How to Play Single Notes on Harmonica (Lip Pursing)

►FREE 30 DAY TRIAL OF MY HARP SCHOOL - www.learntheha...
► NEW TO HARMONICA? Join my FREE 4 week beginner harmonica course - www.learntheha...
► SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL: bit.do/subscrib...
► 100's OF FREE LESSONS: www.learnthehar...
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

[@steampunkhulk453]

I accidentally learned how to wistle

[@polikoplipopopo6719]

Legend

[@jackr1360]

Fired up on that

[@hamsandwichbandit8525]

*whistle

[@tabak5670]

same here

[@valacebedo]

😅😅😅

[@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!

[@davidfontoura]

what the hell am I doing here?!?! I don't even have a harmonica and I have a math test tomorrow

[@Learntheharmonica]

Maths is overrated!

[@ShaneSchofield52]

With a harmonica you could EASILY count to 10; sure you could count your fingers instead but they're not harmonicas.

[@LucDespresLifeCoach]

😂

[@pancakes246]

@Erikkolai lol same

[@A.Gallo360]

David Fontoura 🤣😂

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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?

[@MrWilydw]

sitting at a bus stop,pulling faces,lol

[@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!

[@Gamper1]

2:30 you are welcome

[@emiliomanzo3740]

Gamper thanks

[@kingahmad155]

AHH

[@alexanderson1947]

damn

[@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!!!

[@iamanovercomer3253]

No matter what instrument you play - it is about muscle memory ....

[@kartheekketha6537]

Even typing keyboard

[@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!

[@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!!

[@santiagoperman3804]

There aren't many tutorials actually showing how lips move. I appreciate the didactic approach despite the silly looks.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Glad it was useful!

[@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!

[@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!

[@thedamsam]

Bu videoyu türkçeye çeviren Barış Sarı kardeşime teşekkür ediyorum.

[@Learntheharmonica]

O iyi bir adam!

[@nahte-]

donald trump would be very good at the harmonica

[@cuentadeespan]

French should be good at this XD

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@philkil8908]

tfw pursing your lips OR using your tongue as you play isn't obvious. Thanks for the lesson!

[@sevennationarmy4753]

Question: do harmicas from different brands sound different from each other Ex: swan harmonica compared to the marine harmonica or gold melody

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Obsessive Gamer, the different brands will give you the same notes (although they may be fine-tuned slightly differently). The general difference will be in the quality of the sound - basically you get what you pay for. I have a quick video that might help answer this more fully for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKbEm3-krpKlf6c. Cheers. Liam

[@tbluge]

Perhaps the best part of this channel is it doens't start with 3 minutes of showing off.

[@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! 😎

[@chaseme4248]

I just started, im like 5 months deep, it took me like 1 month to get a feel for it. It is possible. Take it slow

[@ashishshekhawat4153]

You know what maybe harmonica players are best kisser😉

[@BecxKK]

7:52 me for the next two months until Christmas 😮😬😮😬😅

[@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!

[@chicharrero1946]

Hi Liam, it is a pitty that you only give the tutorials in english and very quick by the way. I follow you from the Canary isles (Spain). since a couple of months I find the lessons very interesting , but I missed being able to undestand better the explanations, anyhow thank you very much for your help about.

[@Spike-jb8gf]

I find his english very understandable :) Thanks god his an english man !^^

[@Spike-jb8gf]

Pero es verdad que tiene no mucha gente de españa que enseigna el harmonica

[@iamanovercomer3253]

Sadly but true - English is the number one language in the world ❗

[@lanisko942]

Thanks, finally a good tutorial

[@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!

[@yusufhalcol6553]

Very successful good narration Very useful 🫶🔥👏👏👏

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thank you! 😃

[@KikaKika94]

Bless you and your harmonica, I got this!

[@Learntheharmonica]

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

[@rickcroucher]

“Just do this...”. Cracked me up.

