Moving between holes/notes - how to make it easy and smooth (beginner harmonica players lesson)

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In this harmonica lesson, Liam gives you some tips to those who have got the hang of a clean single note or two, but can't yet move around the instrument confidently.

[@Learntheharmonica]

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

[@michaelbonello7795]

what I like about you is that you're honest...you don't try to impress your students by showing how clever you are and how EASY it all is! I'll surely be buying your add-ons once I learn the very basics that you're teaching. I'm sure you're an inspiration to many. Thank you.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks Michael!

[@robtropeano9557]

My son gave me a "Harpmaster" for Xmas (1 day ago) I am almost 69years of age and was apprehensive about learning to play. By watching some of your clips I am full of confidence that I will succeed. Thank you. Rob Tropeano.

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're very welcome Rob, thanks for watching and commenting. And welcome to the world of harmonica! Cheers. Liam

[@nicks4802]

I can say I've learned a lot in my first 5 hours thanks to this man, Take his advice and keep going!

[@Learntheharmonica]

Cheers Nick!

[@nancyl6745]

Thank you for your lessons! You are an excellent teacher and I appreciate that you don't spend half the lesson smirking and winking and showing off! Seriously, some appear to be more interested in being seen then in actually teaching. us.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Haha, thanks Nancy. I do like a smirk every now and then. Well, more likely a guffaw at myself. Are you learning any songs at the moment? Thanks again for your support. Cheers. Liam

[@michaeldavison604]

I've looked at various videos on learning the harmonica since taking it up a few weeks ago. I've found your tutorials by far & away the best Liam. Very clear & concise. Thank you for the time you have taken in putting them together.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks Michael, I'm glad you enjoy them. Welcome to the world of harmonica and good luck with your learning. Cheers. Liam

[@LovelyMagpie]

You are above-and-beyond a great teacher, free or not. I love your format! I will probably go forward with your reasonably priced add-ons because I am serious about learning harmonica. Thank you!

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks, hope you enjoy the premium lessons too :)

[@patman5475]

Great thanks Liam, your tutos are the best didactic i found, the ones i prefer !

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thank you!

[@handsomepiper5761]

C harmonica on its way to me.........this will be a blast. I’ve played the bagpipes at a good level for 40+ years and kind of sceptical about tackling the “mouth organ” but let’s see how it goes. On ordering the harmonica online it was only a thought of mine to have a laugh with my mates at the local bar, but after watching a few of your lessons I’ve changed my outlook to learn it properly 👍🎼

[@Learntheharmonica]

That's the spirit, I'm glad I've converted you. We'll make a harmonica nerd of you in no time! Welcome to the club. Cheers. Liam

[@veronikastewartyoga6001]

This was so helpful. Heading to your website to get some exercises. Thank you so much. You feel good.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks!

[@swannrobin3315]

Man, that's great what you do and this patience you have really helps to face the reallity of learning an instrument I have grabed an harmonica 2 weeks ago and you really confirm i would take pleasure playing it. Cheers.

[@Learntheharmonica]

I'm glad to be of service, thanks for watching and welcome to the mad world of harmonica! Cheers. Liam

[@miriammaldonado7848]

Hi Liam, although this video was posted three years ago, music and instruments don't change, it's refreshing! Thanks and God bless you abundantly.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@aparks8244]

Just watched video. I paused quite a few times to practice my single notes, wow , I might keep learning this beautiful instrument. This video is by far the best beginner vid I have watched. Well Done.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Glad you enjoyed it. Keep it up!

[@patsybrady1682]

Great advice and just aimed at my standard, thank you so much. I am going to work my way through your utube beginner pieces and heading off to your website!

