5 cool riffs for beginning blues harmonica players

Here are five simple blues harp riffs, clearly explained. No bends required!
www.modernblues...
With Adam Gussow of Modern Blues Harmonica
"Oh Susanna": a classic American folk song, adapted for harp.
Video: www.tradebit.co...
Tab (free!): www.tradebit.co...
"Whistlin' the Blues": an original 12-bar blues head, appropriate for ADVANCED BEGINNERS and BEGINNERS ready for a stiff challenge.
Video: www.tradebit.co...
Tab: www.tradebit.co...
"Same Old Blues": An original 12-bar blues for BEGINNERS and ADVANCED BEGINNERS. This is an excellent workout for developing players who don't bend much (or at all) and want to play something that is recognizably a blues. Good synthesis of single note melodies and chord rhythms. Serious blues harp begins here.
Video: www.tradebit.co...
Tab: www.tradebit.co...
Here are two beginner's packages that will help you build on what I've shown you in this video:
Modern Blues Harmonica beginner's special:
www.tradebit.c...
Modern Blues Harmonica beginner's deluxe:
www.tradebit.c...
Please follow me on Twitter (@AdamGussow) and Medium.
/ adamgussow
/ asgussow_69031

[@fnds64]

Riff #1 - 0:50 - 1D 2B 2D Riff #2 - 3:10 - 5D 5B 4D 3D 2D Riff #3 - 5:07 - 4D 4D 4B 4D 3D 2D 2D Riff #4 - 6:15 - 3D 4D 3D 4D 2D 3D 4D 3D 2D Riff #5 - 7:31 - 2D 3D 4D 5B 6B Thank you for the lesson! Hope this helps.

[@wphuston5492]

C harmonica

[@itschaos007]

@@wphuston5492 yea Im sure he knows

[@The_Goblinn]

@@itschaos007 wait this is or isn’t for a c harmonica?

[@itschaos007]

@@The_Goblinn it is for a c harmonica

[@Aberration79]

Lovely stuff

[@tonytoni1303]

My grandfather passed several years ago... and left me his vantage harmonica for me to learn how to play that he used for years even in the war.. But.. I never felt like i could get better no matter how much i tried.. Not very many harmonica players out here. Thanks for your great video, much help for me to learn steps

[@dittowidow4160]

😥😥❤❤

[@YourBeastRoy]

Glad you picked it up and Amazing story, Do Him Proud! Eric Weinstein has one of my Fav quotes all time. “Rule #0 - EVERYONE should learn to play Harmonica or know why they’re not. There’s so few that do, it’s so nice, so simple, few secrets, and easily bring it anywhere. You at least need a reason why you’re not.”

[@Conesey]

search harptabs.com for some melodies super easy

[@keiksolo]

*passed away

[@iamjimb]

@@keiksolo go away

[@sebastianfibes2126]

Finally. Someone who's all rock less talk. That's how you hold an audience attentive. Thanks Adam.

[@goodday3185]

Perfect for when I go to jail

[@siulaf3878]

Aw yea

[@johnnycola3094]

Haha

[@volcom05345]

and during the 1800s in the Wild West

[@melatrude4269]

@@leonkingston6971 lol

[@sendosnu9814]

Perfect for when I have slave work

[@billynomad4270]

I’ve literally learned to play like a pro in 4 days thanks to you Adam. Had a bit of previous experience playing blues sax but otherwise this was all new to me at the weekend. Can’t believe how fun and easy the harp is to play. You sir are a hero x

[@frostreaper6077]

How long did it take to learn single notes

[@Shayne_Mushin]

Bollocks

[@Literally_Deez_Nuts]

​@@frostreaper6077 Took me four days to get it down.

[@jacobacosta1818]

My drunken friend was even able to follow this, and he has improved 70 fold. I approve of you, and encourage you to keep making such engaging, entertaining, and enlightening content. Good day, sir.

[@holgerschwarz2416]

I am 58 years old. For a few months I play harmonica. I enjoy it and am happy about my learning success. Especially this video is very helpful. Thanks for that, Mr. Gussow. Greetings from Northern Germany

[@dinaagha]

Holger Schwarz do you have time to help me in practice my german !!

