So you want to be a harmonica player?

[@michaelsmith671]

Love this Guy I saw a video of him & fell in love with the harp. Ty Adam I’m 63 I know I’m to old but don’t care. I’m really struggling to learn. I had a bad fall & struggle with memory. In icu I was dying. I promised God if he would give me another chance I’d never let fear stop me from trying again. I will be a Player before it’s over. Michael

[@AxelTabbertFrylestam]

You are not too old! There's always time to learn something new, especially harmonica as the older you gets - the cooler you look playing it

[@elaventureromex]

Inspiring hope you are doing good

[@steveswitzer4353]

I’m 61 and 4 years ago I decided to practice every day for 50minutes .....it’s really paying off

[@JesseTheProfit]

@@AxelTabbertFrylestam just checking in, did you keep at it?

[@ronrehmann2753]

I’m with you, Mike.

[@cultivatelife]

"Whatever audience you think you're going to pull into being, what your audience wants is, is something they can get lost in. They want you to create a mood with rhythm, melody, and implied harmony. They want a sense that you know where you're going and you can take them there with you." Thank you.

[@sarthaksharma8389]

I keep coming back to this video Thankyou Mr Adam Gussow!!

[@mxaraujo]

you are insane and very honest too.

[@Pleasum]

What Adam says about being willing to play at any time and being an entertainer absolutely true. This rang home for me in a very unnerving way about two years ago. I am friends with a couple very well known harmonica players here in the Southwest and there was an event for one of them here in San Diego. I had to fly out on that following Monday and ran into both of them in the airport. We all went through security together (and of course were stopped because we had our harmonicas on us) but got through with our weapons of musical destruction nonetheless! One of the guys asks me what key I have on me and I told him a B flat. Long story short, we ended up doing an impromptu blues jam concert right there at gate 8 in the San Diego airport! I was terrified! LOL!! The company I was in is pretty serious but then to play like that on the spot was unreal. I floated around on cloud 9 for a week. We even made a few bucks in the process. Adam isn't kidding man! LOL!!

[@gingerbeardactual1249]

I love your videos buddy, I'm pulled to the harp and I watch your videos all the time. Thank you. I'm a ten year vet (USMC) and music helps me with my anxiety. Truly appricated.

[@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726]

Thanks for your service. Yes, I think the harmonica can be a fantastic way of channeling anxiety, aggression, despair, all the bad feelings, into something powerful and constructive. It can be your "way," so to speak: your spiritual discipline, your (daily) practice, the thing that helps you keep on pushing and growing, so that you're able to walk on through the valley and come out on the far side.

[@giusepperesponte8077]

I don’t even know why I’m watching this. I’ve been a harp player for a while. Watching this is in a way, nostalgic for me. Brings me back to when I first started this journey. For me, it really made me grow as a person. Busking was one of the hardest things for me to do but getting past that was one of the best things I ever did.

[@angelomottola]

This is just fantastic! I have ben playing for about a yr but feel I needed to find someone online to help me get to the next level. Very easy and fun to watch I'm going looking for shoes today!

[@kenfidalgo2697]

Thank you Adam. The story, the movie, the interviews, this lesson... pure magic. Bless you brother. My deepest thanks!

[@Harpmando]

I've been a Harp player for a long time and play harmonica and mandolin in a band but I always find something new in your videos.Adam, you teach a lot more than how to play the harmonica!

[@OmniphonProductions]

That intro was captivating. I remember years ago, in another video, you clarified the difference between playing WITH a harmonica (like a toy) and PLAYING the harmonica (as an instrument). The clarification in this video showed me the next level. Brilliant! "Be prepared to wear out some harmonicas!" I've lost count at this point, but thanks to your tutelage, I've managed to bring several flat reeds back from the dead...at least for a little while. Thanks for the hundreds of saved replacement dollars! I have the gear. I have the set list. I even have the shoes. Most importantly I have the best mentor an aspiring harmonica could ever imagine!

[@thailandhowaboutthailandla8754]

Damn it ! I’ve just started and only want to play harmonica, but I like the way you explained this difficult journey, thanks for your honesty and I really enjoyed if your play , I wish you luck

[@wasatchrottweiler5684]

Best video I've seen it a while. You're saying it's not always fun and games. That being a hamonica player isn't easy, but like life can always be, messy and complicated. You're saying don't hold back and don't go halfway. I dig it.

[@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726]

That's exactly what I'm saying! I'm glad you're hearing that.