[@Learntheharmonica]

Glad you found it useful Patsy. Good luck on your harmonica journey! Cheers. Liam

[@rodstewart7035]

Thanks for the wise advice presented kindly and informatively. I don't know if this may be of use, or if it's silly, but as a brand new harmonica player, I memorize "by feel" and habit, some middle hole positions by where my nose touches along my index finger. For example the 4 hole is right where my nose tip touches the second knuckle of my index finger. And the 7 hole lines up closely with the first knuckle. It helps when I need to find that 4 hole for the start of a song, or when I need to find it part way through a simple tune. I guess this will vary with finger lengths and how each person holds the instrument. Just a few thoughts. Thanks again!!!

[@Onlythebesttracks]

Been doing the same for when i have to jump about. Going from a 7 to a 4. I know im on 4 when my nose is touching my left pointer knuckle.

[@Jazzgriot]

Only just getting back into trying to play the harp, recently discovered all the stuff you guys have on here, Tomlin, Adam, and others. Your all great players, all different. Thanx a lot. I'm moving on in leaps and bounds. :-)

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome Beatnik X. I'm teaching at an event Tomlin is putting on in July also featuring KZbin teachers Ronnie Shellist and Lee Oskar: tomlinharmonicaschool.com/p/2019-edinburgh-harmonica-workshop. We had Adam at the event a few years ago too which was great. All great guys. Welcome to the club! :)

[@uptopswag8446]

Just got a Harmonica for Christmas 🎄. I'm addicted already.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Awesome! 😎

[@edelcorrallira]

Excellent will add to my scale practice with other instruments :)

[@adnanehajjiya7659]

Great teacher great lesson! If u dont' mind can u teach us how did u play 12 bar blues in 06:53

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Adnane, I taught something very similar in this lesson: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKaVg6aibNFsmdU

[@adamgray4288]

I'm struggling with my lips dragging on the harmonica. They seem to dry up really quickly and it makes it difficult to move up and down.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Adam, I drink A LOT of water when playing the harmonica. Don't drink anything else as it will get stuck in the harmonica, but water should really help. I usually go through two pints of water per set when I'm with a band!

[@adamgray4288]

LearnTheHarmonica.com Hi Liam thanks for the tip and repplying :)

[@zeljkodejanovic578]

@@Learntheharmonica I have the same problem. Lots of water means many visit of the toilet. I've been playing for four days now and I've learned a lot from videos including yours. Cheers :)

[@nettiemarie2556]

I lube up very slightly with carmex, that helps. Dont overdo it oryou will be sliding all over the place.

[@bholluk1]

thank you, this video is very helpful to me.

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome Ranit :)

[@fernkulpreecharealtor6259]

Great lessons. You are excellent. Thank you. 😊👍

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thank you! 😃

[@WoWandRock]

Just learned Hallelujah! Could you maybe do a video on Ecstasy of Gold? I could probably learn it on my own but your video on it would help a lot! Thanks!

[@Learntheharmonica]

The Morricone soundtrack song? Love that, it's so atmospheric. I'll check it out. Cheers, Liam

[@dronic8725]

Just the video I needed to see. I'm being impatient, rushing ahead then messing up and being disheartened. Only had it a few days. I'm exited to see my progress 12 months from now.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Glad it helped. Keep up the practice! :)

[@MsSumandas]

Thank you Sir 🙏

[@4NRKY_T3RROR]

im on a c harmonica and need to know how to tell what hole i'm on because i start on 1 and cant tell yet what i'm on

[@ovijitchowdhury5204]

Thank u for the advice.i am from Bangladesh... How can i get your lessons

[@jimmy59ca2001]

very good advice, see you in Edinburgh

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks Jim, see you there :)

[@steffiborges9392]

You are really a great teacher and uploaded all useful tricks we are in need of like Jesus knows what we are in need of before we ask him God bless you abundantly sir and make you more skilled love from INDIA.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thank you :)

[@JC-ck4wk]

So it’s my first day... and no joke, by the grace of God I am able to play single notes somehow... idk how but it’s like 70% of the time I get a single note here

[@Learntheharmonica]

Nice one Jake C. Outdoors!

