Hi, Adam! Thanks you very much for this great video. I'd like to ask you which delay you set. I'm not a native English speaker, I understand you say 800 mseconds, which is a very long time. Is this correct?
Mr. Gussow- is that mic that you're using in this video an XLR (balanced) signal that you are converting to 1/4" tip? If so do you use a 1/4" TRS (Tip Ring Sleeve) or do you just let it become unbalanced? I have an old kick drum mic that my church doesn't use any more and they let me take it home. It's an XLR in and XLR out, but my amp only has a 1/4" in. So when I convert the XLR to a 1/4" I keep it balanced but it gets no sound. Any suggestions?
Adam i have watched all your lessons,you'r great harp master))please if you can,do the lesson about James Cottons's slow blus)))show how to play and show the tabs))i think only you can do it because you are the HarpMaster))pleasee
Hi Adam, do you ever have to change out the preamp tube too one with less gain? I've been having feedback issues and am wondering if that might be the approach to correct them? p.s. big fan!
Adam,I have a question.First of all,great tutorials.Second,I got chromatic harmonica with 10 holes.Is the theory much different,or I can continue watching your tutorials?
@Jekvan: The theory is entirely different. The only lessons of mine that are marginally applicable to chromatic harp would be ones in which I'm specifically talking about third position playing. Most blues harp players who play chromatic play it in third position, although some, like Mark Hummel and George Smith, play a couple of pieces in first position.
What do you think of the possibilities with the Boss MX-70 Multiple Effects Board? I didn't know which peddle would be good, so I got a kind of "all-in-one". Any tips you could give me? I haven't made a video using it yet, I hope to hear soon.
Hey Adam! ive watched all your vids three times over! I was woundering if you have tried the vox ac4tv? I have one and think its great as it has an op leval switch so not to annoy the neibours. I will post a vid of myself in the forum under the name Harp boy in progress!
Hey adam! Ive been watching you vids from the beggining and they are great! I must have watched them all at least three times over! I was woundering if you have tried the vox ac4tv? ive tried it and its great because you can adjust the op leval so the neighbours dont get angry!
Hey Adam, you rock! I'm really enjoying the harmonica, but it's all a bit too professional for me, as all I have is just a diatonic, no amps or mic to play in, so I can't make those sounds.
Why 24 dislikes? Adam you're amazing! Just bought your kick and stomp album on your site and I love it! I also love your lessons and your stories. I had a question; how do you manage to keep away feedbacks? Is the setting that you show there strong enough to jam in a band without being muffed by the overloud guits and drums (which are always usualy too loud) or does this setting require to be routed via mic to the PA system if you gig with a band? Thanks
This is excellent. From the playing right up to the little bits of info. What u're doing/showing all in this vid is opening up a different level of thought. For those who can grasp this presentation, with a little bit of homework, u'd have travelled light years. Thanks Adam.
Thanks for your videos! After a slightly acidic night when I heard John Popper, I've been dying to learn the harp. It's hard even though I've played other instruments for 25 years but your videos really help a lot. Respect.
Preety Cool ! :D I just started to play Harmonica I now in free time I'm watching your vids :) I subbed You :) I'm playing guitar and I think that would be nice to play guitar (rock , Instrumental rock) and Harp at the same time :D
Hey hows it going, i watch your videos from time to time and i understand that you know pretty much everything you need to know about harmonicas.
You see i have a Hohner Blues Harp MS and i have had this one for a little over a month now, everything works great but, the 2 hole when i blow sounds like there is a tiny bell inside that really annoys me. I'm not sure if i just need to clean it or if somethings wrong. But if there is something wrong, than it is good to have a MS in this situation
You know... I had the volume up all the way on my computer when you started playing. Now I'm getting up off the floor and cleaning kool- aid off my wall.
I've been watching your lessons and now on somewhere around 030..Got a question in mind, When do I use the 3rd whole blow as the tonic note? or I don't at all? thx
This is a FAQ. I use it only as a passing tone, and as part of the 36 blow octave. It doesn't bend, can't be inflected usefully as a result, and simply isn't as strong as the 2 draw. Use the 2 draw.
@KudzuRunner Don't know if you would endorse this, but I use the 3-hole blow for the tonic as a way to sneak some exhaling in. When playing the faster blues numbers, I tend to accumulate too much air. Using 3-hole blow as an occasional tonic gives me another chance to exhale.
@ksink74 Teach yourself to exhale through thenose while playing; horn players have a trick called "circular breathing," look it up. Really helps with managing air in your lungs. Another trick is to start using chords on your blow notes, or at least tongue-blocked octaves which don't take long to learn. An octave allows you to exhale at least twice as much air as a single note for the same duration. Finally, just let air out around the sides between beats or at a natural pause. Hope it helps.
@KudzuRunner I'm a guy that doesn't know any musical notes or anything about musical theory and I was wondering what key was that harmonica you're playing G?? C?? Please tell me.
i got a harmonica as a gift and one place wont play on the draw. and ideas how to fix it please? i would like to play it a little but i smoke alot so im sure i dont have the air to do what you are playing.....lol. i play guitar and bass also but i would like to do some accoustic things with just guitar and harmonica.
