Blues hamronica lesson 1: breathing/bends ( G harmonica)

[aussack]

Ok, sounds good! iv'e spent an hour with it and the dog Howled :) Not to bad when i play it with guitar, it sounds better,using harp holder, so it's limited.. thanks for the lesson. PS

Xmass.. Prawns for lunch, Played harp! before reading instructions, Woe! can i wash it? Has the plastic reeds so i was told.. Directions say not to..

[chrisdavies23359]

does having a new harmonica make any difference/ i have a hohner ssilver star and can only bend on hole 1

[6musky]

Why is there only time for two things?

[RonnieShellist]

@6musky because when i recorded this 5 years ago YouTube had a much smaller upload limit for files.

[TheBadboysdream]

I also wanna ask you something Ronnie: Do my tongue have to stay in a sudden shape? I mean I realized that when I move my tongue back as you desrcibed it seems the tip of my tongue raises up and that isnt the shape you described. Instead of, it seems it have to be in shape of a side of triangle. Is that true? So tip of my tongue should be the lowest part while back of my tongue goes higher?

And also great job!

[TheBadboysdream]

I can do bends but I just cant get the first sound you do there. When you start, your sound seems like struggling in that note like its scratching if you know what I mean. Rest is not hard but the first sound seems very hard to do. Or is it the harmonica that you play?

[diganbush]

thanks mate was helpful jc



[basketcream34]

When your learning bends it helps to have a tuner to see if your actually bending a note, not just making it go flat.

[LoanCougar]

I've decided that I want to learn to play so I need to buy a harmonica. Do you have a couple that you recommend or is there something I should look for?

[TedOfNod]

i frequently do this exercise. . .only with pot.

[Gamereviews99]

@ 1:19 u PWN man!!!

[PhinnyCobbler]

My harmonica is G but sounds totally different.. is yours minor?

[RonnieShellist]

@PhinnyCobbler No just G. Ya know what, I have the same problem. I can't get my harp to sound like William Clarke's harp ;)

[crazylucifer0]

juuust about blacked out haha

[onelongwordable]

Was this filmed in Osama's old cave?

[justin4453]

Apparently B.J. Novak has been playing harp for a while now. ;)

[paisleystu1]

ronnie, when & who got you started?

[kobac]

Ronnie do you customize reeds on new harmonica? I mean do you increase a space between the reeds and the plate like Adam Gussow does and suggests for easier bend?

[RonnieShellist]

@kobac no, i prefer to buy harmonicas that don't need this..like the Suzuki Manji or previously customized harmonicas. i am no good at taking things apart and messing with them.

[mmacritics]

Ronnie, is it only possible to bend while breathig in, or is it possible while breathing out aswell. I know i can ben while breathing in but can't seem to do it while bathing out. Any tips?

//mmacritic

[RonnieShellist]

@mmacritics blow bends are possible on holes 7-10

[patgarrett5755]

I hate you Ronnie Shellist....but dammit I respect you

[Cairns70]

"Blues Harmonica Player " is the worldwide stage for Blues harp players to share their videos and ideas. We need guys like you who can play, upload your videos, help manage our forums, and be part of a movement that will go worldwide which will be backed by some of the best blues players we can find. Join us on Facebook.

[Neon74]

Sweet as mate, thanks for the tips.

[puvidoki]

good

[Charlieinmotion]

Do you prefer a G harmonica?

[detherioner]

Thank you so much Ronnie. ; )

[jAcKtHeGyPsYmOtH]

helpful thanks!

[AdorexMexAngelica]

I feel really light headed now, I tried to breathe as fast as you. Ahaha...haa..

thank yous <3

[psychobabblebullshit]

i've read/watched a few things on how to bend, but this is the one that actually explained it well enough for me to get the hang of it. thanks. :}

[Snotlingfondler]

hey, what tone harp you using on this vid?

[EnergyDog23]

Key of G... Read the info..

[SpacedTime]

Dunno, maybe the jaw position? Make an O with your lips? (I dont play)

[Namkg113]

very nice... thank alot for sharing . :)

[LinkBulletBill]

try to bend it while blowing, and yes it works for me...

[slingger3]

Ronnie, Do you have an opinion on the Seydel Big Six, is it more of a toy or a tool and are stainless reeds better?

[VickeMicke]

Wow, thank you really much, just got a C harmonica and been practising for weeks with bends and I didn't seem to get anywhere. And after watching this movie two times I'm getting the hang of it already.

Thanks and BTW, great harpin'.

