Beginner Harmonica Lesson #1 (Your Very First Lesson)

► Need a fast track for learning harmonica? www.harmonica.com/lessons/
The full written free Beginner Harmonica Lesson #1 here: www.harmonica.com/your-very-f...
More info about the 3 Types of harmonica here: www.harmonica.com/exploring-t...
STEP 1 - Get the Right Harp
✅ Why? The 10-hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C is the easiest and most fun harmonica to learn to play, and all beginner lessons are on C harps.
I recommend getting something like a Lee Oskar or Hohner Special 20, or comparable.
Lee Oskar:
rockinronsmusic.com/products/...
Special 20:
rockinronsmusic.com/products/...
Or if you’re on a tight budget, the best cheap harmonica I’ve found is the East Top 008k which is in $20 range:
www.amazon.com/Easttop-Diaton...
For more info on brands: www.harmonica.com/which-harmo...
STEP 2 - Hold the Harp Right
Just pinching it on one or both sides is perfectly fine right now.
STEP 3 - Learn How to Breathe
Most beginners heave into the harmonica. That excessive force creates terrible tone,
causes reed to choke, and over time makes reeds go out of tune, and eventually break
STEP 4 - THE DEEP RELAXED MOUTH POSITION
If the moist inner portion of your lips is touching the harmonica, then you’re in great shape and you’re ready to start making music.
STEP 5 - Playing Chords
C chord = Blowing anywhere
G chord = Drawing between holes -1234
If you wanna know more about that theory stuff check out my lesson Harmonica Chords for Beginners:
• Harmonica Chords for B...
STEP 6: TONE & ARTICULATION
The darkest, roundest tones are taller vowel shapes, “UH” or “OO” as in book.
The brightest icepick tone comes from wider vowel shapes, with the brightest being “EE”
The harmonica players drumsticks are Tuh Kuh.
“T” is the tip of the tongue of the back of the top teeth
“K” is back of the tongue touching of the roof of our mouth at a place called the hard palette
The Train Groove:
1: Start by doing Tuh-Kuh breathing in, then Tuh-kuh breathing out, nice and slow
2: Next, make notes shorter "staccato" = Tut-kut
3: Slowly speed up tempo.
4: The train whistle = draw anywhere above holes 1 and 2. You want the train whistle to sound as lonesome as possible. Try "dwah" articulation and hand wah.
STEP 7: GROOVE WITH THE MUSIC
Any time you listen to music, there’s a pulse that you can bob your head or tap your foot to. Feeling that pulse is step 1 to grooving with the band. Each one of those pulses is called a “beat”. We name our rhythms after how many beats they last.
STEP 8: SINGLE NOTES
One thing you’ll notice I haven’t addressed is playing single notes. That’s cos, if today’s your first day playing harmonica, I wouldn’t even worry about single notes. Harmonica is unique in that learning how to isolate notes is a challenging technique.
A sneak peek into playing single notes: we’re just gonna draw the corner of our lips together and allow our lips to go up and down, keeping them relaxed. RELAXATION is the key to everything.
If you feel that you’re ready to learn how to isolate notes, you can check out my lesson Harmonica Single Notes for Beginners: • Harmonica Chords for B...
Piano Man by Billy Joel is a great harmonica song for beginners that doesn’t require single notes:
• How To Play Piano Man ...
Heart of Gold by Neil Young is another:
• How to Play Heart of G...
If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. I hope you never quit, and always keep playing the harmonica because it makes the world a better place!

[@badriesebua5279]

What the hell am i doin here? i have data structures final exam tomorrow. i don't even have harmonica.

[@pritisharma3916]

How, s your test man! 😅😂😂

[@weshopkins3208]

Comment of the year!

[@frodeskibrek]

How did your test go? And have you bought a harmonica yet? 😃😃😁😁

[@peggygarcia6125]

Did you get a harmonica yet?

[@pritisharma3916]

@@peggygarcia6125 I got recently man!

[@brentvandal809]

I work nights and can’t wait to practice this. I’m going to practice for a whole year before I show my family.

[@migueloangelo]

I wish half the tutorials I watch about anything were as excellent as this.

[@Harmonicacom]

Aw thanks Miguel!

[@MeloMystic]

i wish half the comments were as accurate as this one

[@NIPDRIPT1TYSL1P]

SERIOUSLY ITS LIKE GOLDEN AGE OF CINEMA QUALITY I AM IN DISBELIEF

[@draculas1926]

Very true 😊

[@FredoOnTV]

I’m gonna learn how to play, mark my words 💯

[@isaacphillips9579]

You the real Fred?

