How to Play Single Notes on Harmonica (Lip Pursing)

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Liam Ward of LearnTheHarmonica.com teaches you to play single notes on a C diatonic ten-hole harmonica. Don't worry about the long name, that's probably the harmonica you have in your hand!
When you first pick up your harmonica, you'll likely get a "chordal" sound - more than one note. This lesson deals with turning that chordal sound into clean, clear single notes, which are the building block of all melody.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks for watching! Start your 30 day FREE trial of my harmonica school today - www.learntheharmonica.com/members-zone-signup

[@billluchterhand9176]

Thank you so much. I have always wanted to play a musical instrument. I wanted to play happy birthday to my Dad before he died. Because of your video I pulled it off. It took me two months to perfect but I was successful. He complimented me at my effort. He died in December at the age of 89. Thank you very much.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks Bill, what a heartwarming story. Good luck with your playing and thanks for taking the time to share with me. Cheers, Liam

[@toucan8989]

Sorry for your loss dude. This comment is a year old but I still respond lmao

[@emiliomanzo3740]

F

[@sastashroud7646]

Oyaaaaaaaajiii rest in peace

[@be_sabke_anime]

the internet is full of tutorials, but finding the right one is the real deal. thanks

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome, I'm glad you found me! Cheers. Liam

[@yareyare6135]

Howdy :)

[@yavorkrustev9127]

Had a huge progress in under an hour, but my cheeks are now in pain. Really useful video. Hope to learn more from you.

[@Learntheharmonica]

I'm glad this lesson helped you, Yavor Krustev. Make sure you take a break to give your cheeks a rest!

[@steampunkhulk453]

I accidentally learned how to wistle

[@polikoplipopopo6719]

Legend

[@jackr1360]

Fired up on that

[@hamsandwichbandit8525]

*whistle

[@tabak5670]

same here

[@valacebedo]

😅😅😅

[@141sharon270]

Out of all the harmonica tutors I've listened to, this guy explains things like how to shape your lips and tongue so you can see what's going on more clearly. Spends time explaining basics rather than just showing off his talent leaving me saying, "How does he make them sounds".Yes I would recommend him to a friend (lol). Thanks for the best free tuition.

[@Learntheharmonica]

+michael sullivan You're welcome Michael. Thanks for watching :)

[@Noah-mj8sj]

I DON'T EVEN KNOW YOU CAN ACTUALLY HIT A SINGLE NOTE. IM SUPER AMAZED AND IT MAKES BREATHE EASIER! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@11LadyGrinningSoul11]

Puckering = 'the shape you make when whistling a note'. That explains it exactly. Thanks!

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome, thanks for your support. Cheers, Liam.

[@Dimmary]

Indeed

[@sweetnuthin]

@@Dimmary quiet so

[@Dimmary]

@@sweetnuthin?

[@sweetnuthin]

@@Dimmary?

[@simon__3919]

Finaly I know what puckering is - others tutorials only spoke about it. You are first who I watch who explained what it is exactly and how it looks like. Thank you. I got sinlge notes finally =)

[@Learntheharmonica]

+Hag Pterodaktyl I'm glad this video helped! Liam

[@kikopl9993]

+Hag Pterodaktyl me too ! :D I saw before about 10 videos, and only here was answer :)

[@emrekaplan5314]

yeah it was super clear, I feel the same feelings even if I am not native english speaker.

