Harmonica Keys for Beginners (+ Learn a Muddy Waters Riff)

► Get the Circle of Fifths, a Position Chart and the Jam Along Tracks here: www.harmonica.com/harmonica-k...
Positions and their Sounds 1:36
The Musical Alphabet 3:52
How to Remember a Harmonica’s 2nd Position Key (Harmonica High 5) 4:22
Sharps & Flats 5:57
Everything But the B’s (B=F# & Bb=F) 7:01
Which Harmonica to Choose 4 a 2nd Position Song (Which Harp 4 this Song?) 8:11
Those F-ing B’s (F=Bb & F#=B) 9:30
The Circle of Fifths 10:16
5 Steps to Always Choosing the Right Key 13:05
How to Play the Riff from Cross-Eyed Cat by Muddy Waters 14:51
Playing Along With the Backing Track 17:15
Conclusion 18:15
Thanks for checking out this beginner harmonica lesson, Keys for beginners.
When we harmonica players are playing in first position, it’s easy to choose the right harmonica for the song - it’s the same key label as the song! But when we’re playing in 2nd position, it can be very confusing to remember which 2nd position key a harmonica plays in.
I’ve thought of 2 “mnemonics” (a mnemonic is a device aid with memory) to help you remember this potentially confusing subject:
Harmonica High 5 -
Harmonica and High both start with the letter H. Harmonica High 5 is our mnemonic to remember that if want to know what 2nd position key a harmonica plays in, we count up 5 alphabet letters, STARTING WITH THE KEY OF THE HARMONICA AS #1. So with a C harmonica, C is 1, D is 2, E is 3, F is 4, G is 5, so we will be playing cross-harp (another term for 2nd position) in the key of G on a C harmonica.
Which Harmonica 4 This Song?
If we know the key of the SONG, and we want to choose the right harmonica to play in 2nd position, count up 4 alphabet letters with STARTING WITH THE KEY OF THE SONG AS #1. So, for example, for a Blues in E we count up: E is 1, F is 2, G is 3, A is 4. So we to choose an A harmonica to play an E Blues.
When we start playing, I’m playing a C harmonica for this lesson. Any 10-hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C will work for you to follow along with the Cross-Eyed Cat portion of this lesson. Of course, the discussion of keys doesn’t require any actual playing. For Cross-Eyed Cat, I’m playing a C harmonica, in 2nd position, in the key of G. Here are the harmonica tabs to Cross-Eyed Cat:
-5 5 -4 4 -3 -4
(Slide up into the first 5 draw!)
Thanks for watching this free harmonica lesson on harmonica keys for beginners. I hope you enjoyed this free lesson. If you did, please give it the thumbs up and subscribe so you don’t miss any of the new free harmonica lessons.. As always, please leave any questions below.
Have fun!
Luke with Harmonica.com
#Harmonica #HarmonicaLesson #LearnHarmonica

[@Sagart999]

Thanks. 71 year old retired guy here. My various medical/mechanical issues just won't let me play guitar any more. Your videos have given me lots of hope that I'll be able to jam with my grandkids again.

[@Harmonicacom]

YESSAH! When I got repetitive stress syndrome in my left hand which stopped me from playing guitar, I got WAY deeper into harmonica. You'll be jamming with your grandkids before you know it. Have you checked out Beginner to Boss? www.harmonica.com/lessons/

[@loulu9879]

I’m right where you are at 73. Essential Tremors made playing guitar impossible. I just started a couple of weeks ago. This lesson really helped me understand this key thing.

[@javierf55]

Enjoy your retirement time, harmonica is a perfect instrument for all ages. I'm 60, close to mine and I bought my Hohner Crossover recently, so much fun in the learning path.

[@MrSpanky2001]

Terrific video. First time this has been explained to me so that its understandable....and I've been harpin' for four plus years. Thank you.

[@Harmonicacom]

Oh, right on! That’s awesome, man. You’re very welcome, and thanks for the note. That makes my day. Keep on harpin’, my friend!