[Mastas999]

1:12-1:28 is incredable

[dollydharma]

You're the greatest. Thanks a bunch for sharing your technique.

[tcharlesrea]

Simple skills in this one, but so well put and demonstrated! Nice delivery. I'll look for your other instructionals. Thank you.

[hramorop]

Hey Ronnie:

It will be easer for beginners like me to hear only one harmonica tone, C for example,other way we have to buy each harmonica for each lesson to follow you in your videos

Thanks for your teaching

HRO México

[efectomariposa93]

Wow! I only spent 2 minutes and I already control a low 2 seminotes bend change!

Im thrilled!

[Daanissa]

i just got a G harmonica, i have a C but i just cant get the 4 hole draw (G) or the 2 hole draw (C) to sound Ok , i cant get them!

[lesyouri]

I also had problems with it but when I learnt to hold my harmonica good it was way easier

[stekeater]

Is a wood comb harder to play for a beginner

[rockr98]

definatley, that and you lose a lot of air from them.

[labeuer]

nice post. turn on a light

[alienw9]

an answer to my problems ...

Thank you !

[gammafighter]

dang, thought i could bend for a while but couldnt figure out why it sounded so weird. met a guy who plays and can bend and found out i wasnt really bending. :(

[banfita]

you're hot! thanks!

[Ledvolta]

I meant to rate higher, sorry.

[yellownoses]

i have a big river harp in E

but i dont see any soong with the e harmonica and wats that have sising bisness somone explain

[acamaca1987]

you like him go vote for him at tubegottalent.x10hosting(.)com

its a contest of unsigned youtube music talents

[bighitter805]

hey ronnie i try this and i still can't get that bend down!! any more advice?????

[LZNico]

I have a very "rare" harmonica one with 24 holes drive me crazy, I can't get lesson to 24 holes for play blues, what do you recommend to learn better, I have to change my harmonica ? thank's for help

[Bluesscaleboy]

I seem to have trouble when it's not the first hole. The first hole i have no trouble bending, but the higher I go, the more difficult it seems. Actually, I think the only hole that works, is the first one...

[lizzysg1]

okay how do you do that soo fast??

[Clarky3009]

nice. thank you man.

[ou812bass]

Can you be using the tongueing technique and bending at the same time?

[RonnieShellist]

YEs, you can use tongue blocking and bend at the same time...the feeling happens more in the throat than tongue...

[danig42]

thats awesome i wish i could achieve that !!

[jeboybendigosa]

ummm.... what kind of harmonica are u using?

i would like to buy one too...

[flash233]

Wow. Just realized it says, "Hamronica".

Great vid though man. How do you do the chugging so fast?

[amoruah]

thanks to you...

[emphases]

Thanks! And after I saw your video I finally managed to bend D to C#

[internetbrother]

I can't bend can't bend shit..........just cant is is my harmonica?

[zheron20023]

well done - I appreciate the advice ...

[kombuha5]

good stuff give more

[natalbeach]

hi ronnie:after playing the cromatic for more then 60 years many thanks your (my first)lesson for the blues harmonica.you are a fantastic teacher!

with greetings from tenerife canaries.

jimmy

[madtiger111]

Great teaching.

[Salye]

I have a Big River G and C from Hohner, Been trying to learn some blues techniques for a while, but I got started on the harp because of a beatboxing video I saw on here. Your clips have been great inspiration and I've been trying to figure out how you get some of those sweet sounds you got in your arsenal...eventually I'm gonna have to get that video of yours. Much love and props!

[irenenuky]

more more more!!

[canon6]

i have your harmonica ... i bought that to $8.00 in my country xD

[qzdt]

Hey great vid! I jumped on to the harp about a year ago. An excellent book by JG helped alot. I just jumped abourd, so I'll be keepin an eye out for ya. Real nice! Keep at it. The more info the better.

[jibhot]

Interesting....I only gave him two stars, but, I think he knows what he's talking about, so, if he's got more videos to show, I'm sure I'll rate him higher...

[princzesza]

Man, I've seen you playing in other videos here and it is really amazing. I'm realy glad that you've posted here this one which I've found really useful as I'm just a beginner. Want more;) Great job!

[Mathermatic]

how do i buy it?

[rollingbass]

cool! I wonder how the harmonica whould sound whith a fast boogieWoogie on the piano ? More videos of you playing a blues or a Boogie :) Thankyou

[vrcoolb]

great tip. I've been trying to come up with a exersie for doing a train sound. Your an awsome harp player.

[fagsauce]

genius

pure genius

[QQJJz]

I hope a tongue pircing doesnt hamper this technique!