[@holgerschwarz2416]

Donzy, I like to help. Do you have any idea how we can improve your German language skills? Are you already talking words or should we start all over again? Greetings from northern Germany, near the border with Denmark.

[@patriciawhite7853]

I'm a beginner harp player and really getting the hang on the first riff with a swing and added 2 inhale 3 blow 3 inhale sounds great, thank you

[@ickynugson]

as soon as you said '...I'ma teach you old school style... so y'better listen" you've my full attention

[@angelagordon1592]

You are so easy to follow !!! I’ve tried to watch videos for years ; YOU taught me more in 5 minutes than I’ve learned in years !!! Thank you !!!

[@lawrencebecker798]

I loved the movie Satan & Adam. I just was it on Netflix. It was sweet and painful, introspective, vulnerable and inspirational, ... and more. Thanks for putting this story out into the world!

[@juanolcese1555]

SOME YEARS AGO I BOUGHT ONE IN NY-NEVER PLAY AT MY 77 YEARS OLD I START WITH MARVELLOUS CLASS AND GREAT MASTER Gussow´s.THANKS A LOT NEVER IS LATE TO LEARN.REGARDS FROM BUENOS AIRES CITY IN ARGENTINA.

[@kylekayser2291]

Thanks for posting this video just got my 3 year old grandson his first harp and he is loving watching you and playing along.

[@JavaRatusso]

Liked and subscribed! I was born in '60 and was one of those kids who always had a harp in my pocket (amongst a rabbit's foot, pocket knife and some coins if lucky). At 10, I could easily play all the basic tunes.. But I never advanced to blues in any consistent or meaningful way. You really made this lesson fun! Thanks!

[@giramrod]

I got busy in life and I put down the harmonica 2 years ago but I left it learning from you and here I am again it's really good to see you're still teaching I have to say I missed you man good to see you I subscribed and I'll be seeing you a lot more keep it up please

[@forever420j]

Got my first harmonica and I’m so thankful 🙏🏽 for your videos ! I’m learning and lots of practice,one day I’ll be able to play this decently. Thank you again.

[@Franker217]

Hey Adam, I just saw you in the Robert Johnson documentery. When I saw you I remembered that I had watched several of your tutorials as Adam and Evil. I Have been playing harp for over 40 years and you are just what I need to kick me up to the next level. Thanks for your dedication to the art. David Franks

[@Atsizy]

Old school always works the best! I’ve been searching for 2 weeks and found nothing good but then you come in and helped me so much!!! Thank you!!!

[@yoschieschmitt1929]

Thanks once more, especially for Little Walter at the end.

[@mightymurph550]

I just got my harmonica today and have made you my instructor. Let’s rock out

[@lestrum]

This one of the best out there. Whether book, CD, DVD, streaming, what have you. Just jumps in straight away to give one a good starting point with serious licks.

[@jasperbillie3294]

I'm just now getting back into playing the harmonica! You're a really friendly teacher, I love it. Right now I got a little 5 dollar one but it'll do for now.. it's fun. I used to play when I was 5 but I'd always lose it in my room hahaha. I subscribed! I LOVE the tunes. I'll be practicing with your guides. Thankyou for making this channel!

[@btsss]

Found a Hohner 64 Chromonica at a consignment shop last week. Took it apart, cleaned it out. Now I found your video and getting hooked on learning to play. Your lessons are great, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@joseantonioromancastellano214]

Ty 4 everything, you are the reason why i started to play Harp 5yrs ago. Ty so much Adam, cheers from Chile

[@thespianmask]

I have been watching your content for almost a decade now from the other channel, Modern Blues Harmonica, and no, I can't say I've been practicing for the same length of time. I gave up for most of it and kind of lost my 3 Suzuki harmonicas in my room. I found them the other day and started playing again, following another tab tutorial of Stand By Me. I'm in love with the things again, and here I am watching your videos again so many years later.

[@Papin47]

Brilliant combining teaching and selling (by reference) while offering an authentically informative lesson.

[@ralphwalton6736]

I have that same book that's behind you.....bought it in the early 70's for about a dollar and a half...thanx for the lessons

[@minnesotakid9231]

You are awesome sir

[@samuelc.shadman7154]

Just watched your Doc Satan and Adam. Totally digged it, such a beautiful story. I play guit, but I'm going down to my music store and buying my first "mouth organ", as my dad would call it. See you tomorrow Adam!