[@shermakisso6967]

This is my first time playing the harmonica, you made it seem so much fun, I'm using this as breathing practice post covid. Thank you.....

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Sherma! It is fun, and great for your breathing!

[@mrtambourineman6107]

Hows it comin on 5 months later bro?

[@youragent7671]

@@mrtambourineman6107 i was bout to say that like post-covid? it's just now starting to end

[@keypatgaming5291]

@@youragent7671 i think they just meant they had covid and had long covid issues...

[@e-manwaker7233]

Hawaya Luke, awesome tutorial! Im jus starting my harp journey. I noticed ur cap says “ALOHA”. U from Hawaii?

[@danielshaghaghi2579]

Thank you. Finally I found someone who explains the keys and the positions in a clear and simple way.

[@Harmonicacom]

Sweet! Glad you found it helpful, Daniel. Rock on.

[@berthaochoa9580]

Thank you for being helpful. You are the best teacher I have found.

[@jeffreyrosenberg2985]

Great vibe, teaching style, so clear, helpful, interactive. Almost feels real, not virtual. Just learned "Lion Sleeps Tonight" and the WildcatBlues riff - thanks!

[@Harmonicacom]

Sweet. CONGRAST Jeff. Keep on rocking, man!

[@karengeary7222]

I bought a harmonica several years ago and never learned to play until I found your videos. You are a great teacher! Thank you!

[@Harmonicacom]

Thank you! And you’re welcome!

[@demetrachagall2966]

Luke, your lessons are a blessing! I am new on harmonica and really want to thank you for this and all other videos and great explanations. Really enjoying my first steps!! 💃🙏

[@Harmonicacom]

woo hoo! Glad to hear it demetra. Thanks for the note. Keep on rocking, my friend!

[@jonathandewhirst686]

Thank you. I could play that riff in time. Miracles do happen.

[@Harmonicacom]

Ha! right on Jonathan. You are on your way my friend. Rock on!

[@claudwood6219]

Thank you for these videos. Leaning made so simplistic . Many Blessings !

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Claud. Blessings right back atcha!

[@andreamarchionni417]

Really clear explanations together with relaxed and funny atmosphere! As usual...

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks Andrea!

[@charlesbarboza8591]

Luke, excellent presentation. I’m enjoying learning to play Harmonica with you. I’m rather “Slow” at certain things and learning an instrument is definitely one of them, but, because you are taking your time and being very specific, I seem to be catching on. So cool. Thanks for sharing. Be well.

[@Harmonicacom]

Rock on, Charles! Yeah, it came slow to me too, so it's easy for me to explain it in bite size bits. 🤣 You might be a good candidate for my Beginner to Boss course: www.harmonica.com/lessons/

[@JohnSims3]

Wow, just what I needed to figure out which harps to buy. I have a G, Bb and Db. Just ordered a C. THANKS!

[@Harmonicacom]

Boom! You’re welcome.

[@Cogito2323]

Your explanations and graphics are great. Thanks so much!

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on. Glad it’s helping.

[@Sagart999]

We all learn in different ways. In my case, I need to see pictures/diagrams/words. So I appreciate your time-stamped notes after each video. Bravo!

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad it was helpful, Alan!

[@Bluedog-NL]

This is my ‘holy grail’ vid to understand what I’m trying to do. Thank you 🙏🏼 so much. It’ll give me (us) such a soul blues harp boost with these vids. 🎶✨

[@Harmonicacom]

Ya buddy! That's what I like to hear my friend. Bluesify the world and let's make some soulful sounds!

[@Bluedog-NL]

Bought your course Beginner to Boss ✌🏼🔥🎶

[@raquelcastro6333]

You are great, Luke! I love your lessons.

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks, Raquel - glad you like them!

[@HippySpeedballPodcast]

I feel like harmonica would be fantastic for boxers and fighters for their breathing. Love the videos!!