[@22bdunlevy]

Thanks for the lesson. I took piano lessons once.

[@alexvanpelt1867]

I’m a trumpet player and I find myself using my embouchure for single note, building those chops! Lol

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Alex, I'm curious: is there much difference between your trumpet embouchure and the shape you have to make for the harmonica? Cheers. Liam

[@najinca]

This was tremendously helpful. Thank you!!!

[@Learntheharmonica]

You are very welcome :)

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@DonMatikx]

My Harmonica from Lee Oscar has a shorter distance between canales. And when I draw/blow it are sounding creepy.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Mateusz Kowacz Keep working at it, your mouth has to be narrow enough to hit only one hole. It can take some time - the harmonica isn't easy! All the best, Liam

[@DonMatikx]

I've gotten this, probably. Thanks

[@schmuelsons]

+Mateusz Kowacz me too. Been trying to keep it one note as best as I could. It takes practice, trial and error. I have always had that creepy sound too but every day is a new experience and it gets better and fun.

[@CasaErwin]

I was happy to hear you say, "quarter note" even with your British accent. The terms "minim", "quaver", etc. really confuse me.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi again Dale, Yeah the old European names are pretty confusing, I don't really use them. Have you ever seen this brilliant Adam Neely video on the different names? kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHapmmeJltmLqdE. Cheers, Liam

[@highTideWaves]

I find it harder for higher notes to be singled out when playing, especially when I'm trying to actually make it sound loud-ish. Why is that?

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Rachel, I have a video discussing the higher notes here - I hope it helps!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaK5ZYlueceYp7s

[@AlexB2998]

Man thank you so much for the face exercise tip. Never would have thought to try that.

[@Learntheharmonica]

No problem 👍

[@dmytrodoubinsky]

That's terribly difficult for me right now...

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Dmytro Doubinsky, don't worry, you're not alone. Every one of us has been in your position before. Patience, patience, patience. Have you also tried tongue blocking or U-blocking? kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZTEhmive6-Jo9E

[@sunnyscott4876]

My question is about memorizing the songs . I am a 70 year old lady . I can play clear clean single notes , I can bend a few notes pretty well and I have 3 or 4 decent harmonicas . But I can't memorize a song to save my life . I can pick out a familiar song , practice it all day long . Plays and sounds good . Trying it again the next day . ...unless I have the tabs to look at I cannot remember the notes . I was hoping that the harmonica would help with this . Is there any shame in having to have the tabs ? Everyone else seems to be able to just pick up and play. I feel bad .

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Sunny Scott, there's absolutely no shame in that at all. I have a pretty bad memory and have to do a lot of work to commit things to memory but don't worry - unless you want to tour professionally you'll get away with having the tabs in front of you! Thanks for watching. Liam

[@nicoxstyle]

Im finding the u tongue easier and more effective for isolating single notes, thanks for the video

[@Learntheharmonica]

No problem!

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@itsvivi3973]

Its hard to play just one note and not 2 or 3 at the same😅. But im still working on

[@Learntheharmonica]

Patience, patience, patience :)

[@paranoid8060]

Bu videonuzda türkçe altyazı çıkıyor diğer videolarda neden çıkmıyor?

[@plusrien12]

Mom this man is trying to kiss me

[@anthonyjamesonlineirl7633]

Sorry if it is simply the camera effect: you are always holding the harmonica in your left hand, correct? I found your video very useful, sO thank youaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[@Learntheharmonica]

Yes I almost always hold the harmonica with my left hand, but sometimes in videos like this one I'll use my other hand just so you can see what I'm doing better. I have a video on holding the harmonica correctly. I hope this helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ7GeaGubMlknZI

[@stephenjaehwankim6489]

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

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome, thanks for watching :)

[@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!

[@seventyseven658]

Thank you! It works

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome Gurekam Singh :)

[@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!