I've been playing since 96, I smoke a lot too, is just a matter of doing it. Don't let the smoking stop you from making that sucker howl. You'll find that your lungs will actually expand and open up a lot after playing for a few mins. And play from the diaphram like singing, it's not with the lungs. Doesn't take much air to get those reeds moving strong.
Yes, almost everybody thinks their harmonica is broken when they first buy it, because they can't get a note out of the 2 draw. If you just put your mouth over holes 1, 2, 3 and breathe in through the harmonica, you can hear how the 2 draw should sound when you do a single note.
For me, I found that relaxing my lower jaw (opening it slightly) and loosening my lips solved the problem.
Actually, Gussow's next video (002) talks about this problem ...
I have only a harmonica that spent time in pockets caseless. I opened it up and cleaned it out, but the fourth note will only work on the draw, not the blow. Is it saveable?
I am glad that you turned the delay off then back on so we could see the diference, that basically just gave me every idea i was looking for for my harmonica amp.
Im just using a Epiphone Valve Junior, tube amp for now. sounds great, but a little delay would likely really help.
well if thats your oppinion of it i'd say that just made me about twice as happy with it hahaha.
Considering it only cost me around 120$, and it had just been re-tube'd, i'd say that you cant really get anything better for the money. i'd rathe have a 50's vintage amp, but hey, where are you going to find one for that money?
These lessons aren't for beginners. I state that in the channel description and I repeat it in many of my videos. You can find beginner videos all over the web. Some beginners have, nevertheless, learned a great deal from my 175 free videos. But the majority of my videos, like Jason Ricci's and Chris Michalek's, are oriented towards a more advanced audience.
Here's what I say in my channel description, which has remained unchanged since I uploaded video .000: "This channel features an ongoing series of free-form lessons in the subtleties of contemporary blues harmonica. Beginners will learn useful things here, but most of my conversation is oriented towards intermediate and advanced players who have learned some or most of the basic techniques but KNOW they are missing something. It's that "something" that I'm going to explore here."
How absolutely generouse of you to do this, you must be a real nice person. From someone who is just starting out, (although I'm 55) trying to play, this is a real help. Thank's!...... Geoff.
Geoff, you"re only 55, you"ll be getting good in a few yrs if you stick with it, and most important have the passion, you have to want to learn! be patient. the best things come to those who wait, good luck!
WOW thanx for the walkthrough on your gear.... did or have either you or satan play through a fender bassman (tweed) seems like it was on an album cover with a cool funky necklace hangin off the handle...love your stuff thanx bluesbrother
Yes, I used to play through that amp and still have it. It turned out that I get a better sound through smaller amps. We used it--it's a 1955 Bassman--on the cover of MOTHER MOJO.
would you recommend starting with your videos if i'm a new harp play (can do most bends) and musically competent? i'm looking for videos to teach me and pretty much get me started in the right direction
This guy is a great player, a fine journalist and an equally fine presenter/teacher. He knows how to get his point over whichever way. I say damn right you should buy his videos! Rock on Mr Gussow!
There are many comments on this re that here on these pages. If you acquire the harps in the keys which Adam states, and begin at the beginning, you should be fine. Harmonica is not easy to learn, but is worth the necessary effort. I wish you well! I have been playing for 40 years and I still love it as much as when I first started. If you're not already doing so, please listen to the master players every day: Little Walter, both Sonny Boys, George Smith, James Cotton etc
I love your lessons! Thank you so much! But I want to get a really great harp so I can practice up and get better. What specific harp would you recommend for playing blues?
I"m sure it is. I play best, however, when I let my body make the sounds it feels like making while I play. The coughs are simply what my body does when it's exerting maximal effort in a maximally funky way.
Adam ..You Rockkkk I'm finding time to read your book....I think I got it at Shakespear & Co....and you had pre signed some. So, Thanks for the autograph... You have taken Harp instruction to another Extreme High Level. The bar is now set Very High. .....cool. From one of the many so-so harp players that wants to be Awesome. A huge Fan. Thanks for Sharing ...another 5 star !!! .....much Peace , HarpoJon a.k.a. StellarChi
anyone that says they are or probably are better than someone is a total jackass an shudnt be in the music world....music is about freedom of expression....not whos better than who....an who is a "prodigy" or not.....cocky lil 13 year olds....shove that harp up your ass harpmaster.....you shudnt judge no one on there playing abbilities....and even if your a prodigy....you shud still be locked in a room till you realize that music aint about whos better you lil fuck
Post a video and show people what you do. I can guarantee you we'll all be interested, and we'll tell you what we think. But don't confuse "faster and more complicated" with "better than"--at least if you're talking about blues. Notes aren't music. Notes are a way of helping music emerge. Blues harmonica is about three things: tone, microtonal subtleties, and rhythmic subtleties. If you've mastered all three at the age of 12, along with phrasing--we'll, you'll be the very first.
Hey, good to see you still playing harp. I used to see you with Satan, back in the early 90's. You guy's rocked nyc. A guy in Colony Music said to check you out here. Good stuff! thanks
Yes, as far as I know. It's definitely not a low impedance mic. I've just learned that there's such a thing as a medium-impedance mic. Possibly it's that.
Nice video, only 190 morew to look at hehe, just a question about miking an amp, I have a harp mike made out of wood and when i plug it into my blues junior the feedback is terrible, from my research it was suggested to stand about 6 metres away from the amp but my room isnt that big!
