How to Break the Intermediate Plateau
FROM GOOD TO GREAT:
Welcome!
As an intermediate harmonica player, you've already travelled a considerable distance on your musical journey. You've mastered the basics, may be played some blues tunes, and developed your technique with bending and other textures. Yet, you might be feeling like there's a sense of stagnation holding you back from becoming the expert harmonica player you aspire to be.
Don’t worry, it’s normal to feel this way. It’s called the Intermediate Plateau.
Imagine a mountain climber who has reached a certain altitude. They have climbed a long way, and they are proud of what they have accomplished. They reach a plateau – a flat area where they can rest and reflect on their progress. But now they are looking up at the remaining climb, and it seems daunting. They are not sure if they have the strength or the skills to reach the summit.
Almost every intermediate harmonica player reaches the same point as the mountain climber: you’ve learned so much but suddenly you don’t know how to continue. You’re not sure which skills you should prioritise, you know you have limits but don’t know how to improve, and you just feel your focus has gone.
So how can you get past the Intermediate Plateau?
The first step in overcoming the Intermediate Plateau is to take a good, hard look at your playing. Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. What are the areas where you excel, and where do you struggle? Are there techniques you've yet to master, or styles you've never explored?
Identifying these aspects will provide clarity on what needs improvement and where you want to go with your harmonica skills.
Making a clear assessment of your harmonica strengths and weaknesses is the first step to developing a plan to improve as a player.
By identifying your strengths, you can build on them and develop your own unique style.
By identifying your weaknesses, you can develop targeted exercises and strategies to improve them.
STEP ONE:
Be Honest with Yourself
Begin by evaluating your technical skills.
Pay attention to:
Strengths:
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Identify the techniques you excel at, such as clean single notes, bending, or vibrato.
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Note the keys and positions you are most comfortable playing in.
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Recognise any specific riffs or songs you can perform confidently.
Weaknesses:
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Identify techniques or areas where you struggle (such as melodic bending, overblows or 3rd position solos)
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Note any areas of the harmonica that you’re not comfortable with (it's usually the top 4 holes!)
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Recognise grooves or chord progressions that you find particularly challenging
It can be difficult to admit our weaknesses, but it's important to be honest with ourselves if we want to improve. Once we've identified our weaknesses, we can start to develop a plan to address them.
Record yourself playing and listen back to your recordings. This will give you an objective perspective on your playing and help you to identify areas where you need to improve.
TIP #1
Listen to yourself playing.
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Ask a friend, family member, or teacher to listen to you play and give you feedback. Be open to their criticism and use it to identify areas where you need to improve.
TIP #2
Ask for feedback from others.
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Listen to other harmonica players and compare your playing to theirs. Pay attention to their technique, intonation, and phrasing.
TIP #3
Compare yourself to other harmonica players.
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Here are a few tips for making a clear assessment of your harmonica strengths and weaknesses:
Now that you've assessed your playing, set clear and achievable goals.
What do you want to accomplish on your harmonica journey?
Whether it's mastering a challenging technique, learning specific songs, or expanding your repertoire, having well-defined objectives will give your practice sessions direction and purpose.
Don't try to do too much at once.
Set small, achievable goals for yourself, and focus on one goal at a time.
STEP TWO:
Set Small Goals
Setting small goals in your harmonica journey serves several crucial purposes:
1. Motivation: Achieving small goals provides a sense of accomplishment and keeps your motivation high. Each small victory fuels your enthusiasm and propels you forward.
2. Progress Tracking: Small goals offer clear benchmarks for assessing your progress. You can measure how far you've come and identify areas that need further attention.
3. Skill Development: Focusing on specific aspects of playing, such as mastering a particular technique or learning a song, allows you to hone your skills systematically.
But perhaps the biggest thing that small goals can do is to help you in overcoming overwhelm. This will help make your harmonica journey enjoyable.
Instead of a vague goal like "get better at bending," make it specific: "Perfect the 4 draw bend in the blues scale." Specific goals are easier to work toward and evaluate.
TIP #1
Make Them Specific and Measurable.
For example, if your goal is to learn a new song, break it down into learning the main melody, the solo, and the outro. Then break these down into smaller parts still.
TIP #2
Break Goals into Smaller Steps.
Assign a timeline to each small goal and its corresponding steps. This timeline provides structure to your practice sessions and helps you stay on track. Be realistic about the time needed for each step.
TIP #3
Create a Timeline.
Identify the materials you'll need to work toward your goals. This might include sheet music, computer software, or a teacher/mentor. Dedicate focused practice sessions to the specific techniques or songs associated with your goals. Keep a practice journal to track your progress.
TIP #4
Plan Regular Practice.
As you achieve your small goals, take time to celebrate your accomplishments. Recognise and acknowledge your hard work and dedication. This positive reinforcement will keep you motivated and ready to tackle your next set of goals.
