm bending the note though... it might just be a normal draw I make... Keep practicing i guess!!

nontheless, I think it will come in time... and If I keep this in mind, I can probably pull it off soon =)

[needmoarwindfury]

YOU'RE THE MAN. YOU'RE MY GOD NOW.

oh my god it's a-ma-zing!

[flik1004]

holy crap!!!! I read books watched videos and I just tried it twice and their it was!!! you rock dude!

[cardboardfrog]

and just like that there was bent notes, EPIC!

been playing for 20 minutes and its going really well, cheers!

[visnevskiscom]

Cool! Need some practice but it works!

[jongtae050]

haha! ive been trying to learn how to bend for a couple days and hoodle diddle helped me in a matter of seconds! thanks for posting this!

[Bugside]

Gonna try this, don't know if that's the trick for me, but at least you made me laugh

[seskipper806]

Holy Damn!! Funniest shit I've seen in a while. Also very helpful.

[Jared12KidA]

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH I GOT IT!!!!!!

after MANY MANY MANY vids of watching how to bend notes...i couldnt get it!!! but allllll i needed was HOODLE DIDDLE!!!!!!

thank my friend for u have made my day better and harmonica more fun!!!!

[TheYearTwentyTwenty]

HOODLE DIDDLE Y'ALL

[t96s]

lmao the whole lesson!!!!

[BusterBallz68]

Besides Jon Gindick. This is the only Harp player on youtube that actulally looks like he enjoys playing the thing. Thank you and keep rockin

[TrangertoR]

thanx man this really works:):)

[ralli666]

Hi!! i just buyd harmonica and no-one teaches me. so i didnt no how to bend, but this hoodle ddidle really works!!!!! U R Crazy man!!!! Thank u so much!!!! Very very much... oh god =))))

[Sebas4453]

hoodle diddle XD i gonna try that. ajajaj

i started days ago. but i know that the harp is 90% practice and ear. i hope i can do this as easy as you show it.

thanks for the vid, really nice.

and HOODLE DIDDLE !!!

[foodboom]

I litraly cant beleve that worked :L

really good instruction!

[nighttrainjames]

@foodboom I very much appreciate the post :)

[Zero1687]

@foodboom You are right!!! I can't belive it works!!!

[yurimxpxman]

@nighttrainjames I've been playing harmonica for a couple months now. The only way I'm able to bend notes is by overblowing. I don't understand why it came easier for me. This tip seems to be helping a bit, but I can't get a single sound consistently.

[xclsaga]

@aquariussouldier

Try Imagining pronouncing the letters E and O (inwards), and as you do the O, drop your jaw a bit. This gives the hollow of your mouth a different shape and should produce a deiiferent sound. Other than that, it's just about finding out what position your tongue should be in. Also, on the O, try breathing in just a bit harder, as the bend needs slightly more air flow. Then just try to manipulate the note by sliding down and back up again.

Hope it helps!

[Cjayy18]

great tip haha, this hoodle-diddle worked the best for me.

[chjustin69]

Wow, great great tip!

What other words make cool bending sounds?

[byad]

I don't know why people gave me thumbs down, it was a good thing I said haha!

[galaxieal]

Great tutorial! Thanks

[feskgeddan]

Thanks for the advices, Could you perhaps recommend me a price worthy harmonica label? I guess below 50 US Dollars would be a price thats OK for me... I guess I need some new harmonicas..

Amazing Grace... Nailed it some days ago. Think it´s a great song for us beginners and good rehersal song for bending. I´ve learned not to over do it and think my technics has improved through playing it. Is there any other song you could recommIend me to learn?

[jayriverag]

Duude u rock! Thx!

[feskgeddan]

Hey man! Thank you for the inspiration, Hoodle Diddle made the job! I´ve been playing the harmonica for 2 hours now, and you thought me how to bend!

Hope i´ll be playing for a long time!

Cheers mate and grettings from Sweden.

[nighttrainjames]

2 HOURS! That's so cool. You'll play as long as you feel drawn to it, just always have one close. And if someone asks if you play, you should know a song.