[@josephgonzo]

yo what's good Fred, let's learn harmonica together!

[@lboe9232]

Didn't expect to see you here, let's race 😂

[@zackmccurdy8144]

F*** yeah! Likewise 🤙

[@Im_That_Dude]

Consider your words marked

[@davidbingley6734]

Probably one of the best harmonica tutorials I've ever seen.

[@Harmonicacom]

Aw thanks David! 👊🏼

[@davidbingley6734]

@@Harmonicacom 👍

[@annakoreneff1226]

1st time a tutor has made sense and given me confidence to keep going.

[@Harmonicacom]

Woo hoo! Glad to hear it, Anna. You can do it! You got this! 👊🏼

[@WhiskeyRichard.]

@@Harmonicacom What's wrong with you?! Why are you such a good person!? Seriously though I gave up 10 years ago, decided to try again, and in the first 30 seconds heard and saw exactly what I needed Thanks dude

[@Mohanty31]

​@@WhiskeyRichard. Yeah, this guy's really nice and informative.

[@trevgoodwin7900]

I'm 74 and an old rocker from the UK, Thank you kindly for all the tips including buying the instrument, i've got asbestos on my lungs but i'm not put off, i'm gonna try my best to learn to play, thank you sir.

[@user-iq7yz3di4f]

I’ve never been more thankful to be an ex band kid😂 it helped with learning how to

[@RexMcDirkin]

The best tutorial video I’ve ever seen. We need this dude to do a tutorial for every single thing that needs a tutorial. A true gentleman, keep up the good work sir.

[@adamwest6536]

Actually not a terrible idea😮

[@Harmonicacom]

🙏🏼 Thanks Rex

[@user-ie1wc7gq7l]

I hope you are having a great life. You earned it with just one video. Thanks

[@Harmonicacom]

Aw, thanks so much my friend.

[@NIPDRIPT1TYSL1P]

I ACTUALLY LIVE FOR THE EFFORT PUT IN TO THIS VID LIKE BABY U GAVE US QUALITY

[@Harmonicacom]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@leonard1150]

I just ordered my harmonica today, thank you for this tutorial

[@Harmonicacom]

So glad to hear it! Rock on! 😎

[@troycassidy6177]

I leart harp hitch-hiking around Australia in the 90's. I used to cover huge distances between towns jamming out on my harmonica. Have fun it's a great instrument and you can rock oùt with guitar guys around a fire and take a jam session to a whole new level.

[@dirkbitner2153]

Best harmonica teaching videos I have ever come across. Love the way you break everything down. I really appreciate you taking the time to make all these and help beginners out like myself. Thanks for all you do!

[@Harmonicacom]

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

[@manasikashyap]

Sharing this with my brother who’s helping my dad relearn the harmonica. My dad has Parkinson’s and some memory loss but he still recognizes & loves his harmonica.

[@lostbuffalo196]

Good deal. I'll say a prayer for him.

[@Harmonicacom]

GREAT! Harmonica will be very healing for him!

[@Harmonicacom]

Amen.

[@Fogysoks4709]

❤

[@TheAngieIshmael]

I play 7 instruments and finally got a harmonica for my birthday! Can't wait to become good at it and have a good time bringing it along with me. I got a Hohner Special 20

[@Harmonicacom]

Great harp. Glad you've picked up the most portable instrument on the planet. Rock on! 😎

[@jamestrujillo6403]

AWESOME TUTORIAL!!! Bro, you have presented the instrument and the essential keys for gaining mastery in such an EXCELLENT way. I've been playing the harp since I was first given one for my 12 th birthday (a Hohner Marine Band- C flavored) and jamming with others since I turned 16. I've taught others to play as well but you covered in your tutorial EVERYTHING ANYONE NEEDS TO KNOW if they want to enjoy this simple instrument. As a retired DOE teacher and lover of the blues, you have given the internet and the instrument a gift of a lifetime with your excellent tutorial. Great job, Luke👍🏽🙌🏽👏🏽

[@datgorl7649]

I've been looking for a good harmonica tutorial for YEARS I just randomly decided to check again. FINALLY A GOOD ONE!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@graceRaptureSoon]

I agree with you...

[@Harmonicacom]

Awesome! Thank you! Rock on! 😎

[@sergeantpepper2737]

please make this a series!