[@Harmonicacom]

True. Glad to hear it!

[@CrueLoaf]

Best explanation on the web. Thank you! You truly are a teacher. 👍

[@Harmonicacom]

Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it!!!!! Glad it helped.

[@oneman49instruments]

Great riff! Easy to begin and enter into this harmonica world! Thanks again man!

[@Harmonicacom]

Ya, it’s a killer riff. And attainable! You’re welcome. Glad you liked the lesson.

[@frankschumacheroderaccount5347]

HEYYYY LUUUUUKE .Happy New Year and Thank you vor this Video 😎✌️.

[@Harmonicacom]

Aloha! Thanks for the note. Happy New Year, and I’m glad it was helpful!

[@frankschumacheroderaccount5347]

Aloha is Hello of Hawaii 🌺 😊 In Germany Nordrhein-Westfalen say : Tach (for good Day ) or simply Hallo (for hello)😊✌️

[@mojomaik8362]

Dude, thank you so much. I have learned a lot from you in one afternoon. Need to say that I have my guitar knowledge already, so it is easy to understand keys, but this is helpful anyway, as I am complete beginner with harmonica.

[@Harmonicacom]

Sweet! Congrats. Rock on, Luke

[@prerakpanwar9853]

Cool 😊 I like the way u explain and u also took time to write in the description for us. Thank you 🤝

[@Harmonicacom]

My pleasure 😊

[@yangyon]

Thank you for your interesting lessons about playing basic diatonic harmonica .. this video is very useful for myself and many people who want to be able to play the harmonica .. greetings from Indonesia

[@Harmonicacom]

You’re welcome! Aloha from Hawaii

[@davidcoupar2129]

I like your videos. I´m a beginner, but very clear explanations. Thank you.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey David - you’re welcome. Glad you like them.

[@frafranildo]

Just bought myself my first harmonica, and I'm loving your channel.

[@Harmonicacom]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@leamercatwild3354]

Best explanation, thanks.

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on. Glad you could follow. Tough subject.

[@SalineScott]

Wow. I thought I had your bell turned on, but I didn’t. I have it turned on now. I’m learning how to red the keys from the red back hymnal. Church is wanting me to play along. This is a good lesson for me. So, thanks. I’m tying to fixture out whether to play the melody or try playing the fill in? I think the fill ins sound better. I use the potions chart along with the circle of fifths chart.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey, thanks for turning the bell on. Yeah, harmonica is a great instrument for church. The Bible even “praise Him on the harp!” lol. ;-) I play harmonica sometimes at my church too. I agree with you, the fill in is better! Keep on spreading the love, and I’m glad the lesson was helpful.

[@robertandjanchartrand707]

Once again, great stuff Luke. I was taught a handy sentence to learn the circle of 5th (and 4th). The sentence is Carol, Gets, Drunk, And, Eats, Butterflies ( the first letter of each word). Cheers Robert London, Canada

[@Harmonicacom]

LOVE IT!!!! ;-)

[@olliejen]

You make it easy to understand; thank you so much!

[@Harmonicacom]

Awesome, Olver. Thanks for the note.

[@thomaswestover9025]

Great lesson, very easy to understand!

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks Thomas. Glad you liked it!

[@wesselfrysk6539]

Realy great lesson!! Thank you so much.

[@Harmonicacom]

You're very welcome! Glad you liked it, Wessel!

[@judycrossley5296]

Thank you for such a great explanation!

[@Harmonicacom]

You're very welcome, Judy! Glad it helped.

[@davidspradley9182]

Luke, I'm a Noob Be. Like every thing else, there are hundreds of sites about harmonicas. However, my opinion is you're the best teacher for me. Thank you brother man, keep on jammin!

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on brother David. I appreciate your kind words.

[@zadokmotorfreight2423]

Really enjoyed the video!! Thanks!

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad you enjoyed it! You're welcome. Rock on, Luke

[@nonacrochet677]

This is really amazing lessons 👍 thank you 🌹

[@Harmonicacom]

You're welcome 😊 Glad you like it!