[@Sam-dc9bg]

After playing for a year, I realize that some simple rifts like this are what I should have been working more on.....and just practicing to make them sound better and better.

[@valenterodrigues6881]

Thank you for your lesson you opened up my mind with this lesson on how to get hooked with harmonica.

[@thijs199]

Hey Gussow, you deserve a place in my sub list hall of fame. I learnt the solo of Chris Cornell and if it wasn't for you teaching me with great detail how to learn to play single notes and how to bend, I would've never. I get those bends now very clean, with nice full notes. Now I'm also trying to get the wah's rhythmically. But I'm hooked now ;)

[@sharontaylor9848]

What a wonderfully empathetic style. Power to you Mr. Gussow - a big thumbs up!

[@MrTimotijn]

You are a great teacher! I have been teaching music myself for 15+ years and you are a true inspiration!!!

[@cilies3369]

Thanks for this very useful tutorial! The hamonica is completely new acquaintance to me and these riffs are splendid to be introduced to breathing issues, rythm, playing single note aswell as chords. Thanks a lot.

[@bodyguardik]

Brilliant teacher. Thank you. From Russia with love ;)

[@clintonfines6935]

Hello

[@robertcampbell1181]

bodyguardik ok

[@mizfour6680]

тоже смотрю его уроки, на русском такого мало

[@luisma5796]

laughing man

[@marinasankina9027]

Я думала, я одна такая тут:))) Хороший преподаватель. И классный английский:)))

[@guitargold100]

I’ll have to admit, I saw the Satan and Adam doc and now I am here. I play blues guitar and wanted to have some harmonica skills to go along with some singing. These beginner lessons are a great start for me as I am getting it and now need to practice!

[@harmonica2007]

your comments about syncopation have done more for my understanding than anything else I've heard. Thanks Adam!

[@joseantonioromancastellano214]

Hi Guss... i learned to play harp from ur KZbin lessons years ago.... best teacher ever.

[@charchar256]

I started with a sax and figured a harmonica would be a nice side instrament to learn, love the walkthrough your giving btw

[@darrinpennington]

Second riff sounded like the intro to love me do by the Beatles

[@Djerov2]

Darrin Pennington thought the same thing!

[@AnSturbin]

Hell yeah

[@YourBeastRoy]

Darrin Pennington Am I seriously the only one that hears The Way To Sesame Street? Or am I a nut job... Haha

[@jovemmagal7624]

I think the same

[@andyrock6481]

It's sounded like War to me City country city

[@Silbaugh4liberty]

I just got my first harmonica for Christmas from my grandmother. She plays the harmonica (very beginner), and the piano/organ too. I'm hoping to learn a few good riffs to play for her next time I go visit in Ohio. She's my last grandparent alive, so I hope to play something good before she's gone. Just subscribed! Thanks Adam

[@AnSturbin]

5:39 anybody else notice that the video skips when he says lag

[@Sam-dc9bg]

....glitch in the matrix.

[@couldntbotherr4700]

Sam exactly what I was gonna say lol

[@hunterdryden537]

AnSturbin I did actually it happend a lot

[@AD-ij2wj]

He does state in another video that he’s an alien hybrid

[@Joeforever69]

You’re the best Gussow, thanks for all your help, wouldn’t be the harmonica player I am without you!

[@runeshark22]

love these videos man, i spend a lot of time sitting at work waiting for a call, so i figured why not take up harmonica? Its a cool sounding instrument, its way easier to bring around than literally any other instrument, ive always loved bluegrass, country, blues, and the like, so i followed your advice, currently waiting on a hohner marines band key of C in the mail!

[@tebigman65]

Very simple and easy to learn the notes! Thanks Pal.

[@Aberration79]

I’m finding your videos incredibly helpful Adam - best instructor on the net. I’m going to go for your course when I get paid

[@joelreynoso9601]

I’ve been watching this guy Gus for years now wait for our jam session🤟🏼😎

[@Hello-pl2qe]

I just saw the "Satan and Adam" documentary on netflix, incredible! You're both very inspirational. I'm a guitarist and home recording enthusiest that has to work a full time job but I love music and hearing stories like yours about breaking boundaries and following your heart. I wish you all the best.