[@abhiadsul6538]

Thanks, now I am able to play better single notes.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Congratulations! :)

[@zairenatienza5042]

Hi! New subscriber here😊 thanks for your great teaching💕

[@Learntheharmonica]

Welcome to the club, Zairen Atienza!

[@JohannesDalenMC]

Question: on so many other harmonica tutorials, they say «put as much lip over the harmonica as you can» or «almost eat it, put that harmonica as far into your mouth as possible»... You didnt mention anything like that- what is your take on those tips?

[@JohannesDalenMC]

I was a bit ober halfway through the video when I posted my question. When I pressed play after posting you adressed it.. haha!

[@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!!!

[@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

[@jharveyatkinson]

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

[@Learntheharmonica]

Glad to hear it Joshua :)

[@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.

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

Thanks a very educational harmonica video.

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome :)

[@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

[@jordanlouis9213]

the problem is switching between single notes haha

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Jordan, I have a lesson on that. I hope it helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJu2dGiVpMuXqMk

[@shubaoAE2826]

Is praticing whistle can help me to play a good single note? And how long can i master this skill of single note?

[@Learntheharmonica]

The question of 'how long' is a bit like 'how long is a piece of string?' because it all depends on your practice. Be careful with the 'whistle' idea because it can lead to your mouth being too small and then you get a very thin sound. Think more about putting the harmonica inside your mouth rather than putting your lips to the harmonica. Cheers. Liam

[@shubaoAE2826]

LearnTheHarmonica.com thanks for the reply... :D

[@MrLarryhoward1]

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

[@Learntheharmonica]

Wow, thanks Larry!

[@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

[@inspectorbutters166]

blowing single notes doesn't seem to be the problem for me, but whenever I try to draw a single note I can hear one or two of the neighbouring notes slip in. Any tips?

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi NerdWana, are you changing your mouth shape when you breathe in?

[@inspectorbutters166]

@@Learntheharmonica A little, to be honest. I try not to, but I just started like ten days ago, so I am quite the beginner. It get's better though

[@mitvengailopenticostallalr6271]

i always keep on thinking that you are crying when you smile.

[@mikkey246]

I'm on day one, I hope these videos help

[@aidan6895]

Same

[@markwilliamson4034]

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

[@Learntheharmonica]

Nice one Mark, good luck :)

[@auraura183]

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH

[@bstaimuihong860]

,can you sub for whom come from different country , i really like your channel,thanks

[@cynictweety4721]

Can any one help me ....................If you can send me notes of Manja Song (Kai po Chi Movie - Hindi Movie)

[@Saturn1313]

I'm getting better and better at harmonica

[@Learntheharmonica]

I'm glad to hear it :)

[@metallica0071414]

New year resolution.'learn harmonica'... I found you.lets do this.wish me luck :)))))))

[@Learntheharmonica]

Good luck!

[@surajdubey730]

I managed to get a single note with lip-pursing. But when I try sliding over to the other holes, my lips tend to 'grip' the harmonica thereby losing the perfect pursing I achieved earlier. Now I have to form the lip-purse again. So my question is: Every time I have to switch holes do I cut the contact (take my lips away) with the harmonica, move to the desired hole and purse again quickly to play that hole or do I hold my lip-purse shape tight and somehow manage to slide the harmonica around? Any idea how it's done? Like I said, I am able to purse my lips and get the single note out. My problem is when I try to move around the harmonica to play other notes. Thanks :)

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Suraj, don't take the harmonica away from your lips between notes. You need to learn to slide between notes. There is no easy answer, but practising scale exercises can help. I am going to record a video on this today, as I have had a few similar questions recently, so watch out for my new videos this week and next :) Cheers, Liam

[@surajdubey730]

Thanks for the reply! Yep. Tried playing it without taking the harmonica away, over the past few weeks. I seem to be getting close to achieving my goal. Look forward to your video.