[@HarshSingh-by7zv]

I ABSOLUTELYYY LOVED LOVED LOVED this. RESPECT AND LOVE.❤️

[@rinkmeifucan]

This is good advice for all musicians. any instrument. Hell, you might be a software developer, this is good advice.

[@AdamCHowell]

So right! There are too many coders thinking they can get away with sloppy shoes.

[@Franker217]

Getting tired of lugging two 88 key keyboards. In my next incarnation I'm gonna be a harmonikist (my word) and walk in with a briefcase full of blues! Thank you so much for all of your videos.

[@joemazmo7981]

I loved it. Do some more "so you want to be" please. Thank you.

[@prz88]

5:05 his wife definetelly kicked him out.... That must be like 7am

[@simonlukic951]

Superb. The kick up the arse I needed. Thank you, Adam, once again. You generous soul.

[@tyronejohnson7979]

So glad to have your instruction.. for a beginner...

[@vconsumer]

this guy is fresh like winter's wind!

[@jamesbarrera4288]

been watching this guy more than any other since i got my first harmonica 2 weeks ago. didnt learn to play anything from this video, but probably my favorite gussow video

[@frankdavf4599]

I ll keep seeing your videos and practicing and see what happens next!

[@molder72]

I love this video! I am not a harmonica player yet! :-( I watch it so many times! Thank you master Adam for all that you learn us!

[@jonathanpalmer3587]

Good stuff Adam,really good. Fun and real and always useful. You’ve helped me a lot. Thanks so much. You’ve reinspired me to keep working at it.

[@noneyabeeswax6740]

thanks for cheering me up

[@blinddiecast]

I’ve been playing the harp for a while now, but this, really, inspires me in the best way possible

[@jameygarner-theharpslinger6906]

This is why I love Adam Gussow! 😅

[@carlwilson4375]

I have the crazy part down. 😊

[@muttley8818]

13:36 Do I like this?? Nah. I bloody love it! This is awesome! Simple and straight to the point. Love this style.

[@HooKsONyou]

sir if I ever meet you i owe you a beer.lol

[@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726]

+Sir “Hooksonyou” Hooks : I accept!

[@OmniphonProductions]

+Sir “Hooksonyou” Considering how many of us share your sentiment, I imagine Adam must drink his fill for free after his workshop events. ;-)

[@Iwriteyourlight]

thank you for being honest about crazyness. and for what you are as a harmonica player and for this video .

[@isidroalcantar5870]

You come off as a JourneyMen. An apprentice needs that. Thanks👍🎶

[@rollerdoordave3247]

Haha...good stuff Adam, I like your confidence and the madness but understand exactly what you are driving at. It's good to hear it from you.

[@MarloweDK]

Love it

[@robertcoltrane5602]

Not the best teacher on here, but the most entertaining.

[@Sanchezxyz]

I like this ! Now I watch the 2. part .

[@swedenharmonica2076]

Wow, you are än inspiration

[@nathanbrewer6032]

You have ...Crazy Class....and great stuff too!

[@VanKeks]

I love the crazy tone of the video. Keep it up!

[@joelgraham1]

Man, I dig the no bullshit style, as always. I got the tools, but the understanding of 1st & 3rd positions...as opposed to plain cross harp...........tweaks my melon......but i'll get it. Thanks again, Adam.

[@easy4steve]

hi Adam I have bought a marine band in c , and I'm keen to get to learn as best as I can I'm 56 years old , I'm very busy in listening to all your videos , thx for your help

[@kilgoretrout6136]

You must be really good by now

[@bk263]

Love the video! Definitely a difference between learning to play and being a player... However, I watched the video twice and still missed the "two harmonica" part of Mercy, Mercy, Mercy... (help?)

[@JohnCBurzynski]

This video makes me laugh. It is the honest truth. I play the harmonica, but don't have the time to take it to the next level. Really enjoyed this truth!

[@hangingoutwithronwalters4505]

Thank you!!!

[@tylerbrandon460]

Great advice.

[@molder72]

This is priceless! Thank you! God bless you!

[@ScottysAnimals]

Is a plastic golden melody sacrilege? I have an old wooden marine band but I like the feel of the new plastic golden harmony. Should I jump in the river? This is a serious question

[@Zb_Calisthenic]

Best harp teacher on yT

[@someoneonyoutube1993]

I'm still learning guitar. It takes time to get good at it however I would like to play the harmonica as well. Should I start now and learn simultaneously while learning guitar or wait until I am quite comfortable with the guitar and then have more time to concentrate on harmonica?

[@d-ro3266]

Core Vic learn both at the same time! It’s what I’m doing.