[@zokimirchovski2968]

Today a finally received my Special 20 harp, so I will surely use your videos to learn the starting techniques of playing single notes, I can tell it is difficult from my first day though:)

[@Learntheharmonica]

Have fun!

[@zokimirchovski2968]

@@Learntheharmonica thanx, I like your lessons, especially the melodies I am receiving almost on a daily basis on my e-mail, I am improving a bit, but playing single notes is quite challenging though😊

[@anthonypeter4786]

give us your lessons plz sir!!

[@roughblooduk]

Could not find major scales on your website. Please will you perhaps give more information.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi George, sorry - the document is no longer available. I've added a note to the video description so no one else gets lost trying to find it. Hopefully I can do an update in the future. Cheers. Liam

[@sumansarkar5474]

Hi.. Love from India.. I have just started taking your Harmonica lessons on youtube. I wanted to purchase the practice notes.. But the link is not taking me to the purchase page.. Can you help me get them please...🤟

[@svtwodrifters6690]

Where exactly is the set of scales exercises? I bought the wrong one (scales for blues 1st. pos.)

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi, sorry I no longer offer the scale exercises document through this lesson. Drop me an email ([e-mail]) to sort this out. Cheers, Liam

[@jimmy59ca2001]

hi liam, would you please show an example of playing these notes in the middle of the harp as if I was trying to play along with a blues group without practice, strictly ad lib, thanks, your fan and student at the Edinburgh classes, jim church

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Jim, good to hear from you again. I'm not sure I understand your request - which notes do you want an example of, and what do you mean by "as if I was trying to play along with a blues group without practice"? If I understand the question better that'll help. Cheers. Liam

[@nelly5954]

Do you have any advice on moving between two notes very quickly without playing the note between? Say, from -6 to -8? Forgive me if you mentioned it in the video.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Cheese Boy, as with all things you need to start slow and only speed up over time when you get comfortable. Do you have a metronome? That will massively help you track your progress. Cheers. Liam

[@tetik5]

I find it easier going up the scale than down for some reason so I practice down much more

[@Learntheharmonica]

Good man, that's the way to do it - focus on the thing you struggle with most.

[@josephrodriguez9511]

would like to see you do Willie Foster's hoochie coochie man live at the airport grocery would be awesome! thanks great video lesson today!

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome Joseph. I'll have a look for that version of Hoochie Coochie Man. I'm not familiar with Willie Foster but I'll check it out :) Cheers, Liam

[@steveo_o6707]

What do you do if you play in a band that tunes a half step down from standard on every song?? So if a song is c standard, but since my band is half down, how do I choose the right harmonica?

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Steve, well the harmonica you want to play depends on the position you choose to play in. I have a new video coming out next week on positions so keep an eye out for that as it will help. Most people would play in 2nd position for blues/pop/rock stuff, which for B (that's a half step down from C) would be an E harmonica :)

[@bluebutterfly2854]

Can you play the pokemon theme song in tremolo harmonica.

[@daveybalmer]

For some reason Liam, I can play the scale notes well right up to -7 and then everything falls apart. I am practicing but that -7 note seems elusive. I appreciate that in going from a -6 to a -7 that the two draws in a row may throw off the rhythm a bit. But even taking it real slow, it seems hard to the point where I am suspecting my harmonica. Have you had any feedback on this or as I suspect is it just me? The high notes even sound a bit off to me and this is a $75 harmonica so I am not thinking that it should be the instrument itself.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Charles, it's almost certainly down to technique. This is a very common problem, so much so that I have a video on it - hopefully this helps... kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaK5ZYlueceYp7s. All the best. Liam

[@k0dax312]

ive been playing for about 9 years... minus the last 5 lol.... and i have never understood the hole covering with my tounge thing. the easiest thing ive found is curling my tounge and blowing out the middle... any suggestions on how to do it the right way? also your videos are great for brushing up too

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Anna, the curved tongue thing is called U-blocking and always seemed really bizarre to be but works for some people so there's nothing wrong with that. Only thing is that tongue blocking gives you lots of extra sounds - see here for example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6jdhmOGnpJ1es0

[@k0dax312]

i never knew all that. i usually flutter the sounds by waving my hand at the back of the harmonica. I'mma try the way you said.