Thanks Adam, but too advanced for this beginner. Also you might put your tutorial in a playlist because I spent more time searchng between 001 and 002.... than listening.
This channel is oriented towards intermediate players, as I've often noted, but I've got lots of videos for beginners at my website, Modern Blues Harmonica. I'm not sure I understand your second comment, but there's a very thorough index of my first 100+ videos available for $1 at MBH ("YouTube Products")
WOW! your the only other person on the internet that i know that has a PE5H! I just picked one up from my grandma's garage! havent tryed it yet. Any thoughts on its performance?
You are one of my favorite teachers. When we meet I'm buying you a drink for an autograph. PE5H from the late 70's, Delay pedal passively split out to 2 amps; You are a gear monkey indeed. This one is getting posted in the harptoys group. 60/5 stars!
Hi does the Delay Pedal have to have a Stereo out on it to enable you to connect 2 amps to it or can you connect 2 amps with any delay pedal?? I asked at a shop about this & they told me i would need to have a Stereo out on my delay other wise it would just send the affect to one & the Mic to the other amp??
I'm not sure. There are two output jacks. One is clean; one has the effect. I run a passive signal splitter out of the effects jack, so I get the effect through both amps.
Je trouve cela super, mais je n'y comprends rien lorqu'il parle ou pourrais-je trouver cela en français merci d'avance de votre aide Cordialement J.M
Is there a prefered learning harmonica? brand/key... i went out and bought this cheap harmonica and ive worked out its in F... is anything acceptable to learn on?
I usually have beginners start on a C or D, since they're smack in the middle of the pitch range, which runs from G up to F. F is a high harp--a soprano sax, a piccolo bass, a Chihuahua--and a D might be easier.
amazing videos, one thing is seeing it on paper in a cheap lessons book, and another is like this, step by step, grat job, im been playing guitar since 91, and now im starting with harmonica, thanks.
wow man thats insane playin like that is a dream of mine and im slowly makeing that a reality i played im my schools talent show doin stuff that u taught me in these videos and they loved in fact it was filmed if i can git my hands on the vid ill up loade it for you so big thanks man keep it up
hey adam, i've been checkin out your videos and learning from Tony Glover's book. i'm a sax player pickin up blues harp (and someday chromatic jazz harp) on the side. is this the right way to start?
Tony Glover's book is a lot of fun to read - but as an instructional, well it really sucks. Adam's videos are great. Also, check out Jerry Portnoy's 3-CD instructional set. Not cheap, but I got a LOT out of those.
alright i just started playing this thing about a month ago and peoples say that i got rythmn which is very encouraging me. i m 38 years old and it s a dream coming true for me to have fun with that and ty for the nice lessons you share with us. i hope to play at least 1/8 of what you do in the next 3 years lol tx man . take care
What is the best note or (key) of harmonica to start with for a beginner? I dont know what my father had, he was not a pro he just played old tunes like RED WING. I play mostly old country and old stardards on my keyboard.
Well when i play keyboard i do sometimes have to look to make sure im going to hit the right key..Of course i am not a pro, but i have been playing keyboard since 1988. And it does take a lot of practice. So i guess if you know the song well you dont have to look.But it when playing harmonica its up to your mouth and you cant see the notes you are playing like a keyboard.
Ouch, not sure if I'm insired or want to give up already
chrisdavies23359 1 month ago in playlist More videos from KudzuRunner
Hi, Adam! Thanks you very much for this great video. I'd like to ask you which delay you set. I'm not a native English speaker, I understand you say 800 mseconds, which is a very long time. Is this correct?
TheMrFelipet 2 months ago
@TheMrFelipet: Actually, I use about 400-500 milliseconds. It's a fairly long delay.
KudzuRunner 2 months ago
@KudzuRunner Thanks you very much. I just bought your Kick and stomp album, I love your Crossroads Blues version.
TheMrFelipet 2 months ago
"Someone who's never made a mistake playing an instrument is someone who never played an instrument." :)
l2udolph 2 months ago
Mr. Gussow- is that mic that you're using in this video an XLR (balanced) signal that you are converting to 1/4" tip? If so do you use a 1/4" TRS (Tip Ring Sleeve) or do you just let it become unbalanced? I have an old kick drum mic that my church doesn't use any more and they let me take it home. It's an XLR in and XLR out, but my amp only has a 1/4" in. So when I convert the XLR to a 1/4" I keep it balanced but it gets no sound. Any suggestions?
JLeppert 3 months ago
I am hooked. I just ordered my Bb.
I love that you focus on breathing and other basics first.
DThompson551 5 months ago
Adam i have watched all your lessons,you'r great harp master))please if you can,do the lesson about James Cottons's slow blus)))show how to play and show the tabs))i think only you can do it because you are the HarpMaster))pleasee
BeatHarp 5 months ago
Hi Adam, do you ever have to change out the preamp tube too one with less gain? I've been having feedback issues and am wondering if that might be the approach to correct them? p.s. big fan!
briansis1 7 months ago
Obrigado. Você esta de Parabéns pela iniciativa. Aprendi muitas coisas suas dicas. Grande Abraço.
