Fundamental Harmonica Lesson: Breathing

C Diatonic Harmonica

This is a very basic, yet often overlooked important harmonica skill. Yes, it sounds simple. We all breathe, but you'd be surprised how many would-be harmonica players have poor tone because they missed this lesson. Beginners take note: before you can wail and play the blues, you must relax and learn to breathe through the harmonica.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• harmonica
• lesson
• technique
• beginner
• blues
• harp
• mundharmonica
• mundharmonika
• mouth
• organ
• noobie
• first

[OmniphonProductions]

Dan, this may well be the very best "Beginning Harmonica: Video #1" I have ever seen. "Just relax and let the breath happen naturally. Feel the resistance, and go with it." The comments about theatrics (physical expression) versus the basic necessities of playing were GOLD! Learning a new instrument can be intimidating, and THIS video really helps students chill out, so they're more open to the enjoyment of the learning process. As a teacher you should be very proud of this one.

[12gagedan]

@OmniphonProductions Thanks, man. I'm all for theatrics, but tension is the number one problem I'm seeing with beginners' tone. If others read this, the concept for this video comes from Jon Gindick's classes. He has a wonderful way of relaxing people about the harmonica. I'm trying to live up to his ability to bring the harmonica to the masses.

[tonnydouradofilho]

I've been watching your videos for a while, and they have been very useful and instructive, but I have doubt about holding the harmonica. All videos I've seen say that the right way is holding with the left hand (pun intended) and doing the wahwah with the right, but when I first started learning, I inadvertently used the right hand to hold the harmonica and now I'm used to the right hand to hold the harmonica, should I switch? Is it better or easier to do the wahwah holding with the left hand?

[12gagedan]

@tonnydouradofilho I learned holding in my right and then switched/re-learned. The thought is that you get a better tone if the low notes are inside your "cup", i.e. closer to your hand. There are no hard rules, but most pros play holding left.

[matmatl]

i have difficult to draw the 3 hole, what is my problem?

Please help

Thanks

[zhinka]

I love you man, I am driving my husband nuts, but dang it, I am going to keep trying this!

[hanagurk]

Awesome



[1SweetTomatoes1]

hey man ive been watching ur vids and ur great. im a noobie at this and i was wondering what kind of hohner harmonica i should get cuz theres a tone to choose from

[Danscottmusic]

this is great, it's like a zen guide to playing the harmonica :D

[MrBluethird]

Hi Dan!

I'm grateful that you took notice of my earlier request for this lesson. This was exactly what i meant! Hope you find the time and inspiration to start a new series.

[superchung123]

yes! please make a series, your videos are very helpful!