[@derrabe6253]

Super Video! Thanks👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Harmonicacom]

Thank you too!

[@Beachbumartist]

Great information, thank you.

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BanditmitKredit]

Best explanation👍🏼🔥🇩🇪 greetings from Germany

[@Harmonicacom]

Thank you for your kind words. Aloha from Hawaii.

[@thorny3218]

Thanks man. I’m a long time guitarist just getting so into the harp. This helps a lot. I might even try to accompany myself once I get a little better. I can imagine that like singing and playing guitar at the same time, playing two instruments at once will take much practice. I’m with it though.

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah, exactly. Pat the head and rub the tummy at the same time kinda thing. 😉 I've actually taken to just using a looper pedal! 🤣

[@rataylor558]

First time this made sense to me. You rock!

[@Harmonicacom]

Sweet! Glad it helped. Rock on, my friend.

[@tombankes-jones964]

Very enlightening, thanks.

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Tom!

[@rcatabletauthement5042]

I've been playing for years ,but I never used these technical blows,I relearning correctly,thanks

[@Harmonicacom]

Cool.

[@pepeuijtdehaage1366]

Thank you so much,very nice !!

[@Harmonicacom]

You’re welcome, Pepe

[@paulkernke9103]

Thanks Luke new subscriber about to learn harmonica to play country with guitar cheers

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Paul. Do it, man!

[@ukewig]

Thanks...great stuff!

[@Harmonicacom]

You're welcome. It's my pleasure. Rock on! 😎

[@renatasniper4359]

Bud. That was a great lesson.

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Renata. Glad you liked it!

[@tyronejohnson7979]

Dope lesson...

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Tyrone. Thanks for the note. Appreciate you.

[@chuckvanvleet9314]

Great teacher

[@Harmonicacom]

Thank you for your kind words, Chuck.

[@rogerking8959]

Learned a ton from this video

[@Harmonicacom]

I’m so glad it was helpful.

[@BuckrBill]

Awesome video....thanks...peace

[@Harmonicacom]

Aloha Bill - glad you liked it. Peace, love and positivity!

[@danieljohnson2664]

Like your teaching 👌

[@Harmonicacom]

Thank you Daniel! 😃

[@hugochen303]

really helpful stuff!!!!!!!Thx!!!!!

[@Harmonicacom]

No problem! Glad you liked it, Hugo!

[@anniepike5892]

Thanks for the video to learn the various harmonicas and song keys. So the high 5 was great and noticed you don't need the 4 this song, just reverse the system. Eb harmonica plays a Bb blues, then if the song is in Bb - go grab your Eb harmonica. Going to check out your other videos.

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Annie. Keep on rocking. 👊🏼

[@wadepatton2433]

I didn't realize breathing would be a big factor. I get so into hitting my notes and repeating phrases that I suffocate a little! Anyhoots. Now I have two songs to practice as well as scales and single notes. I'll be back. thanks.

[@Harmonicacom]

Sweeeeet. Good stuff. Yeah BREATHING IS EVERYTHING! 😎

[@guloguloguy]

......Thank you, Luke, for this VITAL lesson, and demonstration!!! This information has always seemed "elusive", and your lesson sure helps to clarify the essentials!!! Can you do more videos, on the topics of "non-standard(Major scale), tuned harmonicas, and where they work best, etc. = ("Minor", and other types of harmonica variants)?!.... :D

[@Harmonicacom]

I’m so glad the video was helpful. Yes, it would be good to some videos on other tunings and such. Thanks for the note.

[@Mindofjunk]

Thanks for the tips Luke, I'm fascinated with Harp cause I like the blues. I have no idea how long its gonna takes me to be able to play like John Popper or at least Little Walter...haha :))

[@Harmonicacom]

You're welcome my friend. You can do it! Rock on, Luke

[@petethefeet5281]

Luke, that was a great lesson, only did the wrong thing once and that was last month at a sing a long, won't be doing that again!!

