5 Common Problems Solved!

BLUES HARMONICA FOR BEGINNERS

It's a common experience for beginners to run out of breath quickly, leaving them gasping for air and disrupting their harmonica playing.

This can be extremely frustrating, but it can be overcome.

Problem

Lie on your back, and breathe naturally. You will find that you are breathing deeply but without heaving the air. Focus on how this feels and try to replicate it when playing.

Take a moment to centre yourself before playing, and remember that the instrument doesn’t need excessive force to produce a sound.

Start with short musical phrases and gradually extend them as your breath control improves. Focus on inhaling and exhaling slowly and evenly to maximize your playing time without running out of breath.

Solution

Problem #1:

"I am so out of breath"

This will help you focus on controlled, steady breathing.

TIP #1

Breathe, Don't Heave.

Excessive force and pressure will make you out of breath and affect the tone of the instrument.

TIP #2

Don’t Pull or Push.

Cartoon of a woman pushing out her breath through her nose

The harmonica will actually play with very little effort, and will be louder than you think.

TIP #3

Let the Harp “Play Itself”.

Many beginners struggle with the two-draw note, often producing a weak or unpleasant sound that doesn't match their expectations.

Problem

Ensure you have a good-quality harmonica, and make sure it's clean and well-maintained. Focus on good breath control (as per Problem #1).

It’s normal to experience problems with playing the 2 draw. If it feels stuck, don't pull harder, instead relax and breathe softer. It's almost always down to too much force rather than there being anything wrong with the reed or the harmonica. This is a case of mind over matter. Trust that the note will play, and it will!

Solution

Problem #2:

"The Two-Draw Note Sounds BAD!"

Play the 3 blow before playing the 2 draw. You should hear the same note so train your ear to recognise and work towards that same tone.

TIP #1

Compare and Mimic.

Maintain a steady and controlled airflow while playing the two-draw note. Avoid sudden bursts of air, which can disrupt the sound.

TIP #2

Practice Consistent Airflow.

You’re probably pulling too hard on the note. If it doesn’t sound great, ignore the impulse to pull harder.

Instead, ease off to let the reed vibrate naturally.

TIP #3

Less is More.

Beginners often find it challenging to produce clear, single notes on the harmonica, resulting in unintentional multiple-note sounds.

Problem

Begin by isolating each hole and practising playing single notes one at a time. Concentrate on your breath control and try to be patient.

Avoid excessive force; a gentle, focused breath is more effective than blowing too hard.

Start slowly and increase your speed gradually as you gain confidence.

Solution

Problem #3:

'"Clean Notes Seem Impossible"

Welcome!

Learning to play blues harmonica is an exciting journey which will make you find your creativity and develop new musical skills.

However, like any musical endeavour, beginners often encounter a few stumbling blocks along the way.

Let’s delve into the top five problems that beginner harmonica players commonly face and explore effective strategies to overcome them.

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Explore lip pursing, tongue blocking and U-blocking. The right mouth-shape will give you the right sound.

Everyone’s different, so you need to find the right mouthshape for you.

TIP #1

Find Your Shape.

Don’t rush with trying to play fast songs.

Start with simple scales and exercises and ease into playing fast.

TIP #2

Take It Slow.

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You won’t find a note by using your eyes. By the time you place your mouth on the harp, the hole is invisible.

Learn to trust your ears!

TIP #3

Close Your Eyes!

Bending notes is a fundamental blues harmonica technique, but beginners may struggle to execute bends effectively.

Problem

Start with the four draw note as this is usually the easiest. The three parts of a successful bend are making an 'OO' shape, slurping the air (adding a little tension into your breath flow) and pulling your tongue back so it's humped. The bend will be achieved when all three of these are combined in perfect harmony. I call that combination the 'sweet spot'.

A lot of students try to make the above changes too quickly. If you do that, you'll almost certainly miss the sweet spot. You need to practice in slow motion, making micro-changes to your mouth shape, air pressure and tongue position.

Practice with no distractions, in a quiet room, at a time of day when you feel alert. Record your practice and listen back to track your progress.

You will only get a bend on holes 1-6 draw and 7-10 blow (so if you try 1-6 blow or 7-10 draw then it's not gonna happen!)

Solution

Problem #4:

"The Bends Just Don’t Work"

A different hole number or key of harp might suit your anatomy slightly better and then it'll open the floodgates to other keys.

TIP #1

Experiment with Keys.

Slow way down and you can be conscious of what you're doing. This will help give you the muscle memory to produce and maintain a bend.

TIP #2

Work in Slow Motion.

Graphic of a road sign that says slow down

You need to find the perfect combination of mouthshape, pressure and tongue position. Not too much, not too little, but just right.

TIP #3

Be Like Goldilocks.

As a beginner, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or directionless when learning the harmonica, leading to frustration.

Problem

Establish a structured learning plan.

Set achievable goals and milestones for your harmonica journey.

Consider enrolling in online courses or finding a harmonica teacher who can provide guidance and personalised instruction.

Break your learning into manageable steps, and celebrate your progress along the way.

Solution

Problem #5:

"I Feel Lost /

Don’t know Where to Go Next!”

Choose a teacher whose approach resonates with you. It’s about suitability, not just ability.

TIP #1

Find the Right Teacher.

Online courses provide structured learning. Following a well-organised curriculum can help you stay on track and steadily progress.

TIP #2

Add Structured Goals.

Connect with other harmonica players through online forums, social media groups, or local jam sessions.

Sharing experiences, asking for advice, and collaborating with fellow players can provide inspiration and a sense of community.

TIP #3

Join A Harmonica Community.

Thank you!

Remember, every harmonica player, including blues legends, started as a beginner. The challenges you face are part of the journey, and they will ultimately lead to growth and mastery. Be patient, practice consistently, and enjoy the process of discovering the bluesy magic of the harmonica.

With dedication and perseverance, you'll find that each challenge you overcome brings you closer to the joy of creating beautiful harmonica music.

So, grab your harmonica, embrace the learning curve, and let the blues flow from your heart. Happy playing!

Want more? Click here to find out about our beginner's course.

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