Learning from Legends - Walter’s Warbles, Butterfield’s Vibrato and Shakey’s Tone

[@Learntheharmonica]

Join my harmonica school to learn classic blues songs note-for-note - www.learntheharmonica.com/school-signup

[@goldenteledy2002]

Even though I don't regularly play blues, I actually learned how to play the harmonica from listening to Terry McMillan's session work. For those who don't know, Terry McMillan was a famous session musician based out of Nashville, Tennessee. He sadly is no longer with us as he passed away in '07 at the age of 53. Terry had a really unique sound on the harmonica when he played it and was influential to many musicians across the globe. In my case, he set the blueprint to my own playing style by having a huge lip pursed tone, a very intense vibrato, growls, and soulful licks. I recommend listening to "Ain't Goin' Down ('til the Sun Comes Up)" by Garth Brooks as not only is it one of the greatest harmonica performances on any country song, but it was the song that shaped me into the player that I am today. I also got to learn with a living legend in the community, Todd Parrott. Two years ago, I asked him to help me get better at the instrument and he has been nothing but extremely supportive towards me. Todd taught me how to play country music, how to do throat vibrato, and how to accompany a vocalist among other things. He is such a gentle soul and a talented guy. Not only that, but he was my gateway into being accepted back into the harmonica community back when I was about to quit because a lot of toxic people told me that I sucked or they were projecting themselves onto me. Some of them even told me that I was unteachable because I had such a passion for the harmonica and that I should give up altogether, which is very heartbreaking to tell a newbie. This is why I wanted to help other people with the instrument, because I don't want another player thinking that they're not good enough because some rude person told them to give up.

[@garrisonoutdoor7000]

I remember when I started playing harp and listening to blues. My first track that stands out is, Good morning little school girl. Thinking how complicated that sounded. When I finally learned to play it a couple of years later it was such a land mark in my playing for me.

[@Dwarfgourami]

Waltuh, stop watching harmonica videos Waltuh, its time to accually practice Waltuh

[@AmplifiedBluesHarmonica]

Yeah, that’s me. If I practised as much as l listened and watched blues harp, I’d be a friggin’ monster harp player by now!!

[@saghistick]

My favourite might be Blues with a Feeling by Paul Butterfield or Help me by Sonny Boy Williamson, but as you said Liam everyone who gets to play a harmonica won't sound the same. It is a fascinating little instrument :) And I thank you for spreading the knowledge!

[@Jpower4601]

Do a leasnen on needles and pins by the Searchers

[@malcolm1367]

Play the thing

[@malcolm1367]

That wasnt a lesson except talking to much

[@malcolm1367]

Brag much