Type in youtube search (Gospel Harmonica of Maine Channel). And see how far you can come in just a couple of years. Not that I'm great. But I am using what I've been taught for The Lord. Hope you enjoy listening to the videos.
GOSPEL HARMONICA welcomes you to come and visit for some Old Time Gospel music play with the HARMONICA. Type in your YouTube search ( GOSPEL HARMONICA OF MAINE CHANNEL ) . Featuring one of my favorites The Old Rugged Cross played with Guitar and Harmonica.
Man, I got the basics in 10 minutes! Thanks! Also to trevortjes for the tip: just say eeeeooooeeeeee and at ooooo take your back of your tong deep into your throat.
dude ure amazing i need u to make some more videos!!!im gonna learn how to play the harmonica with ur videos on utube and then im gonna send u myself playin the blues when i learn!
Like other beginners, Dan, I have been looking for a video that audibly defines the draw bend and overblows, especially the 2,3,and 6 holes. Now I know what these sounds like so I can practice till I drop now. Thanks!
HAHAHAHA! I've been through a dozen tutorials on how to bend properly, and then you come along with the Darth Vader sounds and suddenly I can do it. Thanks, man. You made my day.
This video finally answered what I've been trying to figure out. To have the right sound, you play in the Key of G on a C harp. No wonder I've never been able to bend to the right notes.
i've been attemping to bend notes for about a week and i don't think i've succesfully grasped the skill. The note does change in pitch but it doesn't sound similar to the way it should sound. I wonder if it's my Easy Rider harmonica.
@ohadbasan executing a bend and using a bend musically are two different things. Keep practicing and you will eventually learn to control and use your bends with soul.
@ohadbasan Sometime ago I tried soaking the harp in whiskey... Saw a guy in a bar who was doing that and he had a seriously soulful sound. Of course, if you drink some of the whiskey you may feel more soulful, too. :o)
I dont know why, but its hard to play a 1st hole note, the higher pitched 1st hole note. So its like this... 1st hole, air, 2nd hole, 2nd hole, 3rd hole, 3rd hole
@DantehMan Are you sure you're getting the bend on 1D? Many people think they're bending and they'e actually not. Put up a video and I'll let you know. Or, let's set up a skype.
I dont get this, you blow second hole & you bend while you are blowing & you get 3 notes, thats friggin impossible, i tried & ony thing i get is just blow, i cant bend blow. I do can bend draw but how do you bend blow?
@9578755 Traditional DRAW bends are on holes 1-4, 6. Traditional BLOW bends are on holes 8-10. Three bent notes are available by breathing IN on hole 3. One can alter pitch on holes 1, 4, 5,6 Blow by using a similar technique to traditional blow bends. This is called "overblowing". One can also effect a bend on hole 7 and 9 draw (overdraw). Overblows and Overdraws (collectively known as overbends) tend to require a harp that's been specifically set-up for the technique.
@12gagedan oo you replied, cool, let me ask you this, search youtube for :Stand By Me - Ben E King christellester
tab goes like this I think: 5 6 -6 5 6
How is she bending the 5,6 blows?
Or if I buy same harp, kay D will I also get the same sound or I need to add some effect? how canI add that effect while playing? is there a special software?
@9578755 it is very likely that she's playing the 5 and 6 Overblows. They are notes like blow bends, but they require a little more back-pressure. The overblows are available on 1, 4, 5, 6.
@eROCtele first, are you sure you're bending the notes down a full semitone? Second, some people claim that angling the harp helps, but I think that's b.s. It's your mouth, tongue and throat.
@MAJORFR0 At first, guys tend to blow out reeds more often, however once you get to a point of controling the technique, bending is not "dangerous" at all. In short, beginners tend to be more dangerous to a harmonica in general. More advanced players less dangerous.
Thanks Dan. I have a book published by Mel Bay written by Dave Barrett and converting the written example to physical reality was evading me. When you demonstrated by dropping a whistle on a draw, the light bulb came on and voila! I am able to bend. TADA!
Really great lesson, i got my first harmonica 2 hours ago and im already stuck with bending but this lesson helped me a lot in figuring out what to do (or try to do ;))
I wanted to know how you do that little lick at 8:08 - 8:09 ?!?!? I have been learning this song by ear called How Many More Years it's a howlin wolf song so I would think ur familiar with it so hopefully u could treach it or something even though it's just the bending I guess haha but if u have the time to that'd be awesome! Okay that's all
Great vid btw earlier this night I bent my first note but I started on the bend and went up lol
@nucky6 is it a diatonic harmonica? They don't make many low C harps. They do make extended marine bands with 4 holes with lower pitched notes. Do you have one of those?
Really LOVE the videos! Just learning the harmonica (am a banjo player), finding your teaching style really intuitive and your examples clear. Keep up the great work!
@metfankrizz you have to develop control of the air. Make sure that you try to relax and breathe. Keep practicing, and visualize the air moving in a different path to make the bend. Oh yeah, and keep practicing.
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.
@kpotassium There are plenty of cheap harps the where made, basically, for bending. One that I could think of is the Hohner Special Twenty Harmonica. Just a thought.
@rainsjoseph I find it difficult, but not impossible to bend while "U-Blocking" My tongue tends to feel stuck in the back of the throat, and I find it uncomfortable. U-Block bending is like Tongue-Block bending in that the front of the tongue is fixed, so the back of the tongu has to do more of the bending work. Holding the "U" shape adds another level of complexity to the bend. Try forming syllables while holding ur tongue in the "U" Like, "weee oooooo". You should feel it in ur throat
@ahtoshkaa can you upload an example? I'm almost positive it's the harmonica squeeling on you. Cheaper harmonicas, and poorly made decent instruments will do this from time to time. Time for a new harp, or try to put a dab of clear nail polish on the rivets of both reeds of hole 3. I'm not very good at harmonica repair, however, I'm pretty sure the squeal is caused by torsional stress on the rivet end of the reed. Gluing it down a little may help. I'd buy a new harp, though.
