Beginners Lesson 1 for old time harmonica

A lesson for those wanting to learn the old time harmoica style

[@GrowlinWillie]

Hey Sarge, I finally watched this video. I tell people that you taught me how to play harmonica, even though you never really showed me anything, but when you played my foot started tapping all by itself. You didn't really need to tell me anything, just hearing you play made me realize I was doing it all wrong. You're doing a great job making these videos! (Even though your best video has no harmonica!)

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks Bruce! I really appreciate the comment. That best video you speak of is yours, I just happen to be in it!

[@mrmandel3077]

Thank you. I appreciate this. Love the old school sound. I’ve been trying to figure this out for a while.

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks Mr Mandel for listening and commenting. Good luck on learning the old style.

[@devlieg72]

Many thanks, brother. I've been looking for this advice on the KZbin for a long time.

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks a lot for watching and I sure hope it helps you. I think i have 4 or 5 more lessons posted.

[@lukeg2091]

This is great! Really helps me get my head around this type of playing. Thanks!

[@1seesaw2]

Hey Luke, thanks for watching this video. I do hope it helps you

[@leviaaron500]

Thank you thank you thank you. This is exactly what I needed! I appreciate you taking the effort to put this info out there!

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks Levi. I appreciate you taking the time to watch it. There are 5 more tutorials I recorded on the old time style.

[@thejoritube]

Great lesson to start out with for old time. Can't wait to explore more!

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks a lot for listening. I hope it helps you,

[@jonathancooperman7804]

Thanks, Sarge, this is what I've been looking for!

[@1seesaw2]

HI Jonathan. Thanks for watching and commenting. I hope you watch the other lessons I have for old time harmonica.

[@Hikieblitz]

this is what I have been looking for I reacently started playing the harmonica .

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks for watching. I hope it helps you.

[@gjmac2000]

Right so you are had one in my pocket all day every...nobody ever complained!

[@trizzpat98]

No way! That's incredible, thank you!

[@1seesaw2]

I hope this gets you started Patrick!

[@kstroh4191]

Thank you for teaching this!

[@1seesaw2]

You're very welcome. I hope it helps you learn this old style.

[@DGA2000]

So happy I found this. Subbed.

[@1seesaw2]

I'm glad you found it too. I have 5 other tutorial videos on YT.

[@2doorblues]

This was fantastic! Thanks Sarge.

[@1seesaw2]

I sincerely hope it helps you Casey!! Thanks for your support!

[@waltseher7115]

This is what I been looking for, thank you! Too many people playing cross harp, on you tube, I never can find how to play the harmonica this way. Please post more lessons? I'm sure you must have a plethora of valuable info, and I wanna take advantage of it. Hope you don't mind

[@1seesaw2]

You're more than welcom Walt. I really appreciate you listening and hope you will subscribe so you can be notified any I time I post something new.

[@nomimidzu8984]

This is a very useful lesson! Thank you very much! Yes, this is the style of playing the harmonica that I really like! Now they play like a pipe. You play very beautifully!

[@1seesaw2]

Thank you. I hope the lessons I have recorded help you to learn the old style of playing.

[@milevasiljevic9312]

Bravo.Sviramo istom tehnikom.

[@1seesaw2]

Puno vam hvala što ste slušali i komentirali. Thank you very much for listening and commenting.

[@martinolsson9643]

Great video, sir!! Thank you so much

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks for watching it Martin. I hope you enjoy the other lessons I have posted.

[@aaronflinner6431]

I really like this lesson. I've been playing harmonica for 10 years, and I've never given tongue blocking a good try. I tried it for about a week and just kind of put it aside. I think I'm going to go ahead and really work at it. I truly enjoy your videos.

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks Aaron! I really appreciate the comment. If I can help you in any way to get this old style going for you, just let me know.

[@amanjyaku]

Thanks for doing this.

[@1seesaw2]

Thank you Keith for taking the time to watch this. I hope it helps some folks.

