Harmonica lesson: Chromatic harmonica basic tips

Hello!
Here is a video where I share some basic tips that might come useful when playing the chromatic harmonica.
Just write me here if you have any question on this. Also write if you have any idea for a lesson.
Best regards,
Filip
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Filip Jers is an internationally known harmonica player from Stockholm, Sweden and one of the most sought-out harmonica players in Europe. At the age of 34 he has performed in almost 30 countries all over the world.
In 2011 Jers graduated with a Master Degree in Fine Arts of Music from The Royal College of Music in Stockholm. He has also studied privately with Toots Thielemans, Howard Levy and Robert Bonfiglio.
Jers has been given numerous awards through the years. In 2005 he won two gold medals at the World Harmonica Festival in Trossingen, Germany. In 2014 his jazz quartet Filip Jers Quartet was selected as "Best Group" at the European Jazz Competition in Rotterdam, Netherlands and in 2015 the quartet received a Swedish grammy for the album ”Plays Swedish Folk”. In 2016 Jers was awarded the title ”Jazz musician of the Year” by Swedish Radio.
Jers works regulary with Filip Jers Quartet, with his duo with guitarist Emil Ernebro and as a guest soloist in different projects. He has been a featured solist with many cutting edge jazz big bands in Sweden as well as performing with two of Scandinavias finest string orchestras; Musica Vitae and Camerata Nordica. Jers has been featured on more than 50 CD's as a recording artist, playing harmonica.
Besides playing concerts Jers has extensive experience as a harmonica teacher. Besides teching privately and giving workshops in different countries all over the world he is also engaged as harmonica teacher at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm, the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen, Denmark and Sibelius Academy in Helsingfors, Finland.
Jers is an "International Suzuki Harmonica Artist", he is endorsing and playing harmonicas made by Suzuki Harmonicas from Japan.
He also runs Fojablue Records, an independent record label that has released Spiro (FRCD01, 2011), Filip Jers Quartet (FRCD02, 2013) and Duet with Emil Ernebro (FRCD03, 2019).
Besides music, Filip likes coffee, yoga and running in the nature.

[@fabieng6864]

Many many thanks Filip 😇🤙👍👍👍👍

[@landztranz]

I've been playing for 16 years and I always learn sthg from you, Filip! Thank you again!

[@FilipJersMusic]

My pleasure!

[@joejoe4064]

Thank you brother for showing me tips of the craft

[@eddykay8962]

Filip, you are a treat. I have been playing guitar with a harmonica around my neck for 50 years. It is only recently I have discovered the beauty of this instrument. Your lessons are so easy to comprehend and so inviting, you make it inspirational. I am looking forward to all your lessons.

[@danagreen6518]

thank you for offering this video

[@FilipJersMusic]

Happy you like it!

[@patricia_marcoux]

Great video! Good work. Very inspiring!

[@FilipJersMusic]

Thanks so much!

[@ammarkhan5921]

Great video thank you so much ❤️

[@FilipJersMusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@slq3263]

Very helpful thanks

[@FilipJersMusic]

You're welcome!

[@camilacosta9948]

Great, thank you, very helpfull

[@FilipJersMusic]

Thanks!

[@stanlee-eq7lu]

Thank you so much for using your GM48. I have one but yet have to play it (I've been mainly using my Hohners). Now I know how it sounds and it is absolutely gorgeous.

[@FilipJersMusic]

Enjoy! 🎵👌🎵

[@azeezazee3371]

Very good teaching

[@FilipJersMusic]

Thanks and welcome

[@shamshermann]

Great video, thanks for sharing. 🙏🏽🌸🇮🇳

[@FilipJersMusic]

Happy you like it!

[@mervitirkkonen7443]

Thank you for these tips - I just got my very first harmonica, chromatic 2 days ago - and I think for all instruments the ergonomic and good "right" holding is the main thing to be understood right in the beginning. So this one came in real need!

[@FilipJersMusic]

Wonderful! Happy to help!

[@howlinhoward]

Congrats on your SPAH award!

[@crestfallenwarrior6996]

Your tone is amazing

[@FilipJersMusic]

🙏🙏🙏

[@jeemalsoknownasjimhawkins1294]

Filip: Thank you so much for this video! I have been learning how to play a diatonic for about a year, but I wanted to learn how to play a chromatic and just bought a Hohner CX-12 Jazz. I am realizing that Chromatics are an entirely different instrument than a diatonic. I will learn a lot from your videos and am subscribing to your channel. Cheers.