Might I suggest Amazing Grace, slow and fast versions.

[Bri352930]

u kick ass!! i did it! barely but the closes ive got so far ;)

[byad]

I was able to bend notes before the video starts, who'd say huh LOL

[Listenno]

Jeez! I bended! Hahhah! Cool HOODLE-DIDDLE!  :D Hahhah!

[svurtan]

Its really cool how a simple explaination like hoodle-diddle can do what it did. Thanks man, really great :)

[TheGraysAreReal]

hahahaha ... Fantastic - Let's HOODLE-DIDDLE all day long :-D and don't forget to vote Hoodle-Diddle for president LOL, great video and funny

[EastBayToLA]

SIR YOU ARE AMAZING!!!

[Jeloubool]

Thanks, man.

[dmturring]

Wow, I've been trying for days to get a note to bend and, as you said, I was able to bend notes before the end of the video. Thanks!

[slctdmbntwrx]

This guy is clearly the coolest guy on youtube, no joke.

[Solarisable]

OH MY GOD!!! i bended a note!!!! ahhaha thanks man!!

[moramtom]

I WAS BENDING NOTES BEFORE THIS FINISHED - WOW, It seems so easy now!! Thanks alot : )

[eranlandau]

Thanks ! I browsed through several videos and I only got it with your method. It also works when I breath in - "hoo-dee" .

[cemevin]

man you are awesome :D i actually really could bend once before this video was finished :D

[ziggy071621]

AWESOME

[ALEXZANDERMEJ]

HOODL DIDDLE!!!!!!!!! THANX

[CallMeE209]

i actually dont get it. when you start saying hoodle are you already bending?

[nighttrainjames]

The effect comes in the transition from one word to the next. I repeat...the EFFECT comes in the TRANSITION.

[CallMeE209]

hoodle diddle

[dazzablue68]

thank you thank you thank you

[melvinfreak07]

man! you rock! :D

[Snaredrum25]

Congratulations, man!

Thanks for sharing this with us

[gabnetboy]

Im a Portuguese and, i have whaching lots of videos to try to bend notes, and they just suck!!! But you are the best of the best!!!!

[dav1d099]

i did it, just like a 1/4 step, but did it

[marcusvtavaressilva]

You are the best, man!!!

thanks a lot...!!!

[alienpope11]

Thank you! :D I finally got it! :D

[OmarFernandoChavez]

thank you.

[caffisc]

Holy crap I've tried everything and this finally taught me how to bend notes

Thank you ^_^

[partypao]

This is freakin coool!!!!! now i wanna be a really cool harmonica player like you!! thanks so much for this lesson!!!!!

[imiptat]

i love this motherfucker.. thx for teachin me to bend a note

[dudeeee76]

thank you sir for sharing this with us ,I just started playing today,I went and bought my first 24-hole tremolo diatonic harp and I want to play good,this helped a lot,thanks again :D

[rabidchipmunk2641]

win

[raiderfan5000]

you are an instructional genius.Pretty damn funny too!

[madiisaysmeow]

you my bes frand.

[TJammes]

You crazy son of a ... Just loved you mate! Thanks for the diddle thing!

[bfcno1]

yo do you like playin any bruce springsteen. im just geting the D n E so then i will have all of the harmonicas he uses, a,c,d,e,f,g... i keep watching this vid because ur the only person who has actually tought be how to ben noted!!!

thanks...awsome!!!

[redpatty]

I've been a youtube user for many years, but it's the first time I feel I must comment a vid... Man, you have a gift for teaching and your creative approach has realy motivated me in my first months of harmonica!! Thanks for sharing the wisdom! I'm declared fan

[Davekyn]

Can this method be used for those that use relexed lips with toung blocking, as I find it hard to say the words whilst blocking with my tounge to get single notes? I love your style!

[americandream27]

You rock! You remind me of Dustin Hoffman!!!

[mstrjay4]

Awesome. Your sense of humor and technique really takes the sting out of learning this difficult move. Kept posting, great stuff.

[schetleft]

I cant say hoodle diddle with my tongue in a U shape on my harp :(

can I?