Alexandrevictorino 7 months ago in playlist blues harmonica lessons 1
You are brilliant. Thanks for all you do
skywardism 7 months ago
Adam,I have a question.First of all,great tutorials.Second,I got chromatic harmonica with 10 holes.Is the theory much different,or I can continue watching your tutorials?
Jekvan 9 months ago
@Jekvan: The theory is entirely different. The only lessons of mine that are marginally applicable to chromatic harp would be ones in which I'm specifically talking about third position playing. Most blues harp players who play chromatic play it in third position, although some, like Mark Hummel and George Smith, play a couple of pieces in first position.
KudzuRunner 9 months ago
What do you think of the possibilities with the Boss MX-70 Multiple Effects Board? I didn't know which peddle would be good, so I got a kind of "all-in-one". Any tips you could give me? I haven't made a video using it yet, I hope to hear soon.
raymorriss 9 months ago
Wooo I'm from Halifax XD
RandomNPC15 1 year ago
I liked your "happy tones" at the end " Thanks.........
XRayCam 1 year ago
Hey Adam! ive watched all your vids three times over! I was woundering if you have tried the vox ac4tv? I have one and think its great as it has an op leval switch so not to annoy the neibours. I will post a vid of myself in the forum under the name Harp boy in progress!
Thanks from the uk
Nick
nicktheharpblower 1 year ago
Hey adam! Ive been watching you vids from the beggining and they are great! I must have watched them all at least three times over! I was woundering if you have tried the vox ac4tv? ive tried it and its great because you can adjust the op leval so the neighbours dont get angry!
thanks
Nick
nicktheharpblower 1 year ago
ok i have to admit, I'm not a fan of harmonicas, but this is VERY GOOD!!!
PeacefulVocalTrance 1 year ago
Hey Adam, you rock! I'm really enjoying the harmonica, but it's all a bit too professional for me, as all I have is just a diatonic, no amps or mic to play in, so I can't make those sounds.
haddyDrow1 1 year ago
Why 24 dislikes? Adam you're amazing! Just bought your kick and stomp album on your site and I love it! I also love your lessons and your stories. I had a question; how do you manage to keep away feedbacks? Is the setting that you show there strong enough to jam in a band without being muffed by the overloud guits and drums (which are always usualy too loud) or does this setting require to be routed via mic to the PA system if you gig with a band? Thanks
harplaya 1 year ago 3
@harplaya : My amps aren't very high powered, so feedback isn't a problem. But I do need to mic both amps through the PA when I play larger clubs.
KudzuRunner 1 year ago
@KudzuRunner ....hello, thank you for the vids!
Im having FEEDBACK PROBLEMS when I play out.
Ive been using: a JT40 to a Carbon Copy analog delay..to a Little Big Muff Pi distortion to a 5w Fender tube amp, mic to PA.
I use very little delay of course, and I push the fuzz as much as it lets me..which constantly changes.
I love the Astatic, but Im suspecting the 57 is actually a better mic for the loud gigs.
are the bullet mics problematic at higher volumes?
.
jeffshuniak 8 months ago
This is excellent. From the playing right up to the little bits of info. What u're doing/showing all in this vid is opening up a different level of thought. For those who can grasp this presentation, with a little bit of homework, u'd have travelled light years. Thanks Adam.
DoyafEELmee 1 year ago
Thanks for your videos! After a slightly acidic night when I heard John Popper, I've been dying to learn the harp. It's hard even though I've played other instruments for 25 years but your videos really help a lot. Respect.
fatgonzo 1 year ago
Preety Cool ! :D I just started to play Harmonica I now in free time I'm watching your vids :) I subbed You :) I'm playing guitar and I think that would be nice to play guitar (rock , Instrumental rock) and Harp at the same time :D
tomek1995v8 1 year ago
Adam what brand delay should I buy and what do you think of the lone wolf break
ArtofDreaming1 1 year ago
Hey hows it going, i watch your videos from time to time and i understand that you know pretty much everything you need to know about harmonicas.
You see i have a Hohner Blues Harp MS and i have had this one for a little over a month now, everything works great but, the 2 hole when i blow sounds like there is a tiny bell inside that really annoys me. I'm not sure if i just need to clean it or if somethings wrong. But if there is something wrong, than it is good to have a MS in this situation
SuperBackflipboy 1 year ago
Comment removed
OmgSexyToothbrush 1 year ago
You know... I had the volume up all the way on my computer when you started playing. Now I'm getting up off the floor and cleaning kool- aid off my wall.
Powerful Stuff, man! :-)
Upritebass 1 year ago
This guy is the MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!
bjkaboom 1 year ago
Man! Sting has got the blues!!!
captaingoatbeard7 1 year ago
hi adam! your lessons are very helpful, really great stuff! Whats that riff 0:30? its amazing! im addicted to it. how do i play it ?
omarqad 1 year ago
I can't begin to tell you how much your videos have inspired me. Bravo!