[@MurphysLaw2001]

Hag Pterodaktyl I have be trying to figure those to isolate single notes for a while. Been searching other channels and they don’t go into detail as this video

[@MurphysLaw2001]

Now I know how to do single note , this is going to bring my harmonica playing to another level

[@KimJakeman2]

To Liam Ward - Thank you ! I am 70 years old / live in New England USA and I had a Stroke in 1949 at age 3. I struggled with learning to whistle for months and years - but I am now an adventurous sort of old Fuddie Duddie ! I took on the challenge of late of maybe I could learn to play the Harmonica. OMG OMG OMG. Your video just helped me to play my first single notes on the Harmonica and with FINESSE and PANACHE ! As a child I learned to play piano with one hand and we rigged a trumpet for me to play in "school orchestra" with one hand ! Miracles never cease ! I will keep in touch ! God Bless You and MEGA THANK YOU :) !!!!!!!!!! Kim Butler

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're very welcome Kim :) It's so lovely to hear from players who find my videos useful. You should pick a song to learn - anything you like in particular? Cheers, Liam

[@jimmy59ca2001]

Hi Kim, I know what you are saying, I am 74 and just learning, really feels good to have Liam explain it so well, at our age it seems we really appreciate learning the simple things that will help us to play, good luck in your playing

[@4406bbldb]

Hay Kim and Jim I'm 70 and waiting for my harmonica to be delivered. Thought it was interesting to see us all here, good luck.

[@skylarsdalimit5906]

I feel very young and small right about now

[@joharmuhammad2786]

@@jimmy59ca2001 So I am too young to learn playing the harmonica at 68!! Thanks for your motivation!!

[@kevinclark8935]

Liam-stop it! I have to get up for work at 4.45am,it's now 7.50pm! Seriously though,thank you very much for these tutorials. I am 62 in April and i bought my first harmonica 3 days ago-i can't put the damn thing down.I drive a tower crane,you know, 300' up in the air.It's just as well they won't hear me from the ground,Thanks again-very informative.Every day i will learn something new-i hope.All the best.

[@Learntheharmonica]

+Kevin Clark You're welcome Kevin, and happy new year. I have to say I'm not sure that you should be playing while operating a crane! You must be a better multi-tasker than me :) All the best, Liam

[@glenntroyer]

@@Learntheharmonica Crane operators have a lot of "sit time". Perfect time to play a harmonica. Controls take both hands on the joysticks so pretty near impossible to even try to play :-) Great tutorial by the way!

[@andrew8445]

bless you for this, 5 years later, but this is super helpful. Just bought a harmonica and loving it!

[@Learntheharmonica]

Welcome to the club Andrew!

[@honkyxadonis]

You’re a good teacher man, this the 3rd video and before this didn’t think I’d get anywhere with harmonica

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks!

[@DannyFosterCooks]

Excellent instructions! I've been watching videos all evening and none of them explained the puckering method as clearly as yours. Thanks.

[@Learntheharmonica]

+Danny Foster Thanks for watching Danny, and I'm glad my video helped you. Good luck learning this wacky little instrument! Cheers, Liam

[@PIPEHEAD]

Now you're talking ! What a brilliant, comprehensive lesson - makes me glad I'm learning the harmonica ....

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks Paul, good to have you on board :)

[@saraholden50]

My harmonica playing friend passed away at 96 but he gave me one of his harps before he left as I was one of his biggest admirers who always begged him to play...he was never without one in his pocket...I promised him i will learn to play it....and will start on the single note part. THANKS

[@Learntheharmonica]

Welcome to the world of harmonica and good luck to you. I'm sure you'll do your friend proud :)

[@saraholden50]

@@Learntheharmonica that is my grandma on my youtube account i told her not to use it

[@jharveyatkinson]

Best instructional explanation I’ve found all day man! Keep the vids coming

[@Learntheharmonica]

Glad to hear it Joshua :)

[@billymcadams9574]

Very informative, I really enjoy the way explain yourself, I’m brand new at this and have no knowledge but your helping me understand an awful lot kind of fast . Thank you... your awesome.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Awesome, thank you!

[@minzy421]

Love u bro! U broke it down to a tee and explain why it needs to be done and how to play single notes especially curling the tongue. I saw ton of vids they didnt teach u what u taught us!

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks man!

[@janresperger3100]

I watched a ton of nice and good Harmonica starter lessons, but, believe me or not, just the fact that you showed your lips that closely, and how small the opening needs to be, helped me so immensely.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Glad it was useful for you Jan 😃

[@alexiscraft7877]

LOVE THE MOST INTUITIVE METHOD.