[@marioalejandro7549]

I don’t know how I got here but I couldn’t stop watching! You are a great teacher!! The editing of the video l, the information given, the enthusiasm was great. I never thought I could like the harmonica😮. I’m going to pursue this instrument. 🙏🏼 😊

[@Harmonicacom]

I'm soooo happy to hear this Alejandro. Best decision man. Harmonica is my favorite instrument, and I play many! 🙌🏼 Here's my article on brands if you don't have one: www.harmonica.com/which-harmonica-to-buy/ Rock on! 😎You got this! 👊🏼

[@maryannebryce5210]

This is one of the best KZbin videos as far as lessons goes. Like even if I had a private teacher come to my house I would have not learned as much or had been able to overcome discouragement as much. Thank you so much.

[@Harmonicacom]

SWEET! You got this Maryanne! 👊🏼 Never give up. 😎

[@ljubinkagavran1526]

Finally retired, I had a desire to learn to play the harmonica years ago, just for fun. If the power goes out, I'll be able to play to myself... I chose this lesson by chance and I was lucky, as I can see. So - thank you.

[@AenesidemusOZ]

Same here 😂 Retired, bought a harmonica 🤣

[@Harmonicacom]

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

[@54fighting5]

This is the best beginner harp lesson I have ever seen! Thanks for sharing. I learned most of this by trial and error years ago. I haven't played in a loooonnng time, but I see that I have a lot of bad habits to unlearn. Subscribed!👍

[@MaximilianoJ]

Thanks a lot for this lessons Luke. I got my Fender Blues Deluxe for my 36 birthday from my momma, just five days ago. My very first instrument in my whole life. Im super excited to learn... I know it gonna take time... But i know thanks to people like you... I will learn the right way from the beginning. Appreciated 🤝

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Max! I'm excited for you!

[@Techumsa]

Jason Dae West is good as well.

[@MaximilianoJ]

@@Techumsa i will check it out. Thanks.

[@cameroneuler5322]

This is really helpful for beginners. I've been wanting to play the harmonica for years as a kid and as a teen I'm 30 years old now. I'm thinking of giving it a go When I see a harmonica playing, I instantly think of one of my favourite singers and songwriters, Bob Dylan.

[@israguitarra]

I am basically a retired musician (guitarist ) and now after many many years harmonica call my attention ! i dont even have my firt harmonica but after seen your tutorial im sure im goin to buy it and star the lesson . thank you !

[@Harmonicacom]

Good. You won't regret it! Best instrument EVER! 😎

[@Ayubgn]

Excellent presentation and video

[@Arukandi]

Thanks for the tutorial! The guidebook didn't show as good as this video and i really enjoyed playing my first songs thanks to this tutorial. I really hope i will play very well one day.

[@user-dp4ds4wj2u]

My harmonica teacher was in the United States. Thank you so much!! I'm watching from Korea.

[@slal06]

Loved this video!! Thanks for sharing your expertise with the universe.

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks for watching! 😎🙌🏼🎶 My pleasure.

[@Nathankinamorh]

Your videos are a great reference to make sure I dont pick up bad habits. Thank you

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Nathan! You're welcome. Rock on! 😎

[@LooseAdventurer]

Please keep these going!!! Just started learning

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks for watching! 😎🙌🏼🎶 You got this! 👊🏼

[@sageacromaniac]

Walter White is learning harmonica

[@grandpastudio2368]

Great lesson I love the comedy you make your tutorials very Interesting

[@Fatih307_]

man you are the BOSS! i first watched your videos about 3 months ago but still whatching you can always learn something new

[@Harmonicacom]

For sure! Can't spend too long on the fundamentals.

[@eagleleathertradingco9795]

I’ve been aching to do this so I can do the intro to train train by Blackfoot… Can’t find anyone else to help so I have to do it myself. Thanks a mill. Subscribed.

[@srijankumble9792]

fantastic tutorial

[@user-qz8fm7zx2l]

thinking of taking the leap to learn harmonica . LOVING this informational video. .. really informative , easy to understand and follow. .. love the holding tips and purchasing suggestions. . Thank you for making this video .

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad it was helpful! LEARN HARMONICA!! DO IT!! 😎

[@nhactanthanh]

Luke's best channel for harmonica for all levels and reviews of different harmonicas to help minimizing mistakes selecting harmonica for everyone. Learn with fun and with his educational talents and teaching experience plus using multimedia in producing high quality videos. I always find from this channel many refreshing basic to intermediate techniques slipped my mind along time playing.

[@Harmonicacom]

Niiiiice. Rock on! 😎

[@user-kd2wj6dq8j]

Probably the BEST lesson 1 ,,I've heard in along time Awesome job dude !!

[@Harmonicacom]

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

[@aneyesky]

You made this fun - I’m a guitar player that has a few cheap harmonicas but I’m going to finally learn . Mainly bending and adding harmonica melodies and soft chords to my music. Your lesson was over before i knew it!