@12gagedan thank you so much for the answer! can't upload the sound though my mic is broken. but i'm pretty sure that you are right.
i knew that i would need a pricier harp for bends... but i didn't know that i would be able to get almost all the bends on my second week of playing =)
@12gagedan thank you so much for the answer! can't upload the sound though my mic is broken. but i'm pretty sure that you are right.
i knew that i would need a pricier harp for bends... but i didn't know that i would be able to get almost all the bends on my second week of playing =)
I bought a harmonica (Hohner Blues Harp) last year, never spend any real time to it, but I'm picking it up again now. But is it normal that you have somewhat of a taste of rust when you play? I immediately taste rust as I start to play. Is this normal?? Thanks!
i use the technique where i bend my tongue to make a U. I'm a little confused how to bind with this technique. is it possible this way? if so how? thx dude your videos are awesome and are helping me out A LOT
@pcw1010 It is possible, but it's not (IMO) nearly as easy. You need to exact the same change in airflow through the reeds to get a bend, regardless of embouchure. However, when the front of the tongue is against the harmonica, the tongue's movement is more limited. One has to use the back of the tongue, in combination with the rest of the mouth, to get the bend. Try the same vocalisation, but with your tongue against your teeth (continued. . .)
@12gagedan you'll find that you can still make a "weeee oooooh" sound, but it comes across as much more gutteral. The challenge with Tongue or U-Blocked bending is not just in getting the bend, but in also developing a deep rich tone of the bent notes. The pinching that your throat wants to do will totaly pinch your overall tone unless you really work on it. I can bend with U-Block, but it ain't pretty. It can be done, though.
you propably killed my right ear with the mono sound on the stereo headphones :D But I had to watch every single minute of this video yesterday to get how it works.. and now, only 24 hours later I'm glad that I killed my right ear :D. I play the Bluesharp for about 48 hours now and I'm very glad with my skill! Thank you a lot! Very great and helpful turtorial! (and sorry if there are some mistakes in my english, I'm no english man ;-) but I hope you understand what I wanted to say!)
@molemanlivesagain It's where I keep my harmonicas. I don't really know what it's officially called. Some kind of chinese clip-holder thing. I've used one to hold harmonicas since I started playing.
Thanks for all the videos you've done, it's really helping me learn properly. I have a question about bending though.... I'm currently using the method of blocking holes with my tongue in order to play single notes. I block the holes to the left and it's working well, getting clear single notes. My question is, is that the method you use and if so, do you continue to use that method when bending notes? I know I need more practice but so far having zero success bending (see uploaded vid)!
@ElFoz99 I definitely do most of my bending with Tongue Block embouchure. I think it's easier to learn bending while puckering or lip-blocking, but the general mechanics are the same. You need to change the air flow. It's easier when your tongue is free, but when TB'ing you have to use more of the back of your tongue. It takes a lot of practice. . .
I watched quite a few different people's tips on bending, and after watching yours I realised that I wasn't actually drawing hard enough to make it bend - It seems you actually have to suck quite hard to get it to fully bend!
ahh so relieved, I thought my mouth must have been an odd shape so I couldn't do it!
I just got my hohner starter set but i can't seem to figure out how to use the diffrent holes.. Whenever i blow or draw it sounds like im doing 3-4 holes at the time.
@oc33n Watch some beginner videos to learn about basic embouchure. Also, realize that it takes practice to get clean single notes on harmonica. It will take time and effort.
Hi, i´m from Chile and I´m 16 and i just started this year to play harmonica and i´m pretty good, but i think i could be much better. my harmonica is a Hohner Marine Band in the key of A, but i haven´t been able to find any songs in that key, Do you know any songs?, I you do, please tell me, i´d appreciate it.
by the way, what´s the song in the video?, i really liked it
found this really really useful. thanks so much man! iv just started and i have one question, when your bending the note at the end on hole 4, are you constantly drawing? thanks a lot.
to me, a total beginner, what would you suggest how i procede? what are the first steps i should take in learning to play the harmonica? i was very excited at first, but now I realise that I underestimated the harmonica...I thought you need hardly any practice^^
@annmuse then i suggest you pick a song you like, and play it until you achieve a clean single note. doesn't really matter what song, but the easier ones are preferable.
you can find many so called "harp tabs" on harptabs.com
LOL that's bending. I'm so new at this, and someone told me that you actually bend the top of the harmonica!! I have a broken harmonica because of that haha
this question is kind of basic... but im just starting.. you draw? or you blow? i just dont get it... you should have 40 sounds? 10 "normal blowing" 10 "normal drawing", 10 blowing bendgind and 10 drawing bending???? sorry im really confused (sorry for my english... is not my first language)
this question is kind of basic... but im just starting.. you draw? or you blow? i just dont get it... you should have 40 sounds? 10 "normal blowing" 10 "normal drawing", 10 blowing bendgind and 10 drawing bending???? sorry im really confused (sorry for my english... is not my first language)
draw bends are on holes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6. Blow bends are on holes 8, 9, 10.
Overblows are available on holes 1, 4, 5, 6. Overdraws are on 7 and others (I can't overdraw).
Some holes produce more than 4 tones, while others produce less. Not every hole can make the same number of tones. Start with draw bends on holes 1, 2, 3, 4 for now.
my grandpa used to play harmonica, he was rly good and i loved to just lisin to him play, when he passed away i got the harp and been trying to get better and better, the harmonica is a hohner big river harp (c key) on ebay they run for about $20, if u know about this harp then could u please tell me if its good enough to do bending and that kind of stuff?