[@LovelyMagpie]

Daaammmm, my new harmonica teacher is adorable!! (that's you) ;D Seriously, I feel like I can actually learn from you. I've been looking around and most everyone else on here is just trying to show off. Thanks for making these straightforward videos, exactly what I was looking for!

[@sweetnuthin]

@Two Wheel Tryhard why not

[@sweetnuthin]

@Two Wheel Tryhard cool

[@gsgenocide]

This was extremely helpful. Thank you so much. I was looking at other videos but they never talked about how to hit single notes (the method). I followed your instructions and I think I need a few weeks of doing single notes to build up those muscles. It works for me, thank you again.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Nice! Glad this video helped you. Cheers.

[@user-zy8qx2iz6c]

Mate, thanks a lot! I already knew the tonguing and the first puckering method you presented, but neither felt natural for me. That last puckering method feels very comfortable!

[@ALEXALMI]

Good stuff, thanks for the help! So difficult!

[@stephenjaehwankim6489]

Your lessons are quite helpful me. I am learning with your videos. Cheers!

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome, thanks for watching :)

[@harryg9299]

I am a total beginner and just a few minutes of your tutorial and I was able to blow single notes. Thanks.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Great job Harry!

[@najinca]

This was tremendously helpful. Thank you!!!

[@Learntheharmonica]

You are very welcome :)

[@Vijay-ux8sk]

I have been looking single notes videos, by far this is the best and well explained. I have just started learning and I think this gonna help me a lot just by watching it. will post how I get on. Thanks for sharing.

[@Learntheharmonica]

+Vijay Chauhan Hi Vijay, I am glad you are finding this lesson useful. Best of luck to you, and do keep me posted on how you are getting on. Kind regards, Liam

[@marybethhempel9101]

Thank you so much. This really helps me a lot. I have been a tongue blocker and never really played with my pursed lips. I now realize that I have some exercising to get the strength and I want to thank you for all your golden nuggets. Super interesting on the basics...thank you again! :)

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome Mary, thanks for watching. I'll keep trying to come up with golden nuggets!

[@55linesman]

Found an old harmonica and had always wanted to play dirty old town. Found your instructions very helpful

[@Learntheharmonica]

Nice, welcome to the world of harmonica! 😎

[@Gamper1]

2:30 you are welcome

[@emiliomanzo3740]

Gamper thanks

[@kingahmad155]

AHH

[@alexanderson1947]

damn

[@connormcguire484]

Hey man! Picked up the harmonica to deal with quarantine and your channel is a godsend!

[@Learntheharmonica]

Glad to be of service Connor, it's a tough time for us all. I'm making more videos at the moment so keep an eye out :)

[@baconater9177]

I've been trying to get this for a while finally I did you explain it the best thank you.

[@Learntheharmonica]

I'm glad to be of service, thanks for watching :)

[@MrWilydw]

sitting at a bus stop,pulling faces,lol

[@ernied2737]

And learning Happy Birthday with your vid is helping me to isolate notes. I will stay on HBirthday for now to better learn notes and breathing. thanks, very helpful and easy to follow videos. peace, e.

[@KikaKika94]

Bless you and your harmonica, I got this!

[@Learntheharmonica]

+KikaKika94 Well done! Keep at it... All the best, Liam

[@KerinGedge]

Wow, I continue to be amazed by the myriad of techniques there are for what I mistakingly took for a simple instrument! I've been teaching myself gradually but needed to see this, thanks!

[@Learntheharmonica]

+Kerin Gedge Thanks for watching Kerin. It's a funny little thing, but it's the greatest instrument in the world! Welcome to the club. Cheers, Liam

[@KerinGedge]

Pleased to meet you :) Will definitely watch more of your tutorials!!!