[@luisdesantis6035]

Sarge, thanks for pointing me out to your lessons, I had no idea that they existed. It's time to practice :)

[@1seesaw2]

Glad to help you Luis and please contact me if you need some additional info or help,

[@ohioalphornmusicalsawman2474]

Hi Sarge, excellent and very informative video!! My instruments are Trumpet, Alphorn, Musical Saw, and Harmonica as of this February. I've played Trumpet for 40 years, so I can do lots of double/triple tonguing. Got a pretty good Bonanze theme song going so far. Playing a brand new Hohner Diatonic in C, practicing getting those distinct single notes like you were demonstrating.

[@1seesaw2]

Good, keep practicing. What is an alphorn???

[@dakotabeharry4111]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks for watching Dakota! I hope it helps you. I have other tutorial videos on youtube. Check them out!

[@jeffsimslmt]

Thanks for the intro to old time harmonica. I’ve tried tongue blocking before with minimal success, but maybe it’s time to give it a whirl again. The mouth and tongue are such a taboo. Thanks for showing us the taboo stuff.

[@1seesaw2]

Hi Jeff! Thanks so much for listening and commenting. Good luck on learning that old time harmonica style.

[@spiderdrew8998]

Hey Sarge great lesson. I've been meaning to check them out for some time now.

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks for watching it Yak. I really appreciate it.

[@dewaynecrowell]

Great Job Sarge! I think I will get me a harmonica now.

[@1seesaw2]

Hey Reb! Great to see you here. By all means get yourself a harmonica and start learning.

[@rayberkin1079]

good stuff

[@MisterBigDave]

Really enjoyed this!! I always tell people, harmonica was my first instrument. A C Hohner back in 1st Grade about 1965. I still can’t play, LOL, that’s why I’m watching you..

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks for watching Dave. I think I have another 5 tutorial videos on YT. I hope they help you. Let me know if I can help you in any way.

[@MisterBigDave]

Thanks so much, I will watch and learn for now! Great!!

[@mikeholcroft]

Great demo - Many thanks…

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks for watching Mike. I hope it helps you. I have other tutorials on learning old time harmonica. I hope you check them out,

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

Sarge, the pinnacle of my musical ability is tuning in Willy's Road House on SIRIUS radio. But I have always enjoyed watching and listening to you play the harmonica. Hard telling how many of those things I've bought and honked on from the old Marine Band, to Yamaha brass bound to plastic harmonicas. Never even learned how to play Mary Had a Little Lamb. Just not in me, I guess, but my grandad was good with one.

[@1seesaw2]

Well, I can't take a decent picture of anything and don't a good camera from a poor camera!

[@davidbrock4104]

Wow. How amazing it is that your dad & granddad both were harmonica players

[@1seesaw2]

HI David, my great granddad also played, but not as active as my dad and grandad. He was more of a bones player. I have a set of bones that he made from a hedge tree.

[@davidbrock4104]

@@1seesaw2 gonna try to implement tongue blocking, I love the unique sound you bring out. Playing straight and crossharp both, just no tongue blocking

[@1seesaw2]

@@davidbrock4104 Good luck David. I think you'll catch on to it pretty quick. Be sure to let me know how you're doing with it.

[@jeffsimslmt]

I’ve finally got tongue blocking! Your suggestion here was all I needed. I’m playing the scale and need to work on drawing but I’m now gaining confidence tongue blocking on all the blow notes.

[@1seesaw2]

That's great Jeff! Just keep practicing and check out my other tutorial videos on old time harmonica.

[@jeffsimslmt]

@@1seesaw2 I call it playing 🎶

[@Mamlishmike]

Great lesson Sarge!

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks Mike! I appreciate you watching the video.

[@thejoritube]

Thanks

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks for watching this Ira. I hope it helps you.