[@Harmonicacom]

LOL. Right on Pete! Good man!

[@GregoryPearsonMusic]

Really great video - answered some questions. I have a G hohner and am frustrated playing in the first position for G-maj and e-minor celtic tunes using the lower half of the harp because of missing notes. It seems like a harsh bend to get the needed notes. Could you do a video on this?

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Gregory - the middle octave doesn’t require bends. If you can try and play the melodies between holes 4 and 9. I teach the middle octave major scale here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJy4cpWMfsiAidk

[@GregoryPearsonMusic]

@@Harmonicacom Great, thanks!

[@davejajuga2224]

New to the channel. Great teaching

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks for the sub! Glad it's helping, Dave. Rock on, Luke

[@georgevalente4223]

With absolutely no music training I'm finding your Lessons valuable! In this lesson you mentioned Before the Rain by Lee Oskar. Why key harmonica is he playing?

[@Harmonicacom]

George - very glad to hear that, my friend. Lee Oskar is playing a Db harmonica on Before the Rain.

[@IceWolve67]

Hey, thanks for your videos ,they're great ! So basically, - No matter the key/position, if you blow on the fourth hole, it'll make the same sound no matter what (it depends on the harmonica of course) - keys / positions are just a way of saying : "Hey, you want this kind of sound, so use these holes". - First position for instance is saying "Wanna play an E ? Blow 4", while second will say "Wanna play an E ? Draw 2". - if I want a more blues sound, I'll use the second position (and only certains holes linked to that position), whereas for a more happy sound, I'll use the first one. -it's used more for people that wanna play in a band. If you just wanna have fun picking tabs from theweb, that use "blow X, draw Y", you do'nt really need the concept of positions, right ?

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes, Rolnik all those statements sound true to me! Rock on, my friend!

[@vinces.2862]

Thanks for the insight on choosing a harp for a song Luke. Cross Eyed Cat was the first song I jammed and soloed to one year ago. James Cotton on front harp and listen closely to the song and you'll here Butterfield in the background filling, anyway, everything I've researched says it's Butterfield. Thanks again I enjoy your stuff. (which mic r u using? Edwina or Delphina?)

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Vince - interesting. I never heard that before. Glad you’re enjoying the lessons. The mic I’m using is the Edwina.

[@abraxasperdomo6982]

I have a C harmonica, but it doesn't seem to play the same sounds as yours, it might be that i have no rythm, or my blowing sucks, lol. Great classes, thank you for your teaching, it's great.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hmmm… What brand is it? Does it have 10 holes?

[@abraxasperdomo6982]

@@Harmonicacom, it's an East Top Blues Harmonica, on the key of C, after watching a few time and a bit of patience, I believe it's sounding a bit better, thanks.

[@jankucera8505]

perfect video

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Jan. Glad it helped. 🤙🏼

[@renatasniper4359]

Thank you.

[@Harmonicacom]

You're welcome, Renata!

[@carminecampagna5794]

Really.. Thank you

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Carmine - you’re very welcome!

[@TechTins_Projects]

I agree just memorising ffing B and Bb is easy and a very neat idea. But people will eventually want to now how that comes about, it will nag at them. So here is quick explanation. If you think of the scale degrees upon a keyboard as whole steps (just using white keys, in key of C) except between 3 and 4 and between 7 and 1 is always a half step (the two white keys BC and EF sitting next to each other) eg 1 2 3.4 5 6 7.1 then the above effing Bs starting on B becomes B(1) C#(2) D#(3) E(4) F#(5). And Bb becomes Bb(1) C(2) D(3) Eb(4) F(5)

[@bobsyeruncle4841]

super advice man

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks Robert!

[@mrtambourineman6107]

I actually have a harmonica that I play in H for some blues songs, only certain guitarists can keep up with me, but sounds interesting key

[@Harmonicacom]

LOL. Good one!