[@lanisko942]

Thanks, finally a good tutorial

[@muriell1151]

you explain well! thanks you le thé Best teacher

[@lindakilgore2298]

the money quote at the 8:30 mark ... loose top/bottom lips and tension at the sides. this was a breakthrough for me. thank you :D

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome Linda, thanks for watching :)

[@sawnerd]

Really enjoy the sound of a harmonica so starting to learn but find it difficult to get the basics cracked this video has cleared a lot of questions

[@Learntheharmonica]

Glad to be of service to you Mike, and glad you're enjoying it! Cheers, Liam

[@geespar1]

I'm a beginner and have instinctively been 'puckering' but wondered why my notes sounded thin and airy! I'll practice shoving the harmonica further into my mouth now as per your instructions, so glad I found you and thanks very much

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome geespar1, I'm glad you found me too!

[@ianspicer3885]

You explain it much better than all the other harp video's you've just got a new subscriber I play piano and have tried with other videos but you are more basic 👍👍👍👍

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks Ian, glad that it helped you. Welcome to the world of harmonica! Cheers. Liam

[@huwgriffiths7271]

GREAT VIDEO! I was searching for ages on KZbin for a video explaining how to play single notes! Really helped me! Thanx

[@Learntheharmonica]

+Dafydd Woodings Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad the video is helpful for you. Good luck with your playing, and welcome to the harmonica world. Greetings from Swansea! Liam

[@huwgriffiths7271]

+LearnTheHarmonica.com No probs, and by the way I also live in Wales (Cardiff.) :)

[@Learntheharmonica]

I had an inkling with your good Welsh name!

[@markwilliamson4034]

Thank you! Got my first harmonica today. Going to go practice this.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Nice one Mark, good luck :)

[@tobiasfialka3727]

Thank you very much, I really needed this, now it sounds really better and its also easier to play ( hurts little bit, but practicing will help)

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome, thanks for watching and commenting :)

[@shreekara3057]

Thanks a bunch for this video Liam, very helpful.

[@Learntheharmonica]

No problem at all, thanks for watching. Cheers. Liam

[@ROBERTF177]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge in such a clear thoughtful manner. Now the practice practice practice. Cheers!

[@Learntheharmonica]

No worries Robert, good luck with your practice! Cheers, Liam

[@barrysmith4094]

Music is about listening. So it's not just technique which is important, but you must also listen to what you are playing. If you are playing too many notes, make your mouth smaller. But if you are producing a lot of air and the note does not sound full (not louder, full) then move your mouth over the harmonica more and widen your mouth. These adjustments are very small. But listen and adjust until you are playing just one note.

[@ahmetyasarozer]

Thanks a lot for these generous tutorials. Best wishes.

[@Learntheharmonica]

You are very welcome Ahmet Yaşar Özer.

[@joyfulmax5741]

this is a very good video! It´s not easy but this really helps. Thank you. I`ll work on this for a while and see you soon in your next video

[@Learntheharmonica]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ernied2737]

Im a long time electric bassist. Just for fun, decided to try to learn harmonica. I ordered and today received a Hohner Spec 20-C based on my research for a good starter harmonica. Was going to buy a much cheaper one but wanted something that will have a good tone as I learn. As many here, my first few tries today am having to learn to isolate each note. Getting alot of chords. I played trombone in high school, totally not the same. Really found this one video very helpful to isolate notes. Many other vids I find move too fast for a beginner. I will use your videos as I continue to learn more. I was trying the harmonica part on Beatles "Love Me Do". I got it but now sounds clearer with this single note technique. I know its a starter technique so will try to develop better technique as I go along. Was about to buy a new motorcycle this week, ridden for many years. Wife much happier with this choice....for now. Cheers!

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks for watching, and I'm glad to be of service :) Harmonicas are both cheaper and quieter than motorcycles, so I hope your wife will continue to be happy with your choice! Cheers, Liam

[@MrLarryhoward1]

Out of all the how to videos. You are the best!!!!

