INTRODUCTION
Progressive Beginner Blues Harmonica is specifically designed for students who wish to play Blues harmonica, either in a group or solo for fun. The emphasis is on making music immediately. The exercises sound great as well as teaching the necessary notes and techniques. Each lesson introduces new topics building on what you have learned. The lessons are graded so that your knowledge and technique will develop simultaneously. All harmonica players should know all of the information contained in this book.
Starting with basic note values and the fundamentals of cross harp playing, this book moves through a variety of sounds, rhythms and techniques in a progressive manner. All the essential sounds and techniques of harmonica playing are presented along with the basics of music as they apply to the harmonica. The book contains lessons on note bending, train whistle and rhythm sounds, vibrato, swing rhythms, third position playing and improvisation, along with lots of great sounding riffs and solos. Anyone who completes this book will be well on the way to being an excellent Blues harp player.
The best and fastest way to learn is to use this book in conjunction with:
- Practicing and playing with other musicians. You will be surprised how good a basic harmonica/guitar or harmonica/piano combination can sound even when playing easy music.
- Learning by listening to your favorite recordings.
To improve your skills even further it is recommended that you use a metronome or drum machine with all the examples in the book. If you are serious about music, a good teacher can often help you progress much quicker than you can on your own. Keep practicing, keep playing and have fun.