MarvsTracks 1 year ago
thank you sir
albertbox07 1 year ago
i don't understand english very well , what's the microphone please? i thought i heard sm58 but i dont recognize it ..
taurtue 1 year ago
wow man you play sooo good, well the saturation helps, but that's still awesome.
taurtue 1 year ago
and also vibrato like notes that sound all bluesy. In general all notes that sound bluesy and the special effects for the blues. E.g the dip bend
iownyouchoob 1 year ago
like the way u play it
iownyouchoob 1 year ago
how do u play single notes blues style. Like make that bluesy ring to it.
iownyouchoob 1 year ago
have rock band mic and tiny guitar amp, but i think i might wait awhile before i amplify myself lol
kristophershaun 1 year ago
I've been watching your lessons and now on somewhere around 030..Got a question in mind, When do I use the 3rd whole blow as the tonic note? or I don't at all? thx
HardRockSpin 1 year ago
This is a FAQ. I use it only as a passing tone, and as part of the 36 blow octave. It doesn't bend, can't be inflected usefully as a result, and simply isn't as strong as the 2 draw. Use the 2 draw.
KudzuRunner 1 year ago
Oh ok!! thx big time! Wasn't expecting to get reply so soon cuz I figured u're probably busy.
HardRockSpin 1 year ago
@KudzuRunner Don't know if you would endorse this, but I use the 3-hole blow for the tonic as a way to sneak some exhaling in. When playing the faster blues numbers, I tend to accumulate too much air. Using 3-hole blow as an occasional tonic gives me another chance to exhale.
ksink74 10 months ago
@ksink74 Teach yourself to exhale through thenose while playing; horn players have a trick called "circular breathing," look it up. Really helps with managing air in your lungs. Another trick is to start using chords on your blow notes, or at least tongue-blocked octaves which don't take long to learn. An octave allows you to exhale at least twice as much air as a single note for the same duration. Finally, just let air out around the sides between beats or at a natural pause. Hope it helps.
silvermediastudio 7 months ago
@KudzuRunner I'm a guy that doesn't know any musical notes or anything about musical theory and I was wondering what key was that harmonica you're playing G?? C?? Please tell me.
JohnnyBoy2695 8 months ago in playlist blues harmonica lessons 1
KOOOOOOOL
do you soak the harp first?
regards
bp
bluespower 2 years ago
No! I did for the first year I played--in 1975--but it destroys your harp pretty quickly, at least if it has a wood comb.
KudzuRunner 2 years ago
lol if you got his voice and dropped it down it would sound like Clint Eastwood lol. good playing man, smooth
ShadowZeppelin 2 years ago
i'm glad to be in a world of fellow harmonicers
obitobi100 2 years ago
i got a harmonica as a gift and one place wont play on the draw. and ideas how to fix it please? i would like to play it a little but i smoke alot so im sure i dont have the air to do what you are playing.....lol. i play guitar and bass also but i would like to do some accoustic things with just guitar and harmonica.
clewi1091 2 years ago
I've been playing since 96, I smoke a lot too, is just a matter of doing it. Don't let the smoking stop you from making that sucker howl. You'll find that your lungs will actually expand and open up a lot after playing for a few mins. And play from the diaphram like singing, it's not with the lungs. Doesn't take much air to get those reeds moving strong.
CanadianStalker 2 years ago
@CanadianStalker
dude stop smoking please, or reduce it, it would be a shame if a good musician has to drop playing because of cancer or that crap
CptChaos88 2 years ago
Let me guess. The place that won't draw is the 2 draw. Right?
asquonk 2 years ago
i think thats the one. is that a common one to do that?
clewi1091 2 years ago
Yes, almost everybody thinks their harmonica is broken when they first buy it, because they can't get a note out of the 2 draw. If you just put your mouth over holes 1, 2, 3 and breathe in through the harmonica, you can hear how the 2 draw should sound when you do a single note.
For me, I found that relaxing my lower jaw (opening it slightly) and loosening my lips solved the problem.
Actually, Gussow's next video (002) talks about this problem ...
asquonk 2 years ago
Just bought a Boss DD3 delay pedal on Ebay for £60..........only need a hot little valve amp now.
gosiawoodman 2 years ago
thank you so much Adam for these videos
JohnProsserVideo 2 years ago 7
so this is from your dvd?
lukauskis 2 years ago
Hi Adam,
greate lessons, you are a big one.
Just sended a video to you, hope you like it .
BBH
BBHRalle 2 years ago
It's terrific! I love your playing--your tone, your phrasing. Great stuff.
KudzuRunner 2 years ago
Hi Adam,
the original CD is
Until We Meet Again
from Doug Jay
Thank you for visiting my video :-)
BBHRalle 2 years ago
I have only a harmonica that spent time in pockets caseless. I opened it up and cleaned it out, but the fourth note will only work on the draw, not the blow. Is it saveable?
BackFortyBushcraft 2 years ago
Never mind that, I unscrewed every unscrewable screw and cleaned the entire thing, left right and center. It plays! Now I can start.
BackFortyBushcraft 2 years ago
O my good,this is sooooo cool!!!
POMMIZ33 2 years ago 2
Cool!!
pingummo 2 years ago
fucking best...........john from greece
giannisk4 2 years ago
holy SHIT that sounded good.
I am glad that you turned the delay off then back on so we could see the diference, that basically just gave me every idea i was looking for for my harmonica amp.
Im just using a Epiphone Valve Junior, tube amp for now. sounds great, but a little delay would likely really help.
Thanks for the lessons.
jessupar 2 years ago
I recently purchased a Valve Junior as a backup amp, in case one of my old amps broke. It's a good amp.
