Comments on: How to Play the Harmonica

on 5/14/2008 sorry stokestack, but i find this article to be very helpful. The best way to start learning to play an instrument of any difficulty is to first learn how to use and hold it properly.

on 12/17/2007 My late Gran used to play harmonica and, of course, I've seen musicians playing them. Whenever I've got hold of one, though, I've never had a clue what to do with my lips or how to play single notes or even whether to play the "top" notes, "bottom", or both at the same time. I'm now tempted to buy one and give it a go. Thanks for clearing up what was previously a complete mystery

on 12/17/2007 vedy nas

on 12/17/2007 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdf

on 12/17/2007 Very confusing. You should label the notes on a harmonica. This site is okay.

on 11/30/2007 Thanks, been a free harper since I was 14! Love it! The Blues got me going and I never stopped tuning! Never had a lesson, I play by ear, and I'll jump in any band anytime if the feelings right! Live, Love & Laugh ... I'm Dancin' with King David all the time!

on 11/30/2007 awesome article, the harmonica is my favorite instrument.

on 11/30/2007 My late Gran used to play harmonica and, of course, I've seen musicians playing them. Whenever I've got hold of one, though, I've never had a clue what to do with my lips or how to play single notes or even whether to play the "top" notes, "bottom", or both at the same time. I'm now tempted to buy one and give it a go. Thanks for clearing up what was previously a complete mystery

on 1/22/2007 hi my name is shanae and i bought a harmonica but i didn't know how to play it. until i got to this website i was flashing. thanks for teaching me, and for helping me get some tunes. bye. p.s whoever made this site is cool and very nice to help me and other people to play.

on 12/10/2006 Wouldn't the first, most obvious requirement for this article be a diagram of the note layout and the physical design of the harmonica?

This article is nearly worthless.

on 8/8/2006 It's easier to play when you are relaxed. Start off with an easy tune which has longer notes, progress at your own rate, and most importantly - enjoy!

on 2/14/2006 Stand up when you play. It's difficult to use your diaphragm effectively when sitting down. And bend your knees slightly. You'll have much better, more athletic breath control. Watch great harmonica players on stage: they all have bent knees. It's not just because it looks cool. Playing harmonica well is a workout for your whole body. Bend your knees and use your body athletically.

on 11/22/2005 Start by listening to the greats (Sonny Terry, Sonny Boy Williamson II , Paul Butterfield Blues Band). Then try producing a single note bluesy riff with no bends or over-blowing or overdrawing. Later you can work on that, but first just try to get a feel for the music.

on 11/22/2005 When you first begin to practice bending notes, start on the 1,2,3,4, or 5 holes. Breath in normally, then drop your tounge to the bottom of your mouth and pucker your lips until a small stream of air is moving in. This may take a while to perfect, but continue working at it and you will eventually get it. At first, you may try dipping the notes, hitting the bent note for a moment and going back up to the normally inhaled note. As you improve, it will become easier to hold those bent notes for longer, and soon you will be able to hold them for as long as you want with a steady sound.

on 11/22/2005 If you are able, play the harmonica from your heart. Feel your notes, chords and licks. If you can play what you feel inside, then others around you will be affected also!