[@suesmith948]

Thank You So Much Sarge❣❣ I am 66 years old now and I Love You for taking the time to create your video!!! I have been around no one who played the harmonica except for my father who was entertaining when he was playing the sound of a train whistle and continued the fast pace of the song, but I have no idea what song it was. Don't you worry about the way you have to show us how to play, I didn't know about using my tongue, I have been doing the single tone and always wondered how you professionals create the extra Beautiful backgrounds. 😍 Thank You Again Sarge💯 ❤🙏Please don't take away your videos. I Have to keep watching them🙏 And Thank You Smart Folks for KZbin 😊

[@1seesaw2]

Thank you Sue, I really appreciate your comment. I have other tutorial videos here that I hope help you. Here's a couple of train songs that may remind you of your Father. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6asaH6og9Srma8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmPOc513a5dja9k

[@suesmith948]

Thank You so Much again 💓 I appreciate the songs you sent me this morning and I Love to hear music first while I'm waking up. The first video was the most familiar to me, my dad's family was from Ireland and he was born in 1919 so he was much older than my friends parents and had survived the wars. He was always bringing me music instruments to play. Learning notes was complicated for me so I played by ear. I will be watching your other videos tonight and any time I can. Thanks Again 😊 🙏❤

[@1seesaw2]

@@suesmith948 I play strictly by ear too. I am on face book as Sarge Mac if you are interested and heres a link to all my videos kzbin.infovideos

[@roy3779]

Great instructions on tongue blocking! Thanks!

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks Roy, I appreciate the comment and hope my lessons help you.

[@ShaliAnn]

Nice video, am I supposed to tongue block the note I play or is that hole on the harmonica unblocked?

[@1seesaw2]

@@ShaliAnn The hole you are playing is unblocked.

[@ShaliAnn]

@@1seesaw2 That makes sense lol ! Thanks so much and you have wonderful energy and a very nice channel:)

[@1seesaw2]

@@ShaliAnn Thank you ShaliAnn! I appreciate the comment!

[@petefuhr5269]

Great

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks Pete, I hope it helps you.

[@robertrichard2322]

10:23 yup really enjoyable to play while driving

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks Robert!!!!

[@ricardocortezsr2651]

Hey Sarge, your videos are Awesome. this is what I've been looking for, Old style Harmonica. I know it's not easy on you to stick out your tongue into a camera but if you can do a video showing the way to do the gallop rhythm that would be awesome to learn. thank you and God bless you for sharing your talent.

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks for watching the video Ricardo and I hope it helps you to learn the old style of playing. I''ll see if I can get a video done on learning that gallop rhythm.!

[@alnavazamlani1237]

Thanks Sarge

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks for watching and I hope the tutorials I have posted help you.

[@craiggreenier8856]

My great grandfather called it a mouth harp

[@kimthompson6358]

I play harmonica at all the red lights and when I’m stuck in traffic. It keeps me from getting mad. So far I learned Amanda light of My Life, Golden Slippers , and Rose of Texas. Now thanks to you and making this video I am going to learn to put rhythm on the song. Best Wishes,Kim

[@1seesaw2]

That's great Kim. Thanks a lot for watching and if I can help you in any way, let me know.

[@craigcanoe3]

I used to do that, and because of your comment I'm going to start doing it again....Thank you

[@craigmarsh1221]

Hi there! Just started playing for the first time 2 months ago so I'm still a beginner. Thanks for the tips and love the old time tunes Sarge

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks Craig. I hope you enjoy the tutorial videos I've posted and also the music videos I've posted. If I can help you in any way, just le me know.

[@craigmarsh1221]

@@1seesaw2 It me again Sarge, do you have any other tutorials which would make a beginner an bit better. Thanks again

[@1seesaw2]

@@craigmarsh1221 Hi Craig. I have 4 or 5 more on youtube. Is there anything in particular that you are having trouble with?

[@craigmarsh1221]

@@1seesaw2 Thanks for the reply Sir. Will look into the videos. Im finding the tongue blocking hard and the notes arent coming out sounding right( any tips for this) I won't be defeated! Thanks again Sarge 👍

[@1seesaw2]

@@craigmarsh1221 Learning to get a clean note while tongue blocking takes some practice for sure. plus you have to have a good ear to know if you're getting the right note. Use the tip of your tongue. Keep fooling around with it and you'll get it. I have tried to get skype on my little laptop so i could give personal lessons to help folks on this old time style, but so far I don't think this little laptop will handle it.