KudzuRunner 2 years ago
well if thats your oppinion of it i'd say that just made me about twice as happy with it hahaha.
Considering it only cost me around 120$, and it had just been re-tube'd, i'd say that you cant really get anything better for the money. i'd rathe have a 50's vintage amp, but hey, where are you going to find one for that money?
jessupar 2 years ago
How does that help a person that has just started playing the harmonica?
Maybe it should start with more basic stuff..
scepticusb 2 years ago
These lessons aren't for beginners. I state that in the channel description and I repeat it in many of my videos. You can find beginner videos all over the web. Some beginners have, nevertheless, learned a great deal from my 175 free videos. But the majority of my videos, like Jason Ricci's and Chris Michalek's, are oriented towards a more advanced audience.
KudzuRunner 2 years ago
Here's what I say in my channel description, which has remained unchanged since I uploaded video .000: "This channel features an ongoing series of free-form lessons in the subtleties of contemporary blues harmonica. Beginners will learn useful things here, but most of my conversation is oriented towards intermediate and advanced players who have learned some or most of the basic techniques but KNOW they are missing something. It's that "something" that I'm going to explore here."
KudzuRunner 2 years ago
Hello Adam,
Your lessons are clear. It is a great help.Over let's say 100 years i hope i can play like you.
daveorion 2 years ago
How absolutely generouse of you to do this, you must be a real nice person. From someone who is just starting out, (although I'm 55) trying to play, this is a real help. Thank's!...... Geoff.
kfotoprm 2 years ago 7
Geoff, you"re only 55, you"ll be getting good in a few yrs if you stick with it, and most important have the passion, you have to want to learn! be patient. the best things come to those who wait, good luck!
dan32113 2 years ago
Hello Adam !
Another top video... After watching your video i purchased my first amp... oh boy, now we're making some noise... Keep up the good playing !
maxdecimus88 2 years ago
phat
wwwrnbsoundscom 2 years ago
i have a Fender vibro champ from'68..i know that is a good amp:it's true..thanks
andrewjeff 2 years ago
i have a blues harp (honer) in C...it's good to start to learn this amazing instrument?great video!!
andrewjeff 2 years ago
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legangs 2 years ago
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legangs 2 years ago
this is also Bflat?
arcadiandelsol 2 years ago
WOW thanx for the walkthrough on your gear.... did or have either you or satan play through a fender bassman (tweed) seems like it was on an album cover with a cool funky necklace hangin off the handle...love your stuff thanx bluesbrother
icancervivor 2 years ago
Yes, I used to play through that amp and still have it. It turned out that I get a better sound through smaller amps. We used it--it's a 1955 Bassman--on the cover of MOTHER MOJO.
KudzuRunner 2 years ago
would you recommend starting with your videos if i'm a new harp play (can do most bends) and musically competent? i'm looking for videos to teach me and pretty much get me started in the right direction
MarkAndVictoria 2 years ago
This guy is a great player, a fine journalist and an equally fine presenter/teacher. He knows how to get his point over whichever way. I say damn right you should buy his videos! Rock on Mr Gussow!
guitarandharp 2 years ago
I meant more like, is this a good place to start for beginners, or is it too far above my head that it won't be helpful?
MarkAndVictoria 2 years ago
Hi MarkAndVictoria
There are many comments on this re that here on these pages. If you acquire the harps in the keys which Adam states, and begin at the beginning, you should be fine. Harmonica is not easy to learn, but is worth the necessary effort. I wish you well! I have been playing for 40 years and I still love it as much as when I first started. If you're not already doing so, please listen to the master players every day: Little Walter, both Sonny Boys, George Smith, James Cotton etc
guitarandharp 2 years ago
I love your lessons! Thank you so much! But I want to get a really great harp so I can practice up and get better. What specific harp would you recommend for playing blues?
nickym1234567 2 years ago
See the FAQs page at my website, modernbluesharmonica (dot) com
KudzuRunner 2 years ago
Niiice! Is it possible to play without the beatbox sound coming from the throat?
ronaldkorv 2 years ago
I"m sure it is. I play best, however, when I let my body make the sounds it feels like making while I play. The coughs are simply what my body does when it's exerting maximal effort in a maximally funky way.
KudzuRunner 2 years ago
thank you! it will help me a lot
Gemusician 2 years ago 2
O man! Tell me how do you get the blues note!?
Gemusician 2 years ago
I have several lessons on YT entitled "the blue third." I also have a lesson on my website, Modern Blues Harmonica, entitled "bending the 3 draw."
KudzuRunner 2 years ago
Randy Bachman mentioned your name on his radio show called Randy's Vinyl Tap. So happy he did....... I'll be buying my first harmonica today.
mutedloud 2 years ago
I went out and bought one the other day, it's so much fun!
Also, Randy Bachman is from my hometown!
hudsonf1993 2 years ago
Great band you have, my friend.
PlayHarmonicaEasily 3 years ago
My son is raising hell, as most almost-three-year-olds tend to do. As for Atlanta: we're trying to get a gig there right now.
KudzuRunner 3 years ago
Adam it was great speaking with you at IBC. Just wanted to know how your son is doing. If you ever get to Atlanta the door is always open.