[skizorama]

fuck, man AMAZING

[pagmatic]

awesome! This vid makes it so much easier to learn:)

[Drular]

This video helped me a lot. Thanks man.

[haim001]

thanks man ... you are great player.

[caspavass]

hey man this is gr8 thank you ur cool

[DiMIchelli696]

hey man play some Junior Wells listen' to him

[Threeboy]

jack lord you're nuts on that thing. Don't listen to the people who call you a faker - they're full of crap.

[JJDurandeau]

here from Chile, thx for the lesson ;)

[187onundercovercop]

This Video Got me so interested in the harmonica i am going to buy one tomorrow.

[AlamoCityCello]

I got what it takes to make a GREAT teacher, u REALLY want to impart your knowledge to other. Pass it down Brother!!

BRAVO!!

[SavvySuzy]

Alright! Great explanation. Better on Vid than text for sure. Lookin' forward to more.

[lilpep4ever]

Oh no! I have a regular C major Harmonica. DARN.

[GoldenAssassin]

I consider myself a guitarrist, but harmonica is one of the miscellaneous instrument I goof around on. I have read at least three different manuals on playing, but it really helps to see the lesson performed. I've been playing harmonica for four years (I am a college freshman), and I will definitely be purchasing your videos.

[Boggert]

Man, you rock! Thanks to your videos, I dug out my old harmonica, and started playing again! :-) Keep up the good work!

[bazman1664]

This guy is awesome! Someone who really wants to help others play. Keep it up fella. Great stuff.

[lupinsensei]

excellent stuff. always wanyed to pick up the harmonica. a big thank you for the clear concise advice....will endeavour to give it a go. please keep the videos coming. thanks again

[Hacke11]

Hey from Berlin. Very nice. Thank You.

[chrislovegab]

thanks for the lesson, i'm beginning paying and it's helpful so keep on doing it please, you're great!

[muffdivr]

thanks man ,can't wait for next lesson.

[Bojarsbard]

Quick taste but what I saw was very good.

[perronzonperronzon]

just thank you!

[grecian1]

Thanks man, my M. Hohner has been sitting to long in the drawer. I got it out and am playing again.

[fu475nny]

hey dude this is a really good vid.. iv never really tried the harmonica, and uv really raised awearness for this great instrument, and a great lesson to listen to well done, this is a priviledge to watch and i would really like to see more lessons on the harmonica!! well done

[GYMillionaire]

very cool have a harp at home but got burnt out on it pretty fast trying to bend and not knowing where to go to learn more..guess its time to pick it up again keep up the vids

[remzzzzzz]

i like this guy.

[MrTeapot69]

I don't want to learn the Harmonica, but this vid has educated me nevertheless, thank you.

[Suicidalmonkey117]

hah wow, sweet, keep up the good work

[juniperuscommunis]

You are awesome! This is so great! I hope you will upload lots of videos in the future as well because I'm just learning to play harmonica...and this inspires me beyond!!! WOW!!!

[rgsimon]

This guy, besides being a great harmonica player, is exactly like young Pacino. You deserve to be hired for the sopranos, pal. ;-)

Congratulations from Spain

[mtbchick71]

nice

...

more

please?

[lordroots]

Yeah man.. this is a good idea..

allright..

very good

[wobblebottom]

Is that harp you're using a hohner blues harp? im colourblind, but i think the comb is wooden. awesome vid btw, im looking forward to more...one last thing...is that harp in g? i have a lee oskar in c and it sounds nothing like the one you play. then again it could be the distortion of the video and audio from the rendering or whatever its called...keep up the good work dude.

[RonnieShellist]

it's a Marine Band, and sounds pretty darn close to what it actually sounds like live..not much distortion here.

thanks

[Midex]

joe1976usa you're just the beginning of ruining YouTube forum. Its selfish to spam.

[Viblo]

Whoho...! Thanks pal, love your vids!

[RustyR]

You got some cool videos, really good playing.

Could you suggest a good beginners harmonica? What would be a good key to start off with as well?

Thanks

[idl3mind]

bad ass

[mycatlilly]

Really clear and interesting! Very nice job!

[Williedaprinter]

I'm trying to learn harp. This vid. is helpful. I'm subscribing to this guys stuff. Thanks

[AerosmithTour2005]

This is a great lesson man, thanks, I'm definetly giving this a go!