@theRetroGameGeek big rivers are good harmonicas. you can definitely bend with them. i'm going to make a video showing a bunch of different harmonicas (eventually)
I have been practicing bending on holes two and three for sometime now.I can get one bend on each of these two holes while the rest are don't even materialize. I have even tried slowing down on each hole, but it just doesn't work. Can you do a video on the second and third hole draw bends? I and many others would really appreciate it.
@skrilla88 i don't know if a video would help. controlled bending of holes 2 and 3 is one of those skills that marks (IMO) an advanced player. The technique comes with much practice. You have to get the "feel" of bending down to the point where you can tell the notes in between. Other than lots of repetition, I don't know what else to teach.
@DragulaROB $15 diatonic harmonica? Yes. Some cheaper harmonicas are more difficult to bend, but it should be do-able on just about any diatonic. Even a $5 one. Keep practicing. It's a technique, and it takes time to learn.
i dont really understand... with this i should get two different notes for example by blowing the same hole in two different ways? well i can't do it:D i tried everithing but the note is not changing this way.. can you or anyone help me?:)
@eldee789 it's a lot easier to start with the draw bends. You should be able to get two or more notes by breathing IN on holes 1-6 (except 5) on a diatonic harmonica. The note changes pitch with a change in airflow, controlled by your mouth, throat, jaw, and tongue position. Get a good clean single draw note on hole 4. Say "weee oooooh" while playing that note. Feel for the change in pitch. The video explains it.
@eldee789 it's a lot easier to start with the draw bends. You should be able to get two or more notes by breathing IN on holes 1-6 (except 5) on a diatonic harmonica. The note changes pitch with a change in airflow, controlled by your mouth, throat, jaw, and tongue position.
@eldee789 it's a lot easier to start with the draw bends. You should be able to get two or more notes by breathing IN on holes 1-6 except 5 on a diatonic harmonica. The note changes pitch with a change in airflow, controlled by your mouth, throat, jaw, and tongue position.
@eldee789 it's a lot easier to start with the draw bends. You should be able to get two or more notes by breathing IN on holes 1-6 except 5 on a diatonic harmonica. The note changes pitch with a change in airflow, controlled by your mouth, throat, jaw, and tongue position.
@eldee789 it's a lot easier to start with the draw bends. You should be able to get two or more notes by breathing IN on holes 1-6 except 5 on a diatonic harmonica.
@eldee789 it's a lot easier to start with the draw bends. You should be able to get two or more notes by breathing IN on holes 1-6 except 5 on a diatonic harmonica. The note changes pitch with a change in airflow, controlled by your mouth, throat, jaw, and tongue position.
@OCuddlesO I play diatonic harmonicas. Many of my lessons are taught using harmonicas in the key of C. Watch my "key" video, and other videos from other people to gain a better understanding. Key has nothing to do with how "bluesy" something sounds. Key determines whether the pitch is deeper or higher.
Hey love your videos... and got a question for you. I am able to bend the first half note on each hole (1-6).... to accomplish this i am lowering my tongue to the bottom of my mouth... but this does not leave me with room to lower any more than the initial half note... any ideas?
thanks for all the help your videos have given me so far.
Great videos!! My late father listened to a lot of blues when we were growing up and I always loved the harmonica. I have decided to learn to play it and would like to thank you for such well illustrated tips. I am awaiting a Honer Bluesharp that I ordered and can't wait to start. What are some great harp playing blues artists that we can buy? Also, are most notes played on the 'draw' or does it vary?
Great videos!! My late father listened to a lot of blues when we were growing up and I always loved the harmonica. I have decided to learn to play it and would like to thank you for such well illustrated tips. I am awaiting a Honer Bluesharp that I ordered and can't wait to start. What are some great harp playing blues artists that we can buy? Also, are most notes played on the 'draw' or does it vary?
i got a quick question... is the bending tongue position for each "hole" the same? as in if i bend the 6 hole and then keep my mouth/tongue/everything exactly the same except move over to the 4 hole, would i hit a bend?
@smokethecigs no. every hole feels slightly different. Lower notes take more motion to bend. Higher pitched notes take less motion/more subtle control to bend.
i got a quick question... is the bending tongue position for each "hole" the same? as in if i bend the 6 hole and then keep my mouth/tongue/everything exactly the same except move over to the 4 hole, would i hit a bend?
@smokethecigs no. every hole feels slightly different. Lower notes take more motion to bend. Higher pitched notes take less motion/more subtle control to bend
i can bend the notes but they don't sound soft and bluesy. they sound like a trumpet. especially 2 and 3 draw bends. would it get better with practice or is it just a problem with my harp?
thanks a lot for your video, it helped me a lot. but I have a little question: my harp is in the key of A, so are the holes which I can bend the same they are on a harp in the key of C?
I have found so much help from your videos and i thank you, but I wanted to ask a question, I am new to posting on youtube so I guess i'll just check this video to see if you respond...My question is about the bending (The best part of the harp :) It seems as though bending is only applicable on the draw, and the waving of the hand to create vibrations is on the blow. Is this correct or can you also bend on the blows just as well??? Thank you again for these videos...
@bbeddick Draw bends are available on holes 1-4, and 6. Blow bends are available on holes 8-10 (I can't remember about 7) Overblows are possible on holes 1-6. Overdraws are on 7 and ? I can't overbend. The waving of hands can be done on any note. It has nothing to do with bending.
Thank you for the video Sir, I've learned a great Deal from you. Keep on Harpin Brother.
BBQDman 10 hours ago
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Type in youtube search (Gospel Harmonica of Maine Channel). And see how far you can come in just a couple of years. Not that I'm great. But I am using what I've been taught for The Lord. Hope you enjoy listening to the videos.
rodgerson8 5 days ago
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GOSPEL HARMONICA welcomes you to come and visit for some Old Time Gospel music play with the HARMONICA. Type in your YouTube search ( GOSPEL HARMONICA OF MAINE CHANNEL ) . Featuring one of my favorites The Old Rugged Cross played with Guitar and Harmonica.
rodgerson8 1 week ago
Hey Dan! These videos have been my formal training for harmonica and I have really improved! Thank you so much for your help!!!
svm12345 4 weeks ago
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Man, I got the basics in 10 minutes! Thanks! Also to trevortjes for the tip: just say eeeeooooeeeeee and at ooooo take your back of your tong deep into your throat.