[@drew1693]

Just letting you know you're videos are working. I purchased the beginner videos from your website. I've learned more in the last 2 hours from your videos than I have searching all afternoon on youtube. I look forward to buying the more advanced lessons when I'm ready.

[@azertyquerty6072]

Big thanks from France for this tuto.

[@wesleyAlan9179]

Ok,my wife buys me this harmonica as a stocking stuffer for Christmas... So im gonna stick with it, i like your videos, easy to understand! Thank you so much! By the way, i have 25+ years on guitar, so i do have a musical bone in my body!

[@RosieBrownie]

That's the best present ever! Good luck!!! I have a feeling you're gonna be a great player one day! Oh and by the way, when you've had enough practise, consider getting a stand for it so you can jam on your harmonica and guitar at the same time, there's no better feeling in the world once you get the hang of it! *Rock on!* 😃👍🎶

[@twistyx808]

Thanks for this. Got bored and picked up a harmonica today, got a nice start with this video.

[@josephmarshall3058]

You're a great instructor - even for us OLD guys. Thanks for posting these.........

[@storballen4449]

This video inspired me to start playing the Harmonica

[@ikust007]

What a good teacher he is. Splendide .

[@LiebeNachDland]

Thanks a ton. Just was recently inspired by Les Stroud again watching some Survivorman, as I love those licks out there in the woods. Found my old C Bluesband and gave this a try, and have been loving my 4 and 5 pulls. I love the second riff with a glissando now coming out of the basic shuffle rhythm.

[@TheAWallace1212]

Great lesson. Thanks Adam!

[@gilbertrobles1374]

Wow!really liked the sound of the bended notes. Thanks Adam. Cheers from deep South Texas.

[@stephenhay4878]

Thanks for these videos having so much fun and its really rewarding when I can actually repeat what it is your doing. Once again thank you sir.

[@smuens]

Thanks! I am a complete novice and could not figure out what a draw was until I followed your video. By the way, taking it slow for the newbys helps. Some videos start slow then go up to expert harmonica way to fast.

[@hanlinoo8897]

Love your attitude and passion

[@agenfavo2903]

I have started my harmonica lessons from you. thanks alot for sharing your skills. You are my guru now.

[@matissstraujums3423]

This was extremely fun for me because i learned those riffs quite quick and all i hear was me and him freestyling the notes

[@ВолодимирРуденко-в8щ]

Thank you, Adam. You give a good skills and a positive mood. Greetings from Ukraine.

[@christophermccarthy6889]

Nice One , such an important video , the licks are basic, but it's great to see how you add in keeping time ( your foot tapping really helped ! ), It's the difference between just playing the harmonica , and actually being a musician, thanks Adam .

[@nozecone]

The Sonny Glover book on the shelf is a nice nostalgic touch for harp-players of a certain age ... !

[@gertorrrrrr6]

Great teacher you are! Thanks from Spain!

[@roydeines1793]

KYMCO SCOOERS125 T

[@johnvassos82]

Wow did a search for blues harp licks and the Great Adam of Adam and Satan is the teacher! Amazing!

[@nilsfearons4797]

Awesome lesson, thanks Adam

[@KellyDawnGoneWrong]

You are a little bit intimidating, and I think I like it. It's basic enough to follow along with, and simple enough to dress it up a little bit, and thanks to your assertiveness and clever way of explaining this... It sinks into the viewers brain. Well done 👍. This is coming from a gal who struggles significantly with adult a.d.d., so if you can get ME to pay attention... You are doing something very right. I'm curious and even a little eager to find out what else ya got. Catch ya on the flip pip.

[@CássioAndradee]

Que aula espetacular!! Tô adorando colocar isso em prática

[@SanjeevSinghTanwar]

Nice! I play tremolo but loved the beauty of blues ....nice cool riffs sir! Salutes from India...

[@joeholland4936]

Adam you do a good job teaching. Thanks.

[@AndiJaneMusic]

I love that you don't use tablature!! My brain sees the arrows backwards and I get really frustrated. It's not like Harmonica is something you read music to anyway. Thanks for your work!