[drunkensnowgirl]

btw your wicked good

[drunkensnowgirl]

paltalk.com live guitar room we would all love to hear you play there look for any live music room under the r rating hope to see you there

[bby70]

Ronnie, you are the king! I've added this link to my harp amplifier website. www.buffaloamps.com

Rob

[cdg76]

go watch this next!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v­=BMLpvcJYyXE

[RainierWolfcastle]

Excellent! I noticed how your harp bend inwards, because you've kept it in your back pocket. Lesson no 2: Always bring the harp! ;-) Do you soak your harps in luke warm water? Keep em coming!

[dumbdumb12345]

if you get the director rating, you can post longer videos, but i really dont know too much about that

[furyustar]

Very cool. My dad was a great harmonica player. I got all his harmonicas when he died and have always wanted to learn how to play them. Keep up the videos. It is great to watch a good harmonica player. Until the day I die I won't be able to hear a harmonica without "feeling" my dad close to me.

[bananaskittles]

awesome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v­=EgtyI7_JP_o

[jatoki]

too good: info and presentation persona. Keep the lessons coming. I'll pay!!

[drdaily]

Thanks for taking time to put the lesson together.  Very beneficial!

[MrsTaylorHicks]

You are incredible.. Seriously, I really think we should get married.

[markitymark]

omg you rule! I can't wait for more lessons.

[PintinhasB]

Eheheh....we´ve got a online teacher now...Iam really apreciating what you´re doing man...Iam ready for the 2nd lesson....Thanks from Portugal...

[andrei89]

wow thanx dude!! please upload more lessons

[Sclone]

Thanks alot for the lesson!

You're an excellent player!

This was a great lesson, hope to see the next one up soon.

Could you possibly inform me of other

blues harmonica lessons wether it be books or tapes or videos?...Basically whatever you used to get where you are on the instrument. Thanks in advance.

[Jasafar]

Thanks brother... very nice. Looking forward to many more. I've been stuck for sometime at the same level and I think your future lessons would be exactly what I need. Thank you much!

[iamtina]

my dollar store harmonica, which is larger than the one you have and made in (suprisingly) China, didn't seem to make the same notes as you were making. Is it me or the harmonica? Will any harmonica do? I continue to be impressed by you and have never attempted to do anything anyone tells me to do on YouTube as part of my mental health prevention program but here I am trying to follow instructions! Keep up the good work and thanks for spreading the blues.

[jiganto]

Awesome, thanks. I've been looking everywhere to hear what "bending" a note actually is.

[melicbot]

Can't wait for more of your videos! I bought a harmonica years ago and never learned to play it... happened to catch a glimpse of you just now on the main page and wow! You've reminded me what a magnificent and extensive instrument the harmonica is! I'm hoping to have another go at it as soon as I can; this time putting in a lot more effort.

[JoshThaNinja]

Wow.. That was great.. I can't wait for more videos.

Get a directors account, it'll allow you to kill the time limit on videos, although they still have to stay under 100 mb, if that's your problem try converting to something other than avi or wmv, i really liked this and i learned something.. If you have Aim you should message me some time we can chat, my aim is the same as my youtube name..

Take care and thanks!

[moebius87]

Hi blues boy.....My name is Andrea......i'm italian boy....i'm sorry...but my english is bad....

I love blues and the harp !!!!

I love the "Nine below zero", "b.b. King", Rod Piazza, Kim Wilson and more....You're very good......really.

My dad is a drummers...a good drummers....in the Umberto Porcaro blues band...and he's my cousin....

Go here ----> www.umbertoporcaro.it

and if you want answer at this comment.....

bye bye....

MOEBIUS

[because88]

I bet you're more proud of this one than your other videos. Well you should be, it's good to teach. I'll put me bass down and get harpy oot draw. - Nice vid'.

[PlayaOguz]

you're the best but it's a pitty that my english isn't so good that i can unterstand everything.. :(

[gtoland]

Thanks for taking the time to upload this. Appreicate the help.

[geolie]

consider a directors account? will let you upload larger videos. Since you ran out of time on that one. Thank you for the posts, really appreciated.

[schneidjay]

yeh awesome, now i got to go buy a harmonica

[motorcop]

This is a good dude...

[Agivith]

Wow, talk about fast service. Thank you very much! I look forward to more of your stuff.

[roamingwyoming]

Ah! I've been waiting for this! Sadly, I have yet to acquire my own harmonica, but I can still appreciate how helpful this video is. Especially the first section on breathing, it's something I tend to have difficulty with while playing trumpet. I hope to apply your advice to my current instruments, and hopefully to a harmonica someday. A big thanks for helping out us striving musicians!