[@giusepperesponte8077]

Whatever feels right

[@1eddybee]

Absolutely entertaining to the end.Kept me laughing, love your sense of humor. I get it now !

[@tobyh3681]

Lol, Gussow's EDC: marine band harmonica & a nice pair of black shoes. Very different from my EDC: Glock 19, knife & small flashlight ;) I'm totally new to being a harmonica player. My first one ever will be in the mail tomorrow. Looking forward to the journey.

[@kilgoretrout6136]

You must be very good by now.

[@someoneonyoutube1993]

Have you ever tried the budget harmonica Hohner Silver Concerto? 😏

[@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726]

No, I haven't. Have you? I'd be interested in a report.

[@someoneonyoutube1993]

@@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726 it was a bit sarcastic. The price of the Hohner Silver Concerto is ruffly $5.500. Unaffordable.

[@colebowman2833]

thanks Adam. You share so much and seem so honest. We are lucky to have you. I'll bet you catch some backlash for sharing so much and we (I at least) love you for it. You have taught me so much. I know one day I'm going to have to find a flesh and blood mentor. Or whatever it takes. There is nothing else for me to do. Music is the only thing I have ever wanted to do with my life. My greatest hope is to make enough for my fiancee and I to get by one day and she will follow me to the end of the earth. I'm lucky. She is even trying to play some blues harp. I've known since I was a little boy. Those wails and moans. I can't say.. but I've always known. Thank you

[@abuzerkelle5855]

“You need a car with some wheels” lmaoo

[@billnicholson9095]

dude you're hillarious!!

[@lovroklobucar4570]

greatest harmonica lesson on youtube!

[@AndrewKomarharp]

great video Adam )))

[@BennieDuck]

this is an awesome video

[@TheArsong]

u made me smile real big hahaha thanks man !! u need a songlist!!!

[@FranklinNewhart]

You also need an inverter in the black car to plug that amp into. A 1000 watt is nice but a 750 watt will do.

[@yanspearl4883]

How you clean your harp? because marine band didn't have a screw

[@ryancox4572]

Thank you for this, father

[@jimmymurphy7789]

"Yes, Sgt Gussow, Sir - I do want to be a Harmonica Player, Sir. I will do what it takes, Sir. Thank You, Sir !" 😎🤓🤠😮🤚

[@TJNorton]

Ha ha, i love this video Adam. My good friend Tom Attah and i came to meet you in London a couple of years ago. I jumped ship from the UK in 2015 to live in LA and marry blues singer Janiva Magness. Is that crazy enough for ya? ;-)

[@Airedale721]

I don’t have a black car.😢 My Honda Crosstour is a Kona Coffee Brown; which is a very dark brown and does look black at night. Will that be okay? Also, while I’m not currently certifiably crazy; I am willing to learn.😎

[@growtogether]

I play guitar and keys, this is tempting. More stuff, more to learn, a case, GAS. More Blues!

[@fendr1962]

So I ve played guitar all my life. (Garage band musician) . Now that I am retired from my day job I decided I want play the harmonica also. I bought three (C, G, A) Horner Blues Harps. I was able to figure out some of the classic basic songs. Like Shenandoah, Taps, Reveille , No place like home. So I am ready to play around the camp fire out on the range. Also the little harmonica part John Lennon plays on “ I ‘ve should a known Better”. Trouble is my wife can’t stand it when I play my harmonicas. She always says it’s too loud. It hurts her ears. I love my wife but man I love to play Rock n Roll music and yes I want to bend those notes on the harmonica. That is oh sooo cool. Do I need to divorce my wife or is there a better answer? I will hang up and listen…….

[@dirtypatwalsh]

Fantastic video Adam. I just made a similar video explaining my rig. I'm definately crazy lol. I Enjoy your videos man...also been playing for 40 years and touring since 93. Be well man.

[@simonandrews3466]

Great video Adam . Straight to the point. Only thing I’d say is “ If ya wanna be a youtuber, you could really do with a camera tripod. Lol

[@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726]

I've got one. But I discovered that if I held the camera with my free hand, I could add a lot of spontaneity and dynamism to the shot. I made YT vids for a decade, hundreds of them, videos with more than a million hits, until I discovered this.

[@simonandrews3466]

I’m messin with ya. Your vids are great and your playing . I have watched loads and bought your lessons and books. Keep it up. You inspire me to keep on playing and learning about the blues

[@carlwilson4375]

How many sets of harps do you have in that case? I have two sets of 12 keys plus a set of the low tuned harps. I'm working on a third set.