ThatMightySnail 1 month ago
dude ure amazing i need u to make some more videos!!!im gonna learn how to play the harmonica with ur videos on utube and then im gonna send u myself playin the blues when i learn!
mathiosdad 1 month ago
For some reason I can only bend 1... nothing else...
3moPenguin 1 month ago
Like other beginners, Dan, I have been looking for a video that audibly defines the draw bend and overblows, especially the 2,3,and 6 holes. Now I know what these sounds like so I can practice till I drop now. Thanks!
rmachayes 2 months ago
HAHAHAHA! I've been through a dozen tutorials on how to bend properly, and then you come along with the Darth Vader sounds and suddenly I can do it. Thanks, man. You made my day.
HellsMaverick 2 months ago
This video finally answered what I've been trying to figure out. To have the right sound, you play in the Key of G on a C harp. No wonder I've never been able to bend to the right notes.
bflatmedia 3 months ago
dude i have the same harmonica!
slavkodem70 4 months ago
I really like this guy. My kind on people.
greenleaftreefrog 4 months ago
i've been attemping to bend notes for about a week and i don't think i've succesfully grasped the skill. The note does change in pitch but it doesn't sound similar to the way it should sound. I wonder if it's my Easy Rider harmonica.
MrSquareJohn 4 months ago
Why am I able to bend the first hole very nicely but I cant bend ANY other note?
GuitarOcarina64 4 months ago
I can bend successfully but my notes still don't sound like the notes of the blues player (like the guy on the video). they are "without soul"
they don't sound good. (it's a marine band so it's supposed to sound well)
ohadbasan 5 months ago
@ohadbasan executing a bend and using a bend musically are two different things. Keep practicing and you will eventually learn to control and use your bends with soul.
12gagedan 5 months ago
@ohadbasan Sometime ago I tried soaking the harp in whiskey... Saw a guy in a bar who was doing that and he had a seriously soulful sound. Of course, if you drink some of the whiskey you may feel more soulful, too. :o)
mrdifar 3 months ago
just say eeeeooooeeeeee and at ooooo take your back of your tong deep into your throat.
trevortjes 5 months ago
damn, i can drop the first hole :D
trevortjes 5 months ago
Thank you so much for the lesson. I really appreciate what you're doing. I picked up harmonica two weeks ago and this helped me so much.
Dastenor1 5 months ago
Is bending and overblowing the same?
ninjafoshoo 6 months ago
I have a Hohner Silverstar in E, I am finding it difficult to do bends. I don't think my harp is that bluesy :S
Addoisfly 6 months ago
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TheLexaUA 6 months ago
I dont know why, but its hard to play a 1st hole note, the higher pitched 1st hole note. So its like this... 1st hole, air, 2nd hole, 2nd hole, 3rd hole, 3rd hole
XxKeyboardistxX 7 months ago
@XxKeyboardistxX draw bends are lower pitched.
12gagedan 7 months ago
your videos have realy rekindled my love for the harmonica. you are a wiz on the harp. i want more videos.
bluesboyblue2010 7 months ago
Well.. I guess I have to learn how to whistle now.. :(
crazyghetto978818 7 months ago
@crazyghetto978818 not really. just change your air-flow, like "weeeeeeee, ooooooooooh,"
12gagedan 7 months ago
Finally I have found a simple when where how and why on bends Thanks mate very much appreciated !!!
Tourismguru 7 months ago
kit baszik
stefan97n 7 months ago
i just bent on my big river harp! i didn't know i could do that. thanks for the instructions
flyingspacepotatoes 7 months ago
If I'm using my toungue to block one hole so there's only one note at the time can I still perform this technique?
Bo2099 7 months ago
@Bo2099 Absolutely. I tongue block bend below hole six.
12gagedan 7 months ago
gawd i cant do this i only can bend the first hole draw -_- whyyyyyyy
gibberfish 8 months ago
@gibberfish Same here! I can bend the first hole draw just fine, no problem, but the rest are impossible. What the hell is going on here?!
DantehMan 8 months ago
@DantehMan Are you sure you're getting the bend on 1D? Many people think they're bending and they'e actually not. Put up a video and I'll let you know. Or, let's set up a skype.
12gagedan 8 months ago
I dont get this, you blow second hole & you bend while you are blowing & you get 3 notes, thats friggin impossible, i tried & ony thing i get is just blow, i cant bend blow. I do can bend draw but how do you bend blow?
9578755 8 months ago
@9578755 Traditional DRAW bends are on holes 1-4, 6. Traditional BLOW bends are on holes 8-10. Three bent notes are available by breathing IN on hole 3. One can alter pitch on holes 1, 4, 5,6 Blow by using a similar technique to traditional blow bends. This is called "overblowing". One can also effect a bend on hole 7 and 9 draw (overdraw). Overblows and Overdraws (collectively known as overbends) tend to require a harp that's been specifically set-up for the technique.
12gagedan 8 months ago
@12gagedan oo you replied, cool, let me ask you this, search youtube for :Stand By Me - Ben E King christellester
tab goes like this I think: 5 6 -6 5 6
How is she bending the 5,6 blows?
Or if I buy same harp, kay D will I also get the same sound or I need to add some effect? how canI add that effect while playing? is there a special software?
9578755 8 months ago
@9578755 it is very likely that she's playing the 5 and 6 Overblows. They are notes like blow bends, but they require a little more back-pressure. The overblows are available on 1, 4, 5, 6.