[@hananshells8055]

Hi Liam, I had asked for the Tabs for the classic song Doe a Deer, from the movie The sound of music but haven't received any reply from you. Please let me know if you will be doing this song ?? I am a beginner and am enjoying your lessons ! Keep up the good work. An early reply will be appreciated. Thanks.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks, I get a lot of requests and I can't do every one but I do have the song on my list, I think it'd be a good one for beginners as it's a good practice around the major scale. I really hope to do it at some point so watch this space, and thanks for your patience :)

[@hananshells8055]

LearnTheHarmonica.com Thanks Liam. Appreciate it! Plan to buy y r scale exercise. Keep up d good work ! God Bless.

[@tetik5]

theres no sharps or flats Liam ?

[@Learntheharmonica]

That's right David, a C diatonic harmonica has no sharps or flats (well, unless you use extra techniques like bending and overbending). Each key of harmonica is set up to play basic melodies using the major scale.

[@dalton3147]

Where are the exercises? I didn't see them.

[@SvalblodChampion]

You can make a vídeo teaching leave her Jhonny for beginners?

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Eduardo, who sings that song? I haven't heard of it I'm afraid. Cheers, Liam

[@SvalblodChampion]

Jhonny Collins

[@Avinashsinghgooner]

Thank you.. your lessons are easy but i no it will take a lot of practice. There are no shortcuts Edit: know*

[@antoniodominicwhite117]

Hi Liam I have a request to learn how to play Nothing Else Matters by Metallica on the harmonica

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks for the request, Antonio, I'll see what I can do :)

[@panhwer2012]

I feel my harmonica is broken. Why I think so is because when I try to draw in windows like 7,8,9 or 1,2, I have to pull out too much. And the sound is also very unsatisfactory. Is it because my harmonica is too spitty?

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Sara, it's almost certainly a problem with your technique. Check out this video I posted recently on that exact topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqe9o6Ouj9OAlas

[@miriammaldonado7848]

Hi Sarah Panhhwer, how's it going with your harmonica, are you still playing?

[@johannes5230]

👍👍👍👍👍👍🎼

[@MYELbe]

I've got a weird problem. Just bought a cheap harmonica and it's supposed to be in C but I noticed that i can only blow in hole 1 draw from hole 2 , blow in 3 , draw from 4 etc... When watching youtube video's I notice you should be able to draw and blow through each hole right? Also the note C starts at hole 1 ( blow) and comes back in by drawing in hole 8. Am I missing something?

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi MYELbe - firstly, is it definitely a 10 hole diatonic harmonica? Do you have a link to the product online somewhere so I can have a look? Cheers. Liam

[@MYELbe]

LearnTheHarmonica.com yes it's a ten hole harmonica in C and was not classed as a toy on the website. The website is in dutch though.

[@durgu21]

Hi ..did you still teach...

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Durgesh, I'm still posting weekly lessons on KZbin, I don't do private lessons any more though. Cheers! Liam

[@keithforest1678]

Once again many thanks for your sound advice. Go slow to get fast.

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome Keith :)

[@Sammy10100]

Are you still accepting new students for lessons.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Scott, sadly I am no longer teaching privately. These days I'm too busy with my online school!

[@wilsonw02]

Black Sabbaths the wizard plz 😁😁😁😁

[@Learntheharmonica]

Second request in as many days - looks like it might be going on the list!

[@tagonminmyat7302]

My takeaway from this video. -Start small. -Fix your notes until you get right!

[@egibs3565]

Can you teach despacito?

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi, what is that - a song? If so, drop me a link to a KZbin video so I can hear it :) Cheers, Liam

[@devjoshi7062]

LearnTheHarmonica.com kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXu0gWqhntxofM0

[@dhimankalita9141]

Bl ja kela