[@pellenclaurent9634]

Here's my awser 😎🔥😁 great, thank youuuu ✌️

[@Harmonicacom]

You're welcome 😊

[@LarryShone]

Great lesson. By the way, Cb is the same as B. And B# is C, because there is no black key between B and C (same for E and F)

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Larry, that’s correct!

[@williampaul5015]

Brilliant

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks William Paul

[@revod.288]

cheers to your great lesson! What you'll sell, I'll buy😁

[@Harmonicacom]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@ericalbert6954]

Merci beaucoup l'Ami !!!!!

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Eric, good to see you here! Rock on!

[@Youreout]

So, how is Cross Harp different. Is that an entire new video? Great stuff, Thanks!

[@Harmonicacom]

Cross harp is just another name for 2nd position.

[@edlinton4113]

Where can someone get that cool tee shirt ? Thanks for the lessons. They are fantastic and easy to understand.

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Ed! Glad you're liking them. You can get the shirt here: penamoon.com/products/dharma-circle-of-fifths-t-shirt/SP531660-KJOWDEZAACDEQURAA6Z9AG

[@craigriglin]

I have an Arkia harp. With a plastic comb and brass reeds. Is it bad for harmonica to play wet and in the shower . I really like how they sound and they seem easier to play when wet

[@Harmonicacom]

Nope that ain't bad for it Craig. That's pretty cool. I've probably logged thousands of hours of practice on the can, but I've NEVER played in the shower! Now I'm gonna have to TRY it. Thanks for sharing. 👊🏼

[@revod.288]

Man, I feel your lesson the best in KZbin!

[@Harmonicacom]

Ha! Thanks. Cheers!

[@christopher81]

Iv decided to buy a harmonica to distract me from smoking 🤣 will keep watching these vids to learn as much as possible. I see the best one for beginners are in C, and I think Hohner are the best - from what iv read- I'll let you know how I get on, I'll keep.searching amazon 🤣

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on, Chris! Good for you my man, and I wish you success in both endeavors! LOL. Here's my blog on what harmonica to buy: www.harmonica.com/which-harmonica-to-buy/ Aloha, Luke

[@christopher81]

@@Harmonicacom thanks, ill read it today

[@junka1975]

OK that's the first 3 beginner lessons now just to practice what I have learnt before moving to the next one. This may take a while. 😃👍

[@Harmonicacom]

You can do it!

[@enricobrodini6151]

hallo Luke, how do I download the circle of 5ths? I'm new in your course...all very interesting...enjoying it a lot

[@NathanThompsonBlueEyes]

Trust me on this, don't download it, write it. A few times...

[@Harmonicacom]

Welcome aboard! Here's one place I found by googling "circle of fifths download" www.musical-u.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Free-Circle-of-Fifths-Diagrams.pdf

[@wadesternator4787]

I need to learn some Howlin Wolf harmonica tabs

[@Harmonicacom]

I love me some Wolf!

[@manuelbarros7795]

Thank you! I really love your videos, although I still don't understand what does "playing in 1st or 2nd position mean". Does it mean that, once I've got the right harmonica for a blues, I should play in the scale of the note in the second position? For example, if the band is playing a blues in G, I grab a C harp, and then I play in the scale of E (as E is the note in the second position of the C harp)?? I'm a bit confused.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Manuel - a bit simpler than that. If the band is playing a blues in G, your grab a C harp = no matter what notes you play, you're playing in 2nd position The band is playing folk song in G, you grab your G harp = no matter what notes you play, you're playing in 1st position. So 1st position = C Harmonica for a song in the key of C 2nd position = G harmonica for a song in the key of G Hope that helps!