[@Harmonicacom]

Sweet! Good for you. Harmonica is the BEST!

[@AJMemes545]

Who else is tryna be the piano man?

[@Harmonicacom]

🤣 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnPWmqyQmLyBha8si=FYwTU8wUNDLSp5_v

[@canolsoybay6234]

Thanks👍 waiting for lesson 2

[@joshuatrent7079]

This is my first day I’ve been wanting to get into harmonica. I have a good quality one and your training is helping me tremendously given me confidence. Thank you for the videos.

[@Harmonicacom]

Awesome! You got this! 👊🏼

[@deanlowe517]

Excellent teaching

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks Dean!

[@nothomelessonyoutube]

This happened to me for singing. I sang for 25 years and never sounded good. However I didn't give up and one day learn how ro sing Raspberry Beret on my own. I found a harmonica last year and picked it up more seriously in the last few months. Now its time for me to sing and play. Thanks for the video.

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks for sharing! You got this! 👊🏼

[@richierich1283]

Sure is the best way to learn

[@chimpui7599]

大変参考になります。

[@Harmonicacom]

役に立ってよかったです！

[@buddhabeach9666]

Love that Intro!

[@larryholland7192]

Great video!

[@mikemavy3774]

Bro this tutorial is fantastic! Thank you!

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad you liked it! You're welcome. It's my pleasure. Rock on! 😎

[@ganslikar9278]

I enjoy your lessons every time. Keep it up!👌🙏🙏

[@Harmonicacom]

🙏🏼

[@user-xh3yp5og8m]

So helpful, THANKS.

[@Harmonicacom]

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

[@luzbendijo7383]

I am amazed every time I heard someone playing harmonica. Thank you for sharing this video..

[@Harmonicacom]

You should learn Luz!!!

[@danielwellborn5144]

Excellent video!! Very informative and helpful.

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Jibbie_]

This video was very helpful and easy to understand!

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad you liked it!

[@Survivalist-of-war]

Not a single local shop has a C keyed harp. Lol i used to have a marineband bit lost it. Well i bought a G keyed one but honestly this vids crushes. Even with a G key harp this has helped me out a good bit.

[@hangingoutwithronwalters4505]

Amazing video, absolutely amazing!

[@Harmonicacom]

Aw thanks. 🙏🏼

[@Shawneethekid]

😃This is actually helping thank you！

[@Harmonicacom]

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

[@servidor712]

Thanks Brorher

[@samuelmark]

Amazing tutorial

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching! 😎🙌🏼🎶

[@suzannedarragh9288]

excellent teaching

[@Harmonicacom]

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

[@miketaylor4221]

Thx much! Great info, to the point

[@Harmonicacom]

👊🏼

[@christophertsiliacos8958]

Nice tutorial! I’ve been playing the diatonic harmonica for 53 years. My first harmonica was in the key of B-flat. I always play the harmonica with two hands. It’s the only way I can play it with feeling, phrasing, vibrato, note-bending and all that good stuff. BTW: Among my many instruments, the harmonica, pan flute and slide whistle are the only instruments I play strictly by ear. And the first tune I learned to play on the harmonica was the “Wedding March” with chords. 🎶

[@Harmonicacom]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing Christopher. 👊🏼

[@christophertsiliacos8958]

@@Harmonicacom :):)

[@user-oz2ri4is2n]

Mate that was excellent!!!! Never quit!!!

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks! I'll never quit. You never quit either! 👊🏼

[@waynejohanson1083]

Some great tips on how to handle the harmonica before you start to actually learn to play it.

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dish031]

Thank you for making it so easy for a beginner.❤

[@Harmonicacom]

You are so welcome!

[@troyfullerton889]

God bless you. You just ordered one 2 day's a go thank goodness, I found you can't wait to get it now that I've found you. Thanks for your videos

[@Harmonicacom]

Wonderful! Hope you have a blast with it! Rock on! 😎

[@Pammywong]

What a great introduction - Thanks!

[@Harmonicacom]

Aw Thanks! HI Pammy Wong! 👋🏼🎶

[@heatherwinter2726]

Thank you for these tips

[@Harmonicacom]

You're welcome Heather!

[@justinfioramonti261]

Hey I was curious if you would ever do a video on how to play Louis Armstrong songs like La vie en rose? Loving the videos! I feel like I’m really learning!

[@waltobringer2928]

Thanks again!

[@Harmonicacom]

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

[@Mostafa20268]

Many Thanks !

[@Harmonicacom]

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

[@beemeotv3866]

Another great and very helpful video. Thanks.