[@SiddarthMV]

I learnt to play single notes using tongue block method, I somehow found it easier with that method to recognize right holes but the problem is I can't play hole 1 and 10 properly or sometimes can't them at all not sure what I did wrong while learning now I wish I learnt the puckering method ( which I am slowly practicing). I recently got diagnosed with Bell's Palsy and couldn't move my lips, I couldn't whistle as well, I was so broke I thought I cannot play Harmonica for a long period but my tongue is still working so back to tongue blocking and playing harmonica. I am slowly recovering from this disease. Thanks for your lessons.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Siddarth M V, sorry to hear of your health problems. I have a lesson on playing the end holes while tongue blocking, I hope it helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIe7eKZ-icabfbM All the best. Liam

[@korman7]

I’ve been curling my tongue to get single notes, is this wrong??

[@Reblwitoutacause]

Daniel Korman it’s a technique you can use. Like a tool in the toolbox, it will work sometimes, but not for everything. Your tongue has many, many, many uses in playing the instrument, and you CAN use that technique... definitely learn other uses and ways to play single notes. One other technique used, is when playing a chord ( that is, blowing into more than one hole at once, with your mouth in a wider shape, to blow into more holes than one at once ) and then press your tongue THROUGH your lips and actually COVER all the holes with your tongue. Then, try to move your tongue left, or right, and open up only ONE hole. That’s called Tongue Blocking by some! Look into it mate! Keep playing 👍🎼

[@Learntheharmonica]

Nice reply Reblwitoutacause, you saved me a job! Daniel - I have a video on the technique you've described (it's called U-blocking) kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZTEhmive6-Jo9E Cheers, Liam

[@ratatat9790]

wow , i've been playing the harmonica for about an hour only..lol and pressing into the mouth, i was immediatley able to isolate pretty well. thanks!

[@Learntheharmonica]

Great job!

[@barrysmith4094]

I too play the harmonica, and my method is to listen an adjust. When you explain about tounge blocking or making your moth small (the whistling method) it scares people. First , let the student play around with the harmonica for several weeks to get the feel. When the time comes to learn, you must be pacient. So play a note: hole 4 DOE, and have the student play it. hole 4 DOE. If they do, great. But if they don't, then the student must make adjustments. If they're playing too many notes, then they have to move the harmonica out and make their mouth smaller. But if they're playing alot of air, then the student must move the harmonica in and widen their mouth. These adjustments are very sutle. It takes time for some. You can't just watch a video, and the next minute play a single note. If you do however, great! As time goes on, write down a simple song; one that everyone knows using numbers and arrows. It must be a simple song Like Twinkle twinkle little star. so that the student knows how it sounds. Let them try to play it. It takes time for some. But as time goes on, they should get it. I saw another video on how to play a single note, and I think yours is much better. But most of all.....whatever works!!! Play the harmonica and have fun!!!!!!!

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks Barry, yes it's all about having fun in the end :) Cheers. Liam

[@muriell1151]

but this is difficultés to pu thé Harmo into thé Mouth znd keep pusing thé Lips

[@subhadeepmanna7106]

Hi Liam, I just started learning Harmonica, watching your videos on youtube. Though I can get the single notes from all the other holes( Hole 2 is a bit messy though) by the lip pursing method, drawing from hole 6 is a real mess as I can't get the proper note in that. Can you help me regarding this? Thank you.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Subhadeep Manna, thanks for watching and commenting. Try these two videos: 1. Playing a 2 draw: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGrVoGOMYs-hfpI 2. Playing high notes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaK5ZYlueceYp7s I hope these help! Cheers, Liam

[@moje9643]

But my harmonica has very narrow "spaces" and wider "holes", so it is impossible for me to use this technic

[@ronnie2686]

I is it my harmonica or the space between holes of your harmonica is wider than mine? I got fender set blues deluxe

[@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

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@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 😃

[@santiagoencaladagarcia25]

Tongue blocking is way better I say you this by experience