[@ThiagoFerreira-jn4td]

Kind of crazy, cool man.

[@ballentine52jb]

I like Dis..... Thank You

[@thailandhowaboutthailandla8754]

Thanks that’s true , it’s just like any other instruments but you must learn and focus on it ,it definitely takes time to learn these stuffs what you spoke about , that’s a main reason many got disappointed of this instrument and said what?! I have to put a lot efforts on this tiny wired instrument? No way ! I have a lot of things to do in my daily life which need to be done ..., think about it before buy it !!

[@voodoo7953]

Hey Adam, just wondering where’s the best place to get a black car with wheels? :-) BTW lm f....in crazy! love your lessons 👍🏼

[@joeyride58]

Eloquent Indeed... Considering this task / challenge , as to add another instrument, and searching for an instructor...... ......perhaps...... ...yes , definitely perhaps...

[@Toadrj1]

The greatest!

[@DiegoCavalliDC]

Haha Excellent!!! Adam, What the name of you mic? Thanks.

[@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726]

+Diego Cavalli : Shure PE5-H.

[@DiegoCavalliDC]

Thanks!!!

[@drivethelightning]

I've got a harmonica on the way, and a black car (with wheels) -hell I'm half way there!

[@DrSid42]

Love it !

[@spyralspyder]

You need a bit of fine grade sandpaper for the sharp brass plates so you dont keep reopening the cut on your lip lol.

[@forbiddenmazesofthejennera2276]

This is great. Do you feel a person who starts music very late in life can be a real musician or is something you have from the get go? Im not talking about skill or craft but the "being" thing. Ive been working hard as I can practice during my work for hours at a time--and your vids have shown me several things. I get a lot of joy from the harmonica, playing and hearing it. Thank you

[@eetechtom]

+Forbidden Mazes of the Jennerak I started playing when I was 54 (last year), and read the other day about someone 60 who played his first gig. Just keep playing and whatever happens, happens! Don't compare your progress with other people, just enjoy yourself.

[@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726]

Absolutely. I had a student many years ago who started when he was in his mid-50s. He practiced ALL the time, including when he was sitting on the can in the bathroom. Within two years after starting, he was playing gigs with two blues bands in NYC.

[@forbiddenmazesofthejennera2276]

Thanks Mr. Gussow, your videos have been a great inspiration and help. I'm still at it and practising everyday. Your comment means much to me. Likewise eetech.

[@hamstersniffer]

Does anybody besides me feel a Clint Eastwood moment in the intro?? "So, do you wanna be a harmonica player....well, do ya, punk?" I feel both inspired to be a player and afraid to do otherwise.

[@greenrock8171]

Got it! I AM ON IT NOW !!!

[@Jazzgriot]

Boss talker, nice one Adam :-)

[@NickTaylor383]

"You need a black car with wheels" lmao

[@TimJonesPoet]

I'm crazy and I have a harmonica. Can I be a harmonica player? Love the video.

[@mrtambourineman6107]

Yes!! I got of hard drugs recently and need to express my inner self or something like that so I dont go mad. I'm quite an obsessive weirdo too, so yeah....

[@meljames52]

I like, I like!

[@thejoritube]

😊😊😊😊

[@marshwetland3808]

And if you're gonna play/record outside you need a wind shield?

[@buddiegrim9819]

can i both play the harmonica and be a harmonica player? :p

[@paulbutler7219]

Good stuff with moon shape atom

[@paulbutler7219]

Good stuff whip them into shape atom

[@dougljenkins]

I now want to be a harmonica player

[@thelighthousegroovecollect6122]

I just saved a very large hospitalization bill in this video.

[@Sirmar]

Man, shit just got real.

[@jupiterknot]

Thank gawd I have nice shoes i can start

[@finheimforge4050]

11:53 I sense Adam may have learned this from The Blues Brothers 😂🤣

[@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726]

The only thing I've learned from the Blues Brothers is what not to do if you want to honor the blues. They're a burlesque act: modern minstrelsy. I'm uninterested in that.

[@finheimforge4050]

@@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726 I mean no disrespect towards you or this fantastic way of living and art style. I simply love the movie for what it is. A movie.

[@realphoeni]

You mean, what the movie The Blues Brothers has taken from true Blues Legends like Adam ;-)

[@julianandres1326]

what happend with the D

[@rousefire]

I'm 62 and cant even clap my hands to a song unless i'm following others . But I still play my harmonica badly . My dad was very good with a chromatic ,