[@ruthcasement5844]

I’m 66 been playing since 5 years old want to learn old style have tried on and off for a few years with your videos I’ll give it another go but it’s real hard after playing straight harp for years find the breathing hard to keep up appreciate the lessons James casement

[@1seesaw2]

HI James. About all my playing is straight harp, versus cross harp and slant harp, but I put the rhythm chords to the melody. These lessons hopefully will help folks learn the old style. I started when I was 10 learning from my Grandfather, Father and two Uncles. I'm now 76 and still playing and yes sometimes breath control can be challenging. Maybe I should do a lesson on that.

[@ruthcasement5844]

Day 2 absolute big improvement have learnt more in a day with your lessons than any others on the web just the breathing to sort out James casement 😁

[@1seesaw2]

@@ruthcasement5844 That's great news James. Keep at it!!!

[@thejoritube]

Ps this has really helped my tongue blocking

[@1seesaw2]

I am very glad to hear that and I really appreciate you watching the video. I hope the rest of the tutorial videos help you also.

[@Papa_Mack]

New subscriber! I'm gonna watch all these videos

[@1seesaw2]

Hi Mack! Thanks for watching the video and I hope they help you learn.

[@Papa_Mack]

So far this has really helped! I just started watching videos on how to play. I have the tongue movement down and i know my C harmonica pretty well. Its just my timing for breathing. But like you said it aint gonna happen over night. Thank you so much!

[@1seesaw2]

@@Papa_Mack If I can help you in any way don't fail to contact me.

[@Papa_Mack]

Thank you very much. That means so much! I'm not gonna stop trying.

[@integrity5264]

thanks Sarge, great lesson

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks for watching it and I hope it helps you,

[@integrity5264]

@@1seesaw2 yes your lessons are helpful to give tone and flavor to a song, it's like hybread picking on a guitar, thanks

[@BramJam]

This is a fantastic video! Thank you for sharing. I've been playing for a few years now and I can get the 3/4 waltz no problem but am having trouble with the gallop. With the gallop is it purely your tongue moving on and off the harp or is some of the rhythm done with the breath as well?

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks so much for listening and commenting. The gallop rhythm is all tongue technique

[@cutNdryfirewood]

This is simply good👍 Thanks for doing this. My Grandfather, who played old time style, also called it French Harp. I never learned from him back then. I’m getting a second chance here from you. Thanks so much. Keep harping!

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks a bunch Matthew! Good luck on learning this style!

[@erichkopp]

Hey Sarge, great video. I play tongue-blocked rhythm with a single note on the 1 & 3 and chord on the 2 & 4, just like a mandolin chop or a boom-chuck rhythm, but playing with a gallop and other faster rhythms comes out real sloppy and forced sounding. Maybe I'm trying to move my tongue too much or too hard when it's more finessed? Any more insight on what your tongue is doing? A follow-up video would be awesome!

[@1seesaw2]

Hi Erich. Thanks so much for listening and commenting. You may be trying to use you breath force along with your tongue technique. You want to keep your breath force as steady as you can.

[@lynnglidewell7367]

They may call it a poor man fiddle where you are but where I'm from its called The Mississippi Saxophone!

[@1seesaw2]

Yep, I've heard that one too. Thanks for watching the video!

[@edthierbach8680]

Happy B'lated Birthday Jim!

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks Ed!! I appreciate it. Did you remember it or did Dick tell you? I can barely remember it myself.

[@edthierbach8680]

i have it on my phone @@1seesaw2

[@clarkecomollo8750]

Excellent! Thanks. What ninny would give a thumbs down

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks Clarke. I hope these tutorial videos I did helps you in learning the old time style.

[@thejoritube]

Getting better butt still difficult to maintain the rhythmic pattern for an extended period while focusing on the melody.. but I'm getting closer. Thanks Sarge

[@1seesaw2]

Keep after it Ira!!! The more you practice the better you will get!!!

[@user-ok9jd2tz4e]

Good video alright I'm going to try it thanks, old time harmonica?

[@1seesaw2]

Good, I hope more people learn the old time harmonica style. Thanks a lot for watching the video!!

[@227djc]

Hey Sarge! Thanks for the tips! 1) Does that Easttop have a wood comb? 2) Do you play in 2nd position much when playing old time?

[@1seesaw2]

Hey Dylan thanks a lot for listening and commenting The Easttop has a polymer comb. Very few songs that I play are done in second position.