12gagedan 8 months ago
@9578755 Hole two DRAW = three notes. DRAW = BREATHE IN
12gagedan 7 months ago
brilliant video! thanks! :)
SamBevins 8 months ago
Question: I can only bend my notes when I angle my harmonica down. Are you supposed to move the harmonica to bend or is it all in the mouth?
eROCtele 8 months ago
@eROCtele first, are you sure you're bending the notes down a full semitone? Second, some people claim that angling the harp helps, but I think that's b.s. It's your mouth, tongue and throat.
12gagedan 8 months ago
Thanks man! Very well explained!
Evyanaf 9 months ago
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I'm trying to make it, but I can't!
MattWatersBlues 9 months ago
I'm trying to make it, but I can't!
MattWatersBlues 9 months ago
thanks for the video! just got my harps today... for certain i'll be practicing every minute to get that bend.
leonsmun 9 months ago
Thanks it helped!
newrealization12 9 months ago
excelent my friend!!!!
bongobon81 9 months ago
Thanks! I could understand somewhat about bending? Question can we use 'bending' for playing songs other than 'blues'?
jobdav 9 months ago
@jobdav absolutely, yes. Bending just produces more notes. That, in turn, opens up more music (blues or otherwise)
12gagedan 9 months ago
Thanks for the lesson, really liked it
eloelo14 10 months ago
Is it dangerous to bend too much? Or should you always have reeds ro replace ones from bending?
MAJORFR0 11 months ago
@MAJORFR0 At first, guys tend to blow out reeds more often, however once you get to a point of controling the technique, bending is not "dangerous" at all. In short, beginners tend to be more dangerous to a harmonica in general. More advanced players less dangerous.
12gagedan 11 months ago
were you only bending with your blow?
MrBoatman91 11 months ago
Is that a Delta Blues?
Cardboarde 11 months ago
Is that a Chicom rig in the back?!
Grubbernaut 11 months ago
@Grubbernaut Yes it is. Been keeping my harmonicas in one since 1995.
12gagedan 11 months ago
@12gagedan That is awesome on so many levels.
I'm planning on picking up a Marine Band in C, and trying my hand at the harmonica business in the very near future; great vids, dude.
Grubbernaut 11 months ago
thanks a lot, many kudos!
Posthoornstraat 11 months ago
Thanks Dan. I have a book published by Mel Bay written by Dave Barrett and converting the written example to physical reality was evading me. When you demonstrated by dropping a whistle on a draw, the light bulb came on and voila! I am able to bend. TADA!
rebelderf 11 months ago
Really great lesson, i got my first harmonica 2 hours ago and im already stuck with bending but this lesson helped me a lot in figuring out what to do (or try to do ;))
Thank you pal.
crazyRyoga 11 months ago
I wanted to know how you do that little lick at 8:08 - 8:09 ?!?!? I have been learning this song by ear called How Many More Years it's a howlin wolf song so I would think ur familiar with it so hopefully u could treach it or something even though it's just the bending I guess haha but if u have the time to that'd be awesome! Okay that's all
Great vid btw earlier this night I bent my first note but I started on the bend and went up lol
natash141 11 months ago
dude your videos rock!! nice help for the future harpers
muzikmind77 11 months ago
How come it's easier on the first hole? I can't get the second one (yet :D)
WtFCBermudaCake 11 months ago
You are truly talented. I started learning tonight.
Coliath089 1 year ago
ur harmonica is higher pitched then mine but its in the same key, C right?
nucky6 1 year ago
@nucky6 is it a diatonic harmonica? They don't make many low C harps. They do make extended marine bands with 4 holes with lower pitched notes. Do you have one of those?
12gagedan 1 year ago
Your videos are really helping...THANK YOU NEW FRIEND!
MyemptyvesseL 1 year ago
Really LOVE the videos! Just learning the harmonica (am a banjo player), finding your teaching style really intuitive and your examples clear. Keep up the great work!
dmeekATL 1 year ago
How to play one note at a time, bending is working already.
Has Lester Butler a place on your favourite players list? All the best from Holland!
ronaldsneek 1 year ago
I always make some jarring sounds in higher tone bending.Is this normal?
ivan020210 1 year ago
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brianf408 1 year ago
Just as you say you don't want to make dogs bark, my dog barks and scares the bejesus out of me.
Great videos, I've been wanting to learn to play the harp for years, going to stop by the music shop today to hopefully finally get one.
brianf408 1 year ago
it feels like i dont get it all the way down, tips?
metfankrizz 1 year ago
@metfankrizz you have to develop control of the air. Make sure that you try to relax and breathe. Keep practicing, and visualize the air moving in a different path to make the bend. Oh yeah, and keep practicing.
12gagedan 1 year ago
4 weeks of practice and i think i'm finally making some decent progress thanks for the respond
rainsjoseph 1 year ago
Hey, thanks man! That was frightfully helpful.
evilstormgnat 1 year ago
thank you for this sir. ive truely found a new passion of mine in the harmonica and youve helped me further it.
MentalPolution 1 year ago
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.
kpotassium 1 year ago
@kpotassium There are plenty of cheap harps the where made, basically, for bending. One that I could think of is the Hohner Special Twenty Harmonica. Just a thought.
ChainManProductions 1 year ago
freeze it at 0:31 His left eye is green!
penga405 1 year ago
i make a u shape with my tongue when i play is there some different technique to bend this way
rainsjoseph 1 year ago
@rainsjoseph I find it difficult, but not impossible to bend while "U-Blocking" My tongue tends to feel stuck in the back of the throat, and I find it uncomfortable. U-Block bending is like Tongue-Block bending in that the front of the tongue is fixed, so the back of the tongu has to do more of the bending work. Holding the "U" shape adds another level of complexity to the bend. Try forming syllables while holding ur tongue in the "U" Like, "weee oooooo". You should feel it in ur throat
12gagedan 1 year ago
fuck i cant whistle nooooo
libertycaps666 1 year ago
@libertycaps666 don't need to whistle. just need to be able to breathe and make a "weeee ooooo" sound.
