MUSIC 101 It has been said “a harmonica is the world’s greatest musical instrument.” Played with pizzazz it sure sounds sweet! There is one thing I can surely promise you ~ if you will view this video, study and visit the links given in these notes, FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS… if you will be patient and persistent and refrain from becoming frustrated… you will succeed in learning to play harmonica! It does not matter what skill it is, ALL SKILLS require PRACTICE … just take it one step at a time and you will succeed. Ok! One of the first things you notice when you try to play a harmonica is that you’ll play more than one note at the same time, this is because the holes are small and close together… Even though you will sometimes use chords formed by playing more than one note at a time, your first task is to play a clean, clear single note … this is necessary to properly play the melody of a song or riff. So … to get good clear single notes is your first ‘assignment.’ Here is the technique: 1) Wet your lips with your tongue so the harp can move easily from hole to hole. 2) Move the harp and not your head! 3) Purse (pucker) your lips as when whistling or drinking through a straw. Cover the holes on the harmonica with your lips except the one hole you want to play. Your pucker should be about the size of a pencil eraser. 4) Place the harp well into your lips … do not have it out on the front. 5) Inhale, exhale gently on the hole… BREATHING FROM YOUR ABDOMEN …