[@manuelbarros7795]

@@Harmonicacom oh ok! Thank you so much for your time! ❤️

[@tonyp7964]

Gday Luke, I am very new just starting again after about 30 years not playing, played a bit in army probably not that good though ;-). I love the lessons very easy to follow, however I bought a 10 hole chromatic. So are the notes the same as diatonic other than the semitones when slides pushed in? I figure I can start out basic playing similar to diatonic to get basic technique down then play around with the slide once my confidence builds. Does that sound feasible and other than slight tone difference am I on the right track. Cheers Tony

[@Harmonicacom]

Cheers, Tony! So actually the chromatic is like a totally different instrument. It’s great if you want to play jazz or Stevie Wonder type things, but if you’re wanting to play simpler, more common harmonica, you’ll have to invest in a diatonic. And to learn chromatic, you’ll need to search specifically for “chromatic harmonica” lessons. Hope this helps!

[@tonyp7964]

Harmonica com thanks Luke, yeah worked it out have diatonic on the way, will be good to start working with it. I think with the slide halving hole size on chromatic it might get me into bad habits with breathing especially on 2 draw. Thanks again love your lessons hope to see some more soon they are great to go back to for the good foundation techniques. 👍👍👍

[@alanmurray8785]

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s little sister is in Eb I want to play the saxophone solo with a harmonica, do I play it with a Eb harmonica or a Ab harmonica?

[@Harmonicacom]

Sorry I missed this somehow. You would want an Ab harmonica. Aloha, Luke

[@malpert1000]

On the high five counting trick, when counting up five positions.. Is that blows or draws?

[@Harmonicacom]

Neither. It's LETTER NAMES of the musical alphabet, remembering the "effin bees" Bb = F and B = F# Make sense?

[@beemeotv3866]

Hi sir Luke. Just want to ask of there is a standard way to play a song in a harmonica? I mean if I wasn't able to copy exactly just how you play but I actually found a way to play a song in tune, is it still acceptable or is it still right?

[@Harmonicacom]

I always say: If it sounds good and it feels good IT IS GOOD. 😎

[@alantryon2002]

My harp has a 10 on it . I did your first lesson it sounded rough but ok. is it ok for while or buy a new one

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Alan. What do you mean “it has. A 10 on it?” If it has 10 holes and it's in good shape, then you are ready to roll!

[@alexjoicey]

Hello!Great video. So..first harmonica should be a crossover in C, A or ...????Thank you

[@Harmonicacom]

DEFINITELY KEY OF C!

[@alexjoicey]

Thank you. Got a C!! Now I need to learn how to play it.

[@pastorjimalderdice4633]

Question? You say we need to count up 4 keysfrom the key the song is played to know which key harmonica we need; but near the end in point #3 you say if we know the major key of the song just use that key harmonica? I'm confused.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Pastor Jim - yes, depending on the style/tonality of the song. For a folk song in G, a G harmonica is the ticket. (like Neil Young Heart of Gold) but for BLUES in G, you need a C harmonica. Does that make sense?

[@saleemisgod]

Question? I understand the circle of fifths etc but what I don't understand is the concept of the blues being in G on a C harmonica. I come from a guitar background and in the key of C, the blues scale would be A minor = the minor Pentatonic with an added b4. So is the G blues scale a major or minor scale in the harmonica key of C?

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Al - this is a good question, and one that's difficult to answer. BTW - you CAN play a Am blues scale on a C harmonica in 4th position. (I teach the 4th position minor pentatonic scale in my Beginner to Boss course.) Are you familiar with the modes? Playing from G to G in a C major scale is the Mixolydian mode which is like major but has the b7, which makes it work well over a G7 chord. So we can play the I chord and the IV chord which is great, and then through bending we can get the b3 and b5 to be able to play the blues scale. Does that help at all?

[@saleemisgod]

@@Harmonicacom Thanks for the detailed explanation. I get it now.