TIP #5
Celebrate Achievements.
Here are some tips for setting small goals:
Remember that small goals are the building blocks of significant progress in your harmonica playing. By setting clear, achievable objectives and creating plans for improvement, you'll find yourself continually growing as a harmonica player. Your journey to harmonica mastery becomes not just a destination but a series of rewarding milestones along the way.
When you were first learning to play the harmonica, you were probably experimenting all the time. You were trying different things and seeing what worked.
But once you learned the basics, you may have started to stick to what you knew.
This is understandable, but it can also be a barrier to progress.
If you want to continue to improve as a harmonica player, you need to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and experiment again.
STEP THREE:
Learn to Experiment (Again)
When you were first learning to play the harmonica, you were probably experimenting all the time. You were trying different things and seeing what worked.
But once you learned the basics, you may have started to stick to what you knew.
This is understandable, but it can also be a barrier to progress.
If you want to continue to improve as a harmonica player, you need to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and experiment again.
Here are a few tips for learning to experiment again:
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Listen to a variety of different harmonica players, both old and new. Pay attention to their different styles and techniques. Try to incorporate some of their ideas into your own playing.
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Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they're learning. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep trying.
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Set aside some time each day to practice new things. Even if it's just for 5 minutes, try to experiment with something new each day.
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Record yourself playing and listen back to your recordings. This will help you to identify your "go-to" riffs and licks, and try to break free from them.
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Find a mentor or teacher who can help you to experiment and develop your own unique style.
#1
Different playing techniques, such as bending, overblowing, and tongue blocking.
#2
Different scales and modes.
#3
Different rhythms and tempos.
#4
Different positions for soloing.
Here are a few specific things you can experiment with:
The possibilities are endless! The most important thing is to have fun and be creative.
STEP FOUR:
Find Your Fun.
When we begin to learn a new skill, whether it's playing a musical instrument, mastering a sport, or acquiring a new language, we often dive in with excitement and a sense of wonder.
The initial stages are filled with enthusiasm, as beginners embrace the novelty and the joy of discovery.
However, as we progress from the beginner stage into the intermediate level, a curious phenomenon can occur—we sometimes lose that sense of fun and adventure that drew us in.
If you feel like your progress as a harmonica player has plateaued, one of the best things you can do is to learn to find fun in your playing again.
When you're having fun, you're more likely to stay motivated and practice regularly. And when you're practicing regularly, you're more likely to improve.
When you enjoy what you're doing, you're more motivated to practice, explore new techniques, and push your boundaries. Fun and experimentation go hand in hand.
When you're having fun, your creativity flows freely, leading to musical innovations and fresh ideas.
Take a break from structured practice and play the songs and styles you love. Whether it's your favourite blues tune, a catchy pop song, or a folk melody, playing what you enjoy can instantly bring a smile to your face and remind you of the joy in music.
TIP #1
Play What You Love.
Participate in harmonica workshops or attend local jam sessions. These events provide opportunities to learn from others, share experiences, and immerse yourself in the harmonica community.
TIP #2
Attend Workshops or Jam Sessions.
Beginners always have that excitement and enthusiasm that can be lost by intermediates. So find a beginner and offer your assistance. Not only will you be able to help them, but they will reignite your passion through their own sheer enthusiasm for the harmonica.
TIP #3
Teach a Beginner.
Here are some strategies to help you rediscover the fun in your playing and reignite your passion for learning blues harmonica:
Remember that learning and improving as a musician is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the process, and don't be too hard on yourself. Mistakes and challenges are part of the fun and learning experience.
Finding fun in your harmonica playing is the key to unlocking improvement as an intermediate player. Embrace the joy of music, experiment with new ideas, and allow your creativity to flourish. As you rediscover the delight in your harmonica journey, you'll find that your plateau transforms into a launching pad for musical growth and enjoyment.
Thank you!
By following these five steps, you'll find yourself breaking free from the Intermediate Plateau and regaining the momentum and direction needed to become an expert harmonica player.
Remember that every plateau is a temporary stop on your musical journey, and with determination, practice, and the right guidance, you'll continue to evolve and reach new heights in your harmonica playing.
Happy harmonica playing!
Want more? Click here to find out about our intermediate/advanced course.
STEP FIVE:
Take a Course.
While self-study is invaluable, enrolling in a harmonica course can be a game-changer. A structured course led by an experienced instructor can provide expert advice and a curated curriculum tailored to your skill level.
It can help you navigate the intricacies of advanced techniques, musical theory, and improvisation. Consider taking a harmonica course to reignite your passion and take your skills to the next level.
Choosing the right course is crucial. Look for a teacher you respect and who seems approachable. Pick a course that aligns with your goals.