12gagedan 1 year ago
I'm still lost.. can some1 help me how to do it?
What to do with your mouth and other things
TheRookie121 1 year ago
Thanks man... appreciate your efforts. I'm an amateur trying to get over this hill so I can really let loose and I'm gettin there
wesabibean 1 year ago
someone please answer me.
i've got bending on holes 1-6 Except hole 3
the thing is, when i try to do the hole 3, first the sound lowers a bit and then when i try to push it farther it turns into terrible noise
it seems that this noise is even higher pitched then regular draw....
i play Hohner BluesBand
is it my harmonica, or i just have to train more???
ahtoshkaa 1 year ago
@ahtoshkaa can you upload an example? I'm almost positive it's the harmonica squeeling on you. Cheaper harmonicas, and poorly made decent instruments will do this from time to time. Time for a new harp, or try to put a dab of clear nail polish on the rivets of both reeds of hole 3. I'm not very good at harmonica repair, however, I'm pretty sure the squeal is caused by torsional stress on the rivet end of the reed. Gluing it down a little may help. I'd buy a new harp, though.
12gagedan 1 year ago
@12gagedan thank you so much for the answer! can't upload the sound though my mic is broken. but i'm pretty sure that you are right.
i knew that i would need a pricier harp for bends... but i didn't know that i would be able to get almost all the bends on my second week of playing =)
thanks so much, your video, it helped me a lot!
ahtoshkaa 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@12gagedan thank you so much for the answer! can't upload the sound though my mic is broken. but i'm pretty sure that you are right.
i knew that i would need a pricier harp for bends... but i didn't know that i would be able to get almost all the bends on my second week of playing =)
thanks so much, your video, it helped me a lot!
ahtoshkaa 1 year ago
@ahtoshkaa I have the exact same problem. I have a Lee Oskar and it seems like hole 3 is 'stuck' or something and I can't bend it right.
TagRation 1 year ago
i cant make any bend on my harmonica. its lee oscar 25th anniversary. maybe you know what is the problem
Cu1t06 1 year ago
@Cu1t06 keep trying and don't give up.
12gagedan 1 year ago
@12gagedan i can make bend almost every note. but 2 hole just wont make any bend!
Cu1t06 1 year ago
great video, you could teach ANYTHING man, you were born to teach....and to play the harmonica obviously....:)
MintSW 1 year ago
THANK YOU!!! I have being trying for so long. tried like 5 different ways. This way worked straight away :)
Time to practice bending
GloomFate 1 year ago
Oh my. This is the most helpful thing I have found on Youtube. oh and Satan and Adam. That man is gold.
SoundOfAnodyne 1 year ago
What's the son called in the beginning and at the end of the video? =)
Nice video!
Jano130390 1 year ago
@Jano130390 *song
Jano130390 1 year ago
I bought a harmonica (Hohner Blues Harp) last year, never spend any real time to it, but I'm picking it up again now. But is it normal that you have somewhat of a taste of rust when you play? I immediately taste rust as I start to play. Is this normal?? Thanks!
yoursatan 1 year ago
@yoursatan sometimes you can get a metallic taste, but usually only if the harmonica has corroded considerably.
12gagedan 1 year ago
i use the technique where i bend my tongue to make a U. I'm a little confused how to bind with this technique. is it possible this way? if so how? thx dude your videos are awesome and are helping me out A LOT
pcw1010 1 year ago 2
@pcw1010 It is possible, but it's not (IMO) nearly as easy. You need to exact the same change in airflow through the reeds to get a bend, regardless of embouchure. However, when the front of the tongue is against the harmonica, the tongue's movement is more limited. One has to use the back of the tongue, in combination with the rest of the mouth, to get the bend. Try the same vocalisation, but with your tongue against your teeth (continued. . .)
12gagedan 1 year ago
@12gagedan you'll find that you can still make a "weeee oooooh" sound, but it comes across as much more gutteral. The challenge with Tongue or U-Blocked bending is not just in getting the bend, but in also developing a deep rich tone of the bent notes. The pinching that your throat wants to do will totaly pinch your overall tone unless you really work on it. I can bend with U-Block, but it ain't pretty. It can be done, though.
12gagedan 1 year ago
@12gagedan Does a Chromatic Harmonica change to the bend for you when you press the button for the sliding bar?
pcw1010 1 year ago
you propably killed my right ear with the mono sound on the stereo headphones :D But I had to watch every single minute of this video yesterday to get how it works.. and now, only 24 hours later I'm glad that I killed my right ear :D. I play the Bluesharp for about 48 hours now and I'm very glad with my skill! Thank you a lot! Very great and helpful turtorial! (and sorry if there are some mistakes in my english, I'm no english man ;-) but I hope you understand what I wanted to say!)
Felixx92 1 year ago
is that a SKS chest rig back there?
molemanlivesagain 1 year ago
@molemanlivesagain It's where I keep my harmonicas. I don't really know what it's officially called. Some kind of chinese clip-holder thing. I've used one to hold harmonicas since I started playing.
12gagedan 1 year ago
@12gagedan yep, its a chi-com SKS chest rig.
molemanlivesagain 1 year ago
Hi Dan,
Thanks for all the videos you've done, it's really helping me learn properly. I have a question about bending though.... I'm currently using the method of blocking holes with my tongue in order to play single notes. I block the holes to the left and it's working well, getting clear single notes. My question is, is that the method you use and if so, do you continue to use that method when bending notes? I know I need more practice but so far having zero success bending (see uploaded vid)!
ElFoz99 1 year ago
@ElFoz99 I definitely do most of my bending with Tongue Block embouchure. I think it's easier to learn bending while puckering or lip-blocking, but the general mechanics are the same. You need to change the air flow. It's easier when your tongue is free, but when TB'ing you have to use more of the back of your tongue. It takes a lot of practice. . .