[@Learntheharmonica]

Wow, thanks Larry!

[@harahplamus6724]

I bought a harmonica last monday and having a hard time on playing a single note. I came across with your videos and it helps me a lot. You're really a good teacher though. Thank you. 😊😊

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks Harah P, and welcome to the world of harmonica!

[@ronaldvanuytrecht5471]

Thank you very much..your explanation about playing single notes is the perfect base for the rest...suddenly I have also some bends...thank you for my wonderfull progress on my second day of trying...

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're very welcome Ronald. Thank you for watching my lessons and taking the time to comment and leave feedback. Good luck with your playing :)

[@SuyashSF]

Got a harmonica yesterday. Great video man. You knew what I was thinking of doing even before I did it lol.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks for watching, Suyash Singh Fartyal!

[@suerockett556]

thank you. I have today got a C harmonica and have had a go at dirty old town I know this is an easy one as I play the tin whistle and flute. I didnt do too bad but now I have found you I think I will get some good tips.On I go!

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks for watching, Sue! :)

[@jupiterjohnson7191]

Thank you! I have always wanted to learned the harmonica!

[@Learntheharmonica]

Welcome to the club :)

[@katushka1999]

The best lesson I found! Thank you

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks, and I am glad I could be of service :)

[@jimmy59ca2001]

ii am still learning from your videos, good instructor, thank you, jim

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome Jim, thanks for watching.

[@sukmandragon]

Thank you so much for the very helpful tips!

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're very welcome Sukman Lee, thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers. Liam

[@sandovideo]

Thank u for this lesson,very clear, i'll try !!

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome Sandrine :)

[@Lauriezp123]

This was a GREAT help, thanks!

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome :)

[@gunlokman]

Brilliant! Thank you so much - this really helped.

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome John.

[@yngvae2]

great vid man! very helpful thanks

[@Learntheharmonica]

Cheers Paul :)

[@nigelhutt9921]

Brilliant nice clear explanation, thank you.

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome nigel Hutt

[@MandeepHarmonicaMusic]

Interesting and clear explanations

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks Mandeep Harmonica Music :)

[@Valfrid8]

Thank you so much for this, its of great help!

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome Amanda, thanks for watching :)

[@syahril1165]

Thank you, that was help, i'm beginner for playing harmonica, so this is very useful..

[@Learntheharmonica]

Syahril 11 You're welcome, keep working at it and see you on your harmonica journey somewhere! All the best, Liam

[@kai__18]

Very helpful! Nice video!

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks Kai!

[@stick-itproductions.3307]

"The muscles right here... might hurt a little..." Well it's a good thing I'm an avid Whistler anyways.

[@Learntheharmonica]

That's the spirit!

[@sunbellyray7536]

I'm happy to subscribe and try the blow and draw on this channel! Thank you :-)

[@doomequinox]

you are playing very good

[@sockpuppetsusa]

Hey it worked thanks man you rock I was able to blow every single note in a good clean way I used the whistle blowing one hey everybody try the whistle one you’ll get it right away I’m impressed you taught me better than other harmonica teachers I’m impressed I’ll definetly suscribe to you for sure now plus you play the song jurrassic park the same song my cousin faith played in school it’s was the most beautiful song she’s ever played thanks for this and the Jurassic park song cause now I can play it on harmonica my whole family is musical and now I can follow my cousin in her foot steps by playing the same song she’s did only on harmonica thanks liam

[@monsmon-mc7dt]

Thanks! Can't wait to learn :)

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome, have fun! Liam

[@haroldvondenstein]

Excellent lesson. Clearly you know how to teach this concept....thanks so much....off to practice now.........will be back ....subscribed.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks Harold!

[@tanyapatel372]

I wish there were more music tutorials that helped, like this.

[@Learntheharmonica]

+Tanya Patel Hi Tanya, thank you and I'm glad you found me. I'm putting new lessons up every week so please subscribe! All the best, Liam

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

Thanks a very educational harmonica video.

