How to Practice Ear Training for Harmonica Lessons
Learning how to play the harmonica can be an extremely rewarding experience. The range of the instrument and expressive sound it creates has made it a staple among many bluegrass and blues musicians throughout history. However, most harmonica players do not use sheet music when playing the instrument but rather play by ear. Follow some basic steps to help you practice ear training for the harmonica.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Begin by learning the basic construction of the instrument through experimentation. Play around on the harmonica, creating different sounds to simply see how the instrument works.
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2
Learn to play a basic C scale on the harmonica. Progress from left to right on the harmonica, blowing straight notes will create the correct scale tones. Play basic songs such as "Mary Had A Little Lamb" or "Three Blind Mice," since they are played as whole tones on the harmonica using the C Major scale.
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3
Practice using octave manipulation through the process of blowing a note then drawing air from the instrument, which is also referred to as a "riff." Listen to a piece of music that utilizes the harmonica. Pay attention to how the harmonica player utilizes the key of the song to create riffs, octaves and improvised scales to create a unique sound.
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4
Follow along with a slow song at first so you can easily find the correct key for the song. Identify the down beats of each phrase with the correct note, then play around within a 2 to 3 note range around that home key, using octaves and trills.
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5
Experiment with bending notes by blowing less air into the harmonica or by physically moving the harmonica up on the mouth to create a wailing sound. Practice this method with an experienced harmonica player during a private lesson to see the technique in action.
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6
Rehearse using a keyboard or piano. Get someone to play a song or scale. You then must quickly find the key of that song or scale, and play a harmonica riff using that information.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Practice different articulation methods such as slurring and tonguing to create a more distinct sound that is catered to the style you wish to convey.
Obtain a basic positions chart online or at a local music store for a graphic representation of how to create specific notes using the instrument.
Rehearse with other harmonica players and study their method; the harmonica is an instrument that is best mastered through practice and experience.