12gagedan 1 year ago
@12gagedan ok thanks for the advice, it's good to know that I'm not giving myself impossible targets! Practice beckons......
ElFoz99 1 year ago
a more useful bending lesson than any other on youtube, next to Hakan Ehns, which is similar. Thanks man!
LackadaisicalE 1 year ago
Thanks for the video!
I watched quite a few different people's tips on bending, and after watching yours I realised that I wasn't actually drawing hard enough to make it bend - It seems you actually have to suck quite hard to get it to fully bend!
ahh so relieved, I thought my mouth must have been an odd shape so I couldn't do it!
sammcj2000 1 year ago
I just got my hohner starter set but i can't seem to figure out how to use the diffrent holes.. Whenever i blow or draw it sounds like im doing 3-4 holes at the time.
oc33n 1 year ago
@oc33n Watch some beginner videos to learn about basic embouchure. Also, realize that it takes practice to get clean single notes on harmonica. It will take time and effort.
12gagedan 1 year ago
ROFL 4:20. But you helped me like always. Thanks man. That was funny.
Paisa5990 1 year ago
Hi, i´m from Chile and I´m 16 and i just started this year to play harmonica and i´m pretty good, but i think i could be much better. my harmonica is a Hohner Marine Band in the key of A, but i haven´t been able to find any songs in that key, Do you know any songs?, I you do, please tell me, i´d appreciate it.
by the way, what´s the song in the video?, i really liked it
davyjones2001 1 year ago
what should I do if I have my throat sick? should I stop playing? thanks a lot
bilhernia 1 year ago
found this really really useful. thanks so much man! iv just started and i have one question, when your bending the note at the end on hole 4, are you constantly drawing? thanks a lot.
poochyt 1 year ago
to me, a total beginner, what would you suggest how i procede? what are the first steps i should take in learning to play the harmonica? i was very excited at first, but now I realise that I underestimated the harmonica...I thought you need hardly any practice^^
how should I proceed? thanks!
annmuse 1 year ago
@annmuse Can you play clean single notes?
Evulrabbitz 1 year ago
@Evulrabbitz no i cant!
annmuse 1 year ago
@annmuse then i suggest you pick a song you like, and play it until you achieve a clean single note. doesn't really matter what song, but the easier ones are preferable.
you can find many so called "harp tabs" on harptabs.com
Evulrabbitz 1 year ago
Im 14 and tryin to play the harmonica,i want to play in the style of Steven Tyler,can u try to put some of his techniques in ur vids
96Zeb 1 year ago
my right ear hurts
RemyHees 1 year ago
LOL that's bending. I'm so new at this, and someone told me that you actually bend the top of the harmonica!! I have a broken harmonica because of that haha
Tigerpuffer 1 year ago
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this question is kind of basic... but im just starting.. you draw? or you blow? i just dont get it... you should have 40 sounds? 10 "normal blowing" 10 "normal drawing", 10 blowing bendgind and 10 drawing bending???? sorry im really confused (sorry for my english... is not my first language)
PD thank u SO MUCH for ur time
caosato 1 year ago
this question is kind of basic... but im just starting.. you draw? or you blow? i just dont get it... you should have 40 sounds? 10 "normal blowing" 10 "normal drawing", 10 blowing bendgind and 10 drawing bending???? sorry im really confused (sorry for my english... is not my first language)
PD thank u SO MUCH for ur time
caosato 1 year ago
draw bends are on holes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6. Blow bends are on holes 8, 9, 10.
Overblows are available on holes 1, 4, 5, 6. Overdraws are on 7 and others (I can't overdraw).
Some holes produce more than 4 tones, while others produce less. Not every hole can make the same number of tones. Start with draw bends on holes 1, 2, 3, 4 for now.
12gagedan 1 year ago
my grandpa used to play harmonica, he was rly good and i loved to just lisin to him play, when he passed away i got the harp and been trying to get better and better, the harmonica is a hohner big river harp (c key) on ebay they run for about $20, if u know about this harp then could u please tell me if its good enough to do bending and that kind of stuff?
theRetroGameGeek 1 year ago
@theRetroGameGeek big rivers are good harmonicas. you can definitely bend with them. i'm going to make a video showing a bunch of different harmonicas (eventually)
12gagedan 1 year ago
I have been practicing bending on holes two and three for sometime now.I can get one bend on each of these two holes while the rest are don't even materialize. I have even tried slowing down on each hole, but it just doesn't work. Can you do a video on the second and third hole draw bends? I and many others would really appreciate it.
skrilla88 1 year ago
@skrilla88 i don't know if a video would help. controlled bending of holes 2 and 3 is one of those skills that marks (IMO) an advanced player. The technique comes with much practice. You have to get the "feel" of bending down to the point where you can tell the notes in between. Other than lots of repetition, I don't know what else to teach.
12gagedan 1 year ago
sorry but this didnt help. but ur very pro at this though!
king123304 1 year ago
@DragulaROB $15 diatonic harmonica? Yes. Some cheaper harmonicas are more difficult to bend, but it should be do-able on just about any diatonic. Even a $5 one. Keep practicing. It's a technique, and it takes time to learn.
12gagedan 1 year ago
i dont really understand... with this i should get two different notes for example by blowing the same hole in two different ways? well i can't do it:D i tried everithing but the note is not changing this way.. can you or anyone help me?:)
eldee789 1 year ago
@eldee789 it's a lot easier to start with the draw bends. You should be able to get two or more notes by breathing IN on holes 1-6 (except 5) on a diatonic harmonica. The note changes pitch with a change in airflow, controlled by your mouth, throat, jaw, and tongue position. Get a good clean single draw note on hole 4. Say "weee oooooh" while playing that note. Feel for the change in pitch. The video explains it.