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome :)

[@bernieriegger7447]

Thanks a lot. Great lesson. I couldn't blow single notes until I watched your video. Awesome

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks for watching, Bernie!

[@LowercaseDB]

thanks for the help man, great lesson

[@Learntheharmonica]

+michael latimer You're welcome Michael, glad to be of assistance. Also check out Tomlin Leckie, Adam Gussow, lots of other guys doing great things for harmonica on KZbin! Keep in touch :) Liam

[@bellamckinnon8655]

Thank you!! You are an absolute legend. I was watching your video on learning Minnie the Moocher but had to figure out how to play single notes first, haha!

[@Learntheharmonica]

Glad I could help!

[@22bdunlevy]

Thanks for the lesson. I took piano lessons once.

[@jobbible6338]

You're a great teacher.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks! 😀

[@lpatino6]

I don't know how many video I saw before this one. Just to learn how to play one single note. You nailed it, explained it and demonstrated it very well for me to finally get it. It's really not that easy but your video definitely did encourage me with a laugh...I can do this, so :) thank you!

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome Linda Patino!

[@adamgc73]

Thanks for this lesson very well explained and easy to follow...I just bought my first harmonica recently only a cheap one but good to learn on before I upgrade in the future

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks for watching :)

[@maplebob23]

I just got my harmonica about 2 hours ago. I can tell it will take some work but I am excited to play Desolation Row on my uke and do the harmonica solo!

[@Learntheharmonica]

Awesome, go for it!

[@DarkRaven118666]

thanks this video was very helpful

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're very welcome, thanks for watching and good luck on your harmonica journey :)

[@sunnyscott4876]

Excellent explanation !

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks :)

[@nikolaygantchev8876]

Inteligend explication. Many thanks.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Nikolay Gantchev Thanks Nikolay, good luck and keep blowing!

[@l3lighted]

I have a marine band one too it has my great grandfather's name one and this REALLY helped thx

[@Learntheharmonica]

+Marcilino Vasquez Thanks Marcilino, and I'm glad the lesson is helping you. Good luck! Liam

[@seventyseven658]

Thank you! It works

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome Gurekam Singh :)

[@Crudelus1991]

I really like the style of your videos Liam :) Do you also have a video on starting with tongue blocks? I admire people who can do these, but i never got my head around how to do them properly and without breaking my tongue off :D

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks for the kind words. I don't have a KZbin series but I've just recorded a downloadable set of lessons on TBing, which I'll put a link to on KZbin when I've edited and made it available, so watch this space! Good luck with your playing and let you know how you're progressing. Cheers, Liam

[@rickknight9645]

That was the best and easiet explanation to play a single not I found. Thanks!

[@Learntheharmonica]

I'm glad you liked it! I'm also a bad philosopher. Got the degree, can't remember anything.

[@rickknight9645]

LearnTheHarmonica.com We have something in common! Lol. I can remember a great deal of philosophy from my degree, however it’s almost useless! Thanks for your help, I will be watching your videos for further instructions.

[@oicangidos]

Well explained, thank's

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're very welcome :)

[@fluzeremake2762]

This is a great Video on Single notes Thank You.Do you have more videos, next steps etc?

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Fluze Remake, yes I have hundreds of free videos - a lot of them are beginner videos. Check out my Beginners playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLKONji9dlomQtLpyMM4vT9K1mx_jUNxLp

[@lalalamae5755]

Thank you :)

[@01Bonnie03]

Thanks, I'll just begin. I will experiment with your tipps :-)

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome, and good luck. Cheers! Liam

[@joeysmith6926]

Wow this video really helped me

[@Learntheharmonica]

Joey Smith I'm glad Joey, keep up the good work! All the best, Liam

[@steffiborges9392]

It's difficult but this method is working. You are genius.

[@Learntheharmonica]

I'm glad it helped!