HoboStephe 3 years ago
heard some mistakes,,ha ha great playing Adam
ocaenpaul 3 years ago
VWeastvalley 3 years ago
thanks so much man
rocktherevolution 3 years ago
Thank U for these lessons
TingYie 3 years ago
:27 - :49 is some bad ass shit son
colinisconfussed 3 years ago
word! is that just improv or a specific song?
stratocasterxl 2 years ago
I only hacz onz in F, can I play this lessons on it? and i can't find tabs for it
jobbegoossens 3 years ago
I meant have and one
jobbegoossens 3 years ago
nice work man,i have seen most of ur videos and are all good.I am still trying to learn how to bend notes
shots009 3 years ago
totally awsome
fbouly 3 years ago
This is great I'm putting a play list together as I listen to all lessons.
ImKilRoyKilRoy 3 years ago
Nice dance man!
leoangin 3 years ago
Awesome player, awesome teacher, awesome...
jayrodkc 3 years ago
and KudzuRunner your good....props man...i have alot of respect for ya :)
wylder4 3 years ago
anyone that says they are or probably are better than someone is a total jackass an shudnt be in the music world....music is about freedom of expression....not whos better than who....an who is a "prodigy" or not.....cocky lil 13 year olds....shove that harp up your ass harpmaster.....you shudnt judge no one on there playing abbilities....and even if your a prodigy....you shud still be locked in a room till you realize that music aint about whos better you lil fuck
wylder4 3 years ago 10
Post a video and show people what you do. I can guarantee you we'll all be interested, and we'll tell you what we think. But don't confuse "faster and more complicated" with "better than"--at least if you're talking about blues. Notes aren't music. Notes are a way of helping music emerge. Blues harmonica is about three things: tone, microtonal subtleties, and rhythmic subtleties. If you've mastered all three at the age of 12, along with phrasing--we'll, you'll be the very first.
KudzuRunner 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I will Upload a video called: "12 Year old Harmonica Master"
HarpMastery 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Could someone Tell please, I am nearly 13 years old and i can play the same or possibly better than adam and LD Miller. Am i a prodigy.
HarpMastery 3 years ago
Hi Adam,
I think I have heard too much about you. Now I think I am going through every single one of your video! So far so good and looking forward for more!
Many thanks for "adam's time"!
Eddie
chromatic8d 3 years ago
homegrown? haha whered you get that :P
SoloBen247 3 years ago 3
right on man, all it takes is the will to just go with it. if your off..elaborate. mistakes are the funnest part about music.
CraveInspiration 3 years ago
Hey, good to see you still playing harp. I used to see you with Satan, back in the early 90's. You guy's rocked nyc. A guy in Colony Music said to check you out here. Good stuff! thanks
x2mars 3 years ago
I have a green bullet mic that i play thru an old princeton reverb, when it is cranked, sounds great, but feeds back when i stop playing. What to do?
,
kirnagar 3 years ago
Start a thread on the blues harp forum on my website. I'm sure you'll get lots of great advice.
KudzuRunner 3 years ago
Thankxx a lot. I´m Spanish (Europe), I learn to much, sorry but I can´t write well.
noiseriff 3 years ago
Is the shure PE5H a high impedance mic?
superchucker77 3 years ago
Yes, as far as I know. It's definitely not a low impedance mic. I've just learned that there's such a thing as a medium-impedance mic. Possibly it's that.
KudzuRunner 3 years ago
what key is that harmonica in
Raylj318 3 years ago
B-flat
KudzuRunner 3 years ago
i love that piece advice you gave in the beginning "don't be afraid to make mistakes" THANK U ;) you're great
nicool722 3 years ago
Nice video, only 190 morew to look at hehe, just a question about miking an amp, I have a harp mike made out of wood and when i plug it into my blues junior the feedback is terrible, from my research it was suggested to stand about 6 metres away from the amp but my room isnt that big!
Cheers
bluesdog88 3 years ago
Thanks Adam, but too advanced for this beginner. Also you might put your tutorial in a playlist because I spent more time searchng between 001 and 002.... than listening.
nohoist 3 years ago
This channel is oriented towards intermediate players, as I've often noted, but I've got lots of videos for beginners at my website, Modern Blues Harmonica. I'm not sure I understand your second comment, but there's a very thorough index of my first 100+ videos available for $1 at MBH ("YouTube Products")
KudzuRunner 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
hahahah little ducks quack quack
lilmanlui44 3 years ago
tHANK YOU
DigoBell 3 years ago 5
Teach us the harmonica solo to "Hook" by Blues Traveler and I'll subscribe!
Jaysun325 3 years ago
youre the man. period.
trench 3 years ago 3
nice video
l4ndi 3 years ago 3
WOW! your the only other person on the internet that i know that has a PE5H! I just picked one up from my grandma's garage! havent tryed it yet. Any thoughts on its performance?
TheAwesomeBlossom 3 years ago 5
It's the only mic I've used for the past 20 years. I guess I must like it.
KudzuRunner 3 years ago
Hi Adam,
I really enjoy checking out your videos. You are a continuing inspiration to me. I love the "I'm gonna make mistakes! So what! approach. You Rock!
I am in the process of posting some videos on tools and tuning & also will be posting some music. Should be fun once I figure out how to do it.
Later!
Richard Sleigh
rsleighharp 3 years ago 3
im afraid to make mistakes
kricket428 3 years ago
Don't be. Make many of them.