[@Jehoshephat]

I'm writing an article, would love to interview you for it.

[@1seesaw2]

Sure, anytime.

[@TomTom-gl6ds]

Great Tutorial. Where can I find notes or tabs to practice on Skaters Waltz?

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I play strictly by ear. I looked for Skater's Waltz tabs, but couldn't find any, so I did some for you. 5blow 6blow 6draw 6draw 5draw 6draw 7draw7draw 8draw 7blow 5blow 6blow 5draw 5blow 5blow 4draw 4blow. I hope this helps you get started.

[@TomTom-gl6ds]

@@1seesaw2 Wow, thats amazing. Thank you. I am looking forward to your other tutorials. I try to learn some old time harmonica on my C, but also on my A minor harmonica. I want to play some gipsy style songs. They use same/similar technic, but it is hard to find learning material on that topic.

[@Bokescreek]

Sarge, thanks for the lesson. Is there a particular word you tongue to get your galloping rhythm?

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks for watching the video. No, I don't use any words at all to establish a rhythm

[@Bokescreek]

Ok, and thanks for responding. I really like your style and your videos.@@1seesaw2

[@TinaSkrutti]

Hi from Sweden! I have been playing around with tongue blocking since last christmas. I wonder how you do when you play hole 6, draw. It sounds really bad because the deeper tone should be hole 3 one whole bend. How do you solve that?

[@1seesaw2]

Well, I have no problem with the draw note on hole 6.

[@stevenfairless4931]

Harmonica's are great ... who carries a Tuba in their pocket ?? Thanks Sarge :)

[@1seesaw2]

Thanks a lot for watching the video and commenting.

[@thepocketaccordeon]

Hi Sarge, do you have any suggestion for a good tune to practice the galopping rhythm?

[@1seesaw2]

Hi Hannes. Thanks so much for listening and commenting. The Wreck of the Old 97 would be a good one. Go slow! My next lesson will be on learning a couple songs, one of which will be using the galloping rhythm. Stay tuned!!

[@thepocketaccordeon]

@@1seesaw2 Wow, that was fast :-) - thanks! I'll be working on it. I've been playing that style for a while now, but mostly european stuff, often using harmonic minor harps. But the gallopping rhythm is new for me and I'm looking forward to adding it to my repertoire of techniques! regards, Hannes

[@maxb2299]

Hello, I left a comment on your orange blossom special, I would like to ask what key harmonicas I need to play it. Thanks so much.

[@1seesaw2]

HI Max, thanks for listening! You can use a G and D, an A and E, a Bb and F and a Low F and C. Buddy Green uses an A and E, Charlie McCoy uses a Bb and F. So, use any of the keys I listed whichever you like the best.

[@jeffsimslmt]

1seesaw2 If i may ask, do you always play in first position?

[@1seesaw2]

@@jeffsimslmt Mostly, but not all the time. If the song is in a minor key I will play 3rd position.

[@iancampbell1494]

Buying my first harmonica what key should I buy

[@1seesaw2]

Hi Ian. Thanks for watching. If you intend on taking lessons via youtube, etc, then get a C harp. Most lessons require that you have a C harmonica to start off with.

[@iancampbell1494]

@@1seesaw2 thank you and yes I intend to use KZbin as my primary source but I will say that I intend tomorrow mostly play bluegrass but I’d imagine that’s always down the line

[@1seesaw2]

@@iancampbell1494 Good luck Ian. Keep that harmonica with you all the time and fool with it any chance you can, get real familiar with it.

[@rustymac40]

I wander if I'm the only one taking online harp lessons while at work. Lol

[@1seesaw2]

I hope not!!!!

[@danielkillgrove1449]

Good info. I am doing better....

[@1seesaw2]

Yeah, you can already do this stuff.

[@billmacaulay]

trying but, creating an awful lot of saliva. Drowning the reeds. Is it just me?

[@1seesaw2]

Hi Bill, thanks for watching. Some people produce more saliva than others. You can tilt your head back a bit, but other than that I don't have a good answer for you.

[@billmacaulay]

@@1seesaw2 thanks , as simple as tilting my head back - that helped . As you say ,you dont get it overnight ,gotta hang in .