[@FilipJersMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@conalh6173]

Thanks for the useful tips Filip. The little details can often make a big difference. I must try to keep your suggestions in mind. If I may suggest a topic for a video, one I know I would be very interested in ----- A video highlighting the pros and cons of playing in various keys on chromatic. I personally play predominantly in the signature key on harmonica but would like to explore a few other keys. As I'm in the latter stage of life I'd prefere not to waste time practising playing in a key that isn't "user friendly". Perhaps this is a totally selfish suggestion or possibly lots of people would be interested in the subject. Having said all that whatever content you broadcast it will always be interesting and enjoyable. Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@FilipJersMusic]

Thanks for your kind words and thanks for the great idea! And yes, some keys are harder than others.

[@thesingmonicats1122]

I do all same same. Except the tone and the virtuosity 🥶

[@scottfreer3835]

Your videos are very helpful. What harmonica are you playing? Thanks

[@mk5586]

Ein gutes Video. Vielen Dank. Ich spiele auf einer SCX Suzuki aber ich such eine zusätzliche Harmoinca, welche würdest du einem empfehlen? Bei Suzuki sind die Ersatzteile extern schwer zu bekommen. Leider. Höre nun deinen Sind wieder zu. Du bist ein großartiger Spieler 👍👍👍👍 Viele Grüße Manuel

[@CPerreault]

Hi Filip, how would you hold the 16 hole chromatic, especially to get the best mic position and use the slider. Thank you!

[@FilipJersMusic]

About the same as this, just that I need to move the mic to register I am in to get a big even tone.

[@SimplicityForGood]

are there ones for left-handed people? how to find them in Europe? thanks!

[@etaborya]

I hold chromatic in my left hand same way as you, but I press slider with 2nd joint of right index finger, have to try it your way

[@FilipJersMusic]

Ok! Did you try this now? If so, how does it feel?

[@etaborya]

@@FilipJersMusic not a big differences for me yet, but have to experiment more!

[@FilipJersMusic]

@@etaborya also try the thumb on the top end of the mouthpiece to create a nice grip.

[@nikoarango]

Love Your Harmonica! What Key is it? And Model?

[@FilipJersMusic]

Thanks! It is a Suzuki G48 in the key of C.

[@Kostaja69]

Hi Filip! What would you recommend as the first chromatic harmonica? I’ve been playing diatonic harmonica for a couple of years.

[@FilipJersMusic]

Hi Johannes! I would recommend a Suzuki SCX48 12 hole in C. The 12 hole model is easier when starting out on the chromatic.

[@Kostaja69]

@@FilipJersMusic Ok, thank you so much for the tip!

[@fuckbored4724]

I typically use Lip blocking embouchure on diatonics. Would lip blocking work on chromatics, or is a different kind of embouchure suggested?

[@FilipJersMusic]

No it is the same, do you what prefer and most comfortable with

[@dingnextstop]

I have no musical experience and never played an instrument, I’ve always loved the sound of the Harmonica so I bit the bullet and bought a Suzuki SCX 48 12 hole Chromatic… I think I have bitten off more than I can chew… I can barely get a decent note from no 2 hole and seem to get breathless just practicing, I cannot learn anything like piano or guitar due to arthritis in both hands, still it’s a nice thing to own…

[@FilipJersMusic]

Hi Andrew, great to hear that you have bought your first harmonica! Just continue to practice, playing the harmonica is like learning any wind instrument, it takes a lot of time to learn how to play it. Don't give up, just continue, practice in small session and take breakes. Best, Filip

[@gagisvanidze592]

which chromatic is best for you? And which is best for blues chromatic?

[@FilipJersMusic]

I would say SCX is great for blues. I like the Sirius line from Suzuki.

[@calebominor]

What’s the best affordable chromatic harmonica i can find with a warmth tone pls ?

[@FilipJersMusic]

I would say Suzuki SCX48 in C

[@calebominor]

Thank you sir

[@rechmbrs]

Other the practice, how do you find the holes so easily? You seem to always be aligned with the holes and therefore have a beautiful sound. Is there a trick to doing it? Love your sound!!!

[@FilipJersMusic]

Practice lots of scales and arpeggios and learn lots of songs helps with this 🎶🎶🎶

[@FilipJersMusic]

Thanks!

[@etaborya]

Same problem. If I don’t practice chromatic regularly I easily get lost what hole I am playing. Never have such problems with diatonic.

[@FilipJersMusic]

@@etaborya Just practice and all is coming :-)

[@etaborya]

@@FilipJersMusic at certain point I finally realised that playing diatonic is much fun for me and I hate cleaning and maintaining chromatic: slide and valves

[@gliderrider]

Thanks. But I need to know how to hold it while driving.

[@FilipJersMusic]

Haha!!

[@FAWIOPS]

Complete beginner here. (I see ur beautiful hands and just want to kiss them, sorry for that). I just got a tab from the internet for Stevie Wonder's solo in There must be an angel... The tab is said to be for Chromatic in C, but i just got Suzuki's SCX48 in F from Amazon, assuming it will sound higher (which is my taste)... My question is .... Can I just follow the tab as if i was playing with a C regardless it's an F? .. Thx!