[@alexpino4164]

cool, very helpful Adam, thanks for your time and good energy!

[@edmondarthursecre6442]

The greatest harp player that ever was is Sugar Blue he's the jimi hendrix of the harp,back in the 90s I had the privilege of seeing him in Downtown Cleveland Ohio at a blues bar called Will Bert's which was Robert Lockwood Jr's place he would play every Wednesday, I never missed one of his shows there I could tell you about some of the great nights there but that will have to be told another time, all my hopes and dreams ❤

[@lezscott7786]

Another super session Adam and the way you enthusiastically put stuff across, players have just got too follow. thanks mate

[@oDouglasss]

Thank u for this video! I'm from Brazil and watch your some years. Thank u so mutch.

[@gleicianosilva67]

Cheers bro, brilliant charisma...

[@swinestein6241]

Damn the harmonica is really cool. I impulsively bought one. Since ever i was young i wanted to play it.

[@ARIAPOORI]

Very clear explanation of all, thanks ....greetings from Mazatlán......

[@danielbirch212]

Beautiful.

[@nolansteele3882]

Thank you for these videos.

[@6BarD]

You are AWESOME! You taught me how to play the Harp 10 years ago in my car coming home from my office in traffic. I would listen to a lesson riff and work on it. Raising 4 kids has slowed me down, but glad to see you are still here. Are you in Dallas area anytime soon?

[@ib1905]

Cool stuff, thanks a lot, Adam! Especially liked combining first 3 and playing them round.

[@roberthansen5727]

New-ish harmonica player, and I'm with Walkabout, you seem like a pretty cool guy to have a beer with.

[@garryprendergast6183]

Great stuff, old school is the best, keep it coming Adam. 😉

[@bo-banski2883]

just got a Koch Chromatic for real cheap at an antique shop, u cant play it without a smile. such a great instrument :-))

[@filiph.1409]

Funny how you say that someone might not like you or the video...like that will ever happen! :D The lesson was great, dude. As a beginner, I must say that it wasn't boring at all, and we all know that these beginner lessons can be a whole lotta boring and often.. So thanks for making it this way. :D :D :D Greetings from Serbia.

[@malcolmday7882]

Really enjoyed that. Great instruction Sir. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@jrguarita]

love this guy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@冨里ブライアン]

FN AWESOME!!! While just learning what you played, I'd make mistakes that I thought led to some cool sounding improv ! Totally fun way of learning, Thanks sooooooo much!!!!

[@Ronzeb1]

冨里ブライアン 5

[@dittowidow4160]

@@Ronzeb1 WAT?

[@leviphillips5998]

Hey Guss! Your definitely one of my favorite harmonica teachers and have helped me so much! Could you do a video on some licks for a d harp? It is my favorite key, and I can never find any tutorials on d harp licks for blues. So it would be amazing if you could do a blues lesson with a d harp, and do a video like this but just with a d harp, and some licks to play on it? Thanks you so much Guss!

[@glenncurley680]

Adam you have been teaching me for years! Come to Canada and I will buy you a beer! A good beer, I'm talking Canadian Craft Beer 8.5 per cent! Thanks Man!

[@YourBeastRoy]

Wait A Tic! Woah Now! Hey There! Hi There! Ho There! Whole 3$ possibly 5$!?!Brewski now?!?! Fantastical offer right on here, right on now if you ask me! Hahaha ;P

[@treefelastevens5905]

I have just picked thing I really want to start playing. Thank you so much for your video

[@Carman999]

What amazing video, damn I can't wait for my harmonica (bought in amazon) to start playing these riffs

[@sheldondillon]

Kool !! You made me into a believer as well as a new subscriber. I am a very very extra beginner, I have long wanted to learn to play harmonica, I honestly don't know why its taken me so long to actually put some effort into it. I am finding it very rewarding and it really makes me happy too.

[@Carlos-km6zm]

# 1 0:50 --> -1 2 -2 # 2 3:10 --> -5 5 -4 -3 -2 # 3 5:07 --> -4 -4 4 -4 -3 -2 -2 # 4 6:17 --> -3 -4 -3 -4 -3 -4 -3 -2 # 5 7:32 --> -3 -4 5 6

[@thedelta2820]

Thanks for your advice !