12gagedan 1 year ago
@eldee789 it's a lot easier to start with the draw bends. You should be able to get two or more notes by breathing IN on holes 1-6 (except 5) on a diatonic harmonica. The note changes pitch with a change in airflow, controlled by your mouth, throat, jaw, and tongue position.
12gagedan 1 year ago
@eldee789 it's a lot easier to start with the draw bends. You should be able to get two or more notes by breathing IN on holes 1-6 except 5 on a diatonic harmonica. The note changes pitch with a change in airflow, controlled by your mouth, throat, jaw, and tongue position.
12gagedan 1 year ago
@eldee789 it's a lot easier to start with the draw bends. You should be able to get two or more notes by breathing IN on holes 1-6 except 5 on a diatonic harmonica. The note changes pitch with a change in airflow, controlled by your mouth, throat, jaw, and tongue position.
12gagedan 1 year ago
@eldee789 it's a lot easier to start with the draw bends. You should be able to get two or more notes by breathing IN on holes 1-6 except 5 on a diatonic harmonica.
12gagedan 1 year ago
@eldee789 it's a lot easier to start with the draw bends. You should be able to get two or more notes by breathing IN on holes 1-6 except 5 on a diatonic harmonica. The note changes pitch with a change in airflow, controlled by your mouth, throat, jaw, and tongue position.
12gagedan 1 year ago
youtube won't let me post a reply. check your messages
12gagedan 1 year ago
this was very helpful
Jaridperrin 1 year ago
@OCuddlesO I play diatonic harmonicas. Many of my lessons are taught using harmonicas in the key of C. Watch my "key" video, and other videos from other people to gain a better understanding. Key has nothing to do with how "bluesy" something sounds. Key determines whether the pitch is deeper or higher.
12gagedan 1 year ago
you are greeeeat :P thank you for this! ;)
kiacf 1 year ago
I'd love to see a lesson on how John Popper does his runs. Thanks great vid. I've played for a while and there is always lots to learn. ty
Jimiimij 1 year ago
Hey love your videos... and got a question for you. I am able to bend the first half note on each hole (1-6).... to accomplish this i am lowering my tongue to the bottom of my mouth... but this does not leave me with room to lower any more than the initial half note... any ideas?
thanks for all the help your videos have given me so far.
slipknot2388 1 year ago
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Great videos!! My late father listened to a lot of blues when we were growing up and I always loved the harmonica. I have decided to learn to play it and would like to thank you for such well illustrated tips. I am awaiting a Honer Bluesharp that I ordered and can't wait to start. What are some great harp playing blues artists that we can buy? Also, are most notes played on the 'draw' or does it vary?
mouthchunk01 1 year ago
Great videos!! My late father listened to a lot of blues when we were growing up and I always loved the harmonica. I have decided to learn to play it and would like to thank you for such well illustrated tips. I am awaiting a Honer Bluesharp that I ordered and can't wait to start. What are some great harp playing blues artists that we can buy? Also, are most notes played on the 'draw' or does it vary?
mouthchunk01 1 year ago
how do you do that
jalen77232 1 year ago
Thank you very much, you rock!
spacetotem74 1 year ago
That guy is the long-lost brother of 'the Proclaimers', Craig and Charlie Reid.
irena7777777 1 year ago
Excellent and effective explaination of bending, with the whistling inside! Works for me brains at least! Yoohoo thanks thanks thanks
mmm ya irish are ya? Great other videos too
many fucking thanks to ya coming from me little heart
OLudOvideos 1 year ago
@OLudOvideos Irish??? He's from North America or Canada by the sounds of it!
irena7777777 1 year ago
thanks for ur helpful vids.
i got a quick question... is the bending tongue position for each "hole" the same? as in if i bend the 6 hole and then keep my mouth/tongue/everything exactly the same except move over to the 4 hole, would i hit a bend?
smokethecigs 1 year ago
@smokethecigs no. every hole feels slightly different. Lower notes take more motion to bend. Higher pitched notes take less motion/more subtle control to bend.
12gagedan 1 year ago
thanks for ur helpful vids.
i got a quick question... is the bending tongue position for each "hole" the same? as in if i bend the 6 hole and then keep my mouth/tongue/everything exactly the same except move over to the 4 hole, would i hit a bend?
smokethecigs 1 year ago
@smokethecigs no. every hole feels slightly different. Lower notes take more motion to bend. Higher pitched notes take less motion/more subtle control to bend
12gagedan 1 year ago
Great one :)
please tell us which harmonica you are using
i mean which company :)
ammarinc 1 year ago
@ammarinc Hohner Special 20
12gagedan 1 year ago
i can bend the notes but they don't sound soft and bluesy. they sound like a trumpet. especially 2 and 3 draw bends. would it get better with practice or is it just a problem with my harp?
soloymon4 1 year ago
thanks a lot for your video, it helped me a lot. but I have a little question: my harp is in the key of A, so are the holes which I can bend the same they are on a harp in the key of C?
thanks a lot
Pie2009911 1 year ago
@Pie2009911 same holes can bend. you'll get different notes, though.
12gagedan 1 year ago
I have found so much help from your videos and i thank you, but I wanted to ask a question, I am new to posting on youtube so I guess i'll just check this video to see if you respond...My question is about the bending (The best part of the harp :) It seems as though bending is only applicable on the draw, and the waving of the hand to create vibrations is on the blow. Is this correct or can you also bend on the blows just as well??? Thank you again for these videos...
bbeddick 1 year ago
@bbeddick Draw bends are available on holes 1-4, and 6. Blow bends are available on holes 8-10 (I can't remember about 7) Overblows are possible on holes 1-6. Overdraws are on 7 and ? I can't overbend. The waving of hands can be done on any note. It has nothing to do with bending.
12gagedan 1 year ago
What if we can't whistle