[@johnnyappleseed2277]

Hey Luke how are you doing ☺ 😊 🙂 😀 I'm trying to get this riff right. And I'm so close. But is there a secret to isolating the note to a single note. Cause when I breath in and blow out somehow others notes seem to get involved. And it sounds not right kind of microphonic. Is there a way to fix this. If you could just give a quick and simple solution without sending me a link right now. I can't afford your course I'm in debt and I'm just! eventhough, I just bought a harmonica it was inexpensive so I made the necessary Investment, but could you please give some help? Please

[@Harmonicacom]

Keep your lips relaxed and draw the corners of your mouth together. Can't help giving you the link though, lol: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGXQdYCAr9ihpbc

[@margaretcornelius6846]

Does the lesson imply that I should have many different harmonicas?

[@Harmonicacom]

Hi Margaret - Only if you want to be able to play along with songs or with other musicians in various keys, you will need to have the appropriately tuned harmonica. To jam alone, you only need one trusty ‘ole C harp!

[@allandavies1187]

Hello Luke, I am a full-time subscriber and have paid the full amount for your beginner's course. You say, that the Hohner special 20 is the ideal harmonica for a beginner. My question is: what is the pro-harmonica for playing the Blues when progressing up to J P Allen?

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey thanks Allan! Yeah plenty of professionals play Special 20's too. It's a great harp. Personally, I mostly play Lee Oskars. But I love Hohner Crossovers. It's totally a personal thing. But you're good to go with the special 20. If you pick up another one, I recommend getting another key so you can feel/hear what it's like, maybe a low one like A or G. Check out this article, if you haven't: www.harmonica.com/which-harmonica-to-buy/

[@allandavies1187]

Thanks Luke. I had the Hohner special 20 but I went and got and bought key of C and and a G harmonicasLee Oskar. The mouth holes are larger and I find it easier to find the holes but I do agree with you, the Lee Oskar pulls out the hairs on my moustache.@@Harmonicacom

[@jamesha175]

"choose the best harmonica for the jam" oops i only have 1 it is key of B, so it works well with a jam in key of F#. fun fact: Led Zeppelin's 'Immigrant Song' is key of F# edit) thanks Luke, i just got my 1st harmonica today and now i know where to start

[@Harmonicacom]

Ah Ah aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa AH! (in my best Robert Plant impersonation.) Yeah definitely consider picking up a C harp yet for reasons I mention in this forum post: forum.harmonica.com/t/why-c-harp-and-what-key-harp-to-get-next/5678 Here is my article about brands: www.harmonica.com/which-harmonica-to-buy/ Hope that helps. Rock on!!

[@jamesha175]

@@Harmonicacom honestly my choice had nothing to do with led zeppelin - i got a B because my friend told me that his B makes a superior resonant tone than his other key harps make.

[@Sergei_Ivanovich_Mosin]

So let's say you just want one general purpose harmonica that can play most songs (mainly more folk songs) and have them sound decent enough even if they're not perfect, what's the best middle ground?

[@Harmonicacom]

Are you asking what key harmonica or what brand? Keys: I'd start with C since most beginning vid lessons are C, and then G is probably one of the most common folk keys. Brands: Hohner Special 20 if you can afford $50. Fender Blues Deluxe if you're on a budget. Hope that helps! Rock on, Luke

[@wohnzimmerblues]

what a cool microphone do you use there?

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Armin, yeah it’s a great microphone. It’s made by a company called Ear Trumpet Labs. Definitely recommend it.

[@wohnzimmerblues]

@@Harmonicacom is it Edwina or Delphina?

[@32shumble]

Any difference between playing a major blues or a minor blues?

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes. For a true minor blues, the easiest thing to play on is a Natural Minor harmonica. Lee Oksar's Natural Minor harmonicas are labeled in 2nd position, so you would just but the key that is the same key as the song you want to play.

[@jbrown8746]

So if the letter on the side of my harmonica is C, then will blowing on the hole beneath the 1 give me a C?

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes, Jonah! You got it. Also holes 4 and 10 will be C as well. Aloha, Luke

[@alanmurray8785]

So if my music is in Eb do I need a Ab harmonica?

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Alan - yes that is correct. An Ab harmonica will be the right key to play blues in Eb.