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad it was helpful! 🙌🏼

[@Posthastekid]

Following. Just got my first harmonica & my goal is to learn how to play Neil Young’s Heart of Gold.

[@balmori.hangarage]

What a fun lesson man! You really make it easy! Subscribed at this time, thanks and greetings from Mexico!

[@Harmonicacom]

Gracias for the sub hermano! Aloha from Hawaii.

[@adamwest6536]

Your teaching style continues improve! I love it luke!

[@Harmonicacom]

Aw thanks Adam. Good lookin' out my bro. I appreciate it. Rock on! 😎

[@ImFleer]

I bought my very first harmonica yesterday. After researching and thinking I went with the Hohner blues master. I know it's nothing special but for tryout it was affordable. I looked at the order carefully to buy a C Major one. When it arrived I was excited. For about 2 minutes until I opened it, and find it out I got a G Major harmonica in a C Major box. I sent it back so I can order another C Major one now. Rough start.

[@Harmonicacom]

Oof. False start. Sorry to hear that. Hope you've got your C now!

[@zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcba0]

Thanks for this. Be watching it a few times over. Likely over the next few weeks haha

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@carmenlucaciu2617]

Thank you a lot ❤

[@Harmonicacom]

You're welcome 😊

[@OrlandoBustamante15]

Amazing vid man thanks!

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad you liked it!

[@Canada2Mexico]

I think I need to commit. Best teacher I found so far. Time to buy the course! I’m excited. The hohner rocket has arrived

[@Harmonicacom]

Woo hoo! I'm excited too! See ya soon. Rock on! 😎

[@Shay_Segev]

Rotate Back 45° 💙 Exactly what I needed to learn. Thanks man!

[@Harmonicacom]

Nice. 👊🏼

[@spartantreesolutions]

Great video! Super helpful.

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks. Glad it helped!

[@jacquesduplessis723]

Very cool video. Excellent teacher.

[@Harmonicacom]

Thank you kindly!

[@JJay91]

Bringing attention to how well this vid is put together. Entertaining. Makes me want to learn 👏👏 thanks! And of course great content. I'm excited to learn!

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks! YES. Harmonica is the BEST!!

[@patci4951]

This is really good stuff ❤

[@Harmonicacom]

👊🏼

[@AMYP6]

This was Awesome ❤ my daughter and I loved it!

[@Harmonicacom]

AWESOME!! Glad you liked it!!

[@kennethbarrington5773]

My whole life I’ve always said I can’t play an instrument I can only sing until I found you my brother! Thanks so much. Your videos are so easy to follow 🤙🏻

[@Harmonicacom]

Awesome Kenneth! So glad to hear it. Rock on! 😎

[@almb7962]

Awsome !! You make it very clear and fun, thanks.

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad you liked it!

[@comedylesgamer2010]

Thank you so much, man, for the tutorial now i want to start playing the song from stevie wonder and take my harmonica skill to the next level❤️‍🔥

[@pacbdnabcde9203]

Very nice presentation with your instructions should be no problem learning

[@Harmonicacom]

Thank you! Rock on! 😎

[@thamintimbane9418]

Amazing Tutorial 👌🏿 Greetings, im a harmonica player from South Africa.

[@Harmonicacom]

Woo hoo! Thanks for the shout mate. Rock on! 😎

[@KeithR-zs6dw]

i really enjoy this guy! like his style, only been at it 3 months, wish i could talk to person to answer my questions.

[@Harmonicacom]

Ask away Keith! Consider joining the forum: forum.harmonica.com

[@fishfuxors]

Thanks for this!

[@Harmonicacom]

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

[@tsotnedadiani7407]

best first lesson

[@davidarchuleta8446]

PERFECT TUTORIAL, EXCELLENT !

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad you liked it!

[@andyrrria]

Great lesson. So clear learning so I can teach my grandkids

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad it was helpful! God bless you for passing it on. 👊🏼

[@reginaqueiroz7358]

Omg, I’ve wanting to learn to play the harmonica for awhile, and this video made me really excited to start!!! ❤ Thank you for all the amazing info!!! Checking one of the harmonicas that you recommended right now 🫶🏻

[@Harmonicacom]

I'm so glad hear this Regina! Hope you start and never quit! 👊🏼

[@lohsemichael6398]

Thanks Luke👍 Greetings from Germany Michael

[@Harmonicacom]

Aloha from Hawaii!

[@websurfer1585]

I had no idea there was so much to learn with what seems such a basic instrument? Great lesson!

[@Harmonicacom]

Sweeeeet. Glad you enjoyed it. Rock on! 😎