KudzuRunner 3 years ago
Your great! :D
sAkUrAtEdX 3 years ago
You are one of my favorite teachers. When we meet I'm buying you a drink for an autograph. PE5H from the late 70's, Delay pedal passively split out to 2 amps; You are a gear monkey indeed. This one is getting posted in the harptoys group. 60/5 stars!
quinoacat 3 years ago
your lessons are wicked man i canney play for shit so maybe 20 years down the line id hope to be as good. maybe even better :)
m579064 3 years ago
Hi does the Delay Pedal have to have a Stereo out on it to enable you to connect 2 amps to it or can you connect 2 amps with any delay pedal?? I asked at a shop about this & they told me i would need to have a Stereo out on my delay other wise it would just send the affect to one & the Mic to the other amp??
strawwoodclaw 3 years ago
I'm not sure. There are two output jacks. One is clean; one has the effect. I run a passive signal splitter out of the effects jack, so I get the effect through both amps.
KudzuRunner 3 years ago
oh|!!!
cincipirino 3 years ago
je' avec la freegne' de paur!!!!bravo!!!
cincipirino 3 years ago
maaan. what a groove
shavingryansprivate 3 years ago 4
Je trouve cela super, mais je n'y comprends rien lorqu'il parle ou pourrais-je trouver cela en français merci d'avance de votre aide Cordialement J.M
jeanne3020 3 years ago
Regarde Paul Lassey il a quelques vidéos d'instructions si ça peut t'aider.
No ones a better teacher than Adam tough ;)! I always come back to this video I don't know why. Thanks for sharing over 130 videos Adam:P!
tonyh1988 3 years ago
Is there a prefered learning harmonica? brand/key... i went out and bought this cheap harmonica and ive worked out its in F... is anything acceptable to learn on?
EmpiricalBlues 3 years ago
I usually have beginners start on a C or D, since they're smack in the middle of the pitch range, which runs from G up to F. F is a high harp--a soprano sax, a piccolo bass, a Chihuahua--and a D might be easier.
KudzuRunner 3 years ago
heyyy halifax! how long ago was it when you busked in my home town?
bordonthestreet 3 years ago
tab that jam?
kaetyn 3 years ago
amazing videos, one thing is seeing it on paper in a cheap lessons book, and another is like this, step by step, grat job, im been playing guitar since 91, and now im starting with harmonica, thanks.
pd: what key are you playing in?.
pocho1976 3 years ago
I'm pretty sure I'm using a B-flat on all these early lessons.
KudzuRunner 3 years ago
wow man thats insane playin like that is a dream of mine and im slowly makeing that a reality i played im my schools talent show doin stuff that u taught me in these videos and they loved in fact it was filmed if i can git my hands on the vid ill up loade it for you so big thanks man keep it up
-adam summitt
NoblezadaXfan 3 years ago
Now THAT would be fun. Please post that; I'd love to see it.
KudzuRunner 3 years ago
Adam, have you tried out the new Lone Wolf Harp delay pedal? How does it stack up to your Boss DD3?
SianReynolds 3 years ago
i would of liked to herd a response for that Question too, maybe he has not used a lone wolf
strawwoodclaw 3 years ago
cool
thewestburykid 3 years ago
So basically the secret is in the amp(s)?
TheBurgerThing 3 years ago
thank your videos are greats
mikelin29 3 years ago
hey adam, i've been checkin out your videos and learning from Tony Glover's book. i'm a sax player pickin up blues harp (and someday chromatic jazz harp) on the side. is this the right way to start?
brownlee1867 4 years ago
im a sax player too doin the same thing, tight
leftywitt 3 years ago
i join to the club! haha
"the sax players pickin up harp" haha
patoska 3 years ago
Tony Glover's book is a lot of fun to read - but as an instructional, well it really sucks. Adam's videos are great. Also, check out Jerry Portnoy's 3-CD instructional set. Not cheap, but I got a LOT out of those.
SianReynolds 3 years ago
alright i just started playing this thing about a month ago and peoples say that i got rythmn which is very encouraging me. i m 38 years old and it s a dream coming true for me to have fun with that and ty for the nice lessons you share with us. i hope to play at least 1/8 of what you do in the next 3 years lol tx man . take care
gladunot 4 years ago
what was that first song you played? and btw.. nice videos *thumbs up*
TimiFIN 4 years ago
Just a basic shuffle blues in F.
KudzuRunner 4 years ago
Hi Adam,
Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another.
Thanks for all.
horasdispersas 4 years ago
What is the best note or (key) of harmonica to start with for a beginner? I dont know what my father had, he was not a pro he just played old tunes like RED WING. I play mostly old country and old stardards on my keyboard.
alliecat1941 4 years ago
See the FAQs page at my website, modernbluesharmonica dot com
KudzuRunner 4 years ago
Well when i play keyboard i do sometimes have to look to make sure im going to hit the right key..Of course i am not a pro, but i have been playing keyboard since 1988. And it does take a lot of practice. So i guess if you know the song well you dont have to look.But it when playing harmonica its up to your mouth and you cant see the notes you are playing like a keyboard.
alliecat1941 4 years ago
Right. Although of course beginning players pull the harp back from their mouth and look at the numbers, pretty quickl