The Most Important Harmonica Lesson You Will Ever Learn!!

This week's harmonica lesson will show you what is literally the most important lesson I will ever teach you on harmonica. It has fixed most of the problems that my students face on a regular basis. It is the difference between good players and pro players. It is also really simple...
Relax!
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TIMESTAMPS
0:22 The Most Important Harmonica Lesson You Will Ever Learn!!
0:45 Remember to Relax
2:37 Reasons to Relax
2:59 First Issue that Can be Fixed: Quality of Notes
3:40 Bending Control
5:22 Timing
7:25 Warbling
9:50 Silly Mistakes
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[@TomlinHarmonica]

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[@JamesCoplan]

One more thing - and in the long run perhaps the most important thing: Being relaxed gives the music a chance speak. Not to belabor the obvious, but Blues is soulful; it's not just a collection of technical skills. Being relaxed clears your mind so that you can hear / feel the soulful dimension of what you are playing. This is equally true whether you are playing a composition piece (i.e., something that's already been written - and may already be widely known - think Juke), or totally improvising. Relaxation is the necessary foundation for giving the music a chance to speak, not just *to* you, but *through* you. You are the conduit, the channel, between the music and the everyday world. And you can't be that channel if you're all tensed up.

[@TomlinHarmonica]

I couldn't agree more to this James! Well said :)

[@JamesCoplan]

@@TomlinHarmonica Thanks!

[@harrpoe]

Thank you Tomlin! Just like life, things are so much better from a chilled foundation as opposed to being nutted up!

[@adamfox9651]

This is definitely true. I know I play better when I'm relaxed than when I'm not. It's probably why I play better when I'm alone, or jamming with my friend who I jam with regularly, than I do when others are watching me play.

[@mrtambourineman6107]

That's why its really important to play in front of others as much as possible, the first few times I played guitar in front of others, I was awful!! And anything but chilled. Now I love it! 🤘😊

[@jameslewis9343]

This is an extremely valuable lesson!! I've been playing music since the 6th grade (over 50 years) and I've never heard anyone else say this before!! Thanks, Tomlin!! You've done it again!!

[@mr.erikloreen5182]

Ioouoj i😊iui8,

[@richardgreaves8229]

Perfect! This is absolutely spot on for me. Thanks Tomlin!

[@MrSpanky2001]

This is a concept that takes time to appreciate. Been at this nearly 4 years, am just beginning to realize how important being relaxed is to tone, flexibility, speed, etc. Thanks for this lesson!

[@Boydrkb]

RELAX! So often overlooked, thank you for the reminder, Tomlin.

[@marybethhempel9101]

Wow, I responded to this one year ago and I am finding myself actually actively focusing on relaxing now. I didn't even realize how I was tensing up my shoulders and face! I am glad that you reposted this lesson Tomlin!! I appreciate all your wonderful tips!! Thank you much!! :)

[@danlaxer514]

Great advice, and good to keep in mind during practice. I find I start off relaxed, and 10 minutes into it, I'm hunched or bent forward, shoulders tensed, and lips tensed. It's good to stop and take a few breath, and then keep going.

[@mrtambourineman6107]

Always check in with my shoulders

[@JamesCoplan]

Tomlin, you must be a mind-reader, because you touched on most of the things I am struggling with. I especially like the way you go beyond the simple admonition "relax," which is a very nice sentiment but way too abstract, and translate it into concrete advice for each aspect of harping. Thank you!

[@petrsedlak9335]

:-) incredible! ... how very simple thinks can completely change effort and feeling from playing ... Thank you.

[@Blue_3rd]

So true, Tomlin. Sometimes after just a few minutes, my lips feel like they are asleep - as if I have just come out of the dentist! I have to rest a while. Relaxation is everything. Cheers!

[@deeschore5436]

Lovin' this info. Thanks, Tomlin!

[@cyounesful]

Soooo right!! Thank you very much !!!

[@kevinmichael7218]

I appreciate you taking the time to make these videos. 🍻

[@jaideepshinde7492]

Sincere thanks for these valuable suggestions! I am beginner harmonica player. Your suggestions will definitely help me to improve my stage performance. Thank you!

[@janicehinty283]

Super advice, thanks Tomlin!!!

[@kevinbrady7148]

I really needed this lesson! Thanks Tomlin!

[@carlgrimsley7019]

Brilliant Tomlin, thank you!

[@chicharrero1946]

muchas gracias por esos consejos, por lo que he visto es una cuestion de estar relajado completamente al tocar , sin tensiones. grcs. Crack.

[@aarongunn5519]

Great stuff!!! Thank you!

[@nassimmehrvarz9375]

You are the best. Thank you.

[@CarneysCreations]

Such a good teacher and even a better person! Inspiration for many especially me!

[@matthewscheidt7754]

Thank you for the great tips!

[@_Jarkor]

You're so right. Felt like a "Gossow moment." 👍🏻

[@BornToBlues]

Tomlin, thanks man. Terrific advice, and explained with the skills and knowledge of a great teacher.

[@WolfsBlues]

Another great lesson Tomlin ...thanks!

[@petermorrall2428]

Hello Tomlin, I'm one of your students and apart from your excellent courses (genuine comment as well as genuine sycophancy) I keep returning to your very helpful KZbin videos such as this one to remind me of the basics - relax!! Best wishes, Peter M

[@adrianwhittaker7421]

There’s some excellent tips here, thank you Tomlin!

[@SuperTerminator50]

without doubt one of your VERY best videos Tomlin, nice setting, nicely presented..Great content...

[@Ivy_1057]

Thank you!

[@DesmoDreams]

Excellent advice as ever. I've just realised I've been drawing way too hard on my bends!

[@PalKrammer]

Truly a valuable lesson! I like your remark, "we don't want to hear the wasp in a jar". LOL

[@marybethhempel9101]

Great lesson with some super important material!! Remember To RELAX!!! :)

[@claudwood6219]

Great advice!!

[@johnmesser3990]

Thank you Tomlin for yet another great lesson...John

[@jasonhewson4513]

hi, my name is summer and i am twelve and im learning the harmonica these harmonica lessons are really good

[@Harpdog.TonyWatson]

Thanks. I've been playing a long time and could hit the full 3'' two-step bend if bending down from 3 draw, but have had trouble with the pitch when jumping to it from other holes. But I just tried your relaxing advice on that bend, and found that I've been adding unneeded tension when jumping to that bend. Already see improvement.

[@Harpdog.TonyWatson]

Correction - I meant full two-half step bend, or whole step bend, of course.

[@tnysteph]

Another great video sir. Very helpful. Oh my my! My first time to play in front of people was a mess. I tried to look back at it the next day as Something to learn from! The next time I played was at an open mic night. It was much better.

[@nidhalrchidi290]

Thank you Tomlin!

[@nupreznz]

You're dope man. Great advice even outside harmonica.

[@malcolmdavies5990]

Nice one bud good lesson and great advice

[@johnnyrbattaglio6943]

Thank you 🙏

[@christophermccarthy6889]

Brilliant very good advice, also tomlin covered alot of ground!, Nice One👍

[@shanecann1469]

thanks man this is great

[@schmittyjr7087]

same as vocals, relaxing is key.

[@mrtambourineman6107]

What if E is the key...

[@marybethhempel9101]

Thank you Tomlin! :)

[@davidjenkins3101]

great video, thank you

[@DeweyB122]

Awesome Lesson 🤌🏽

[@sagehopkins1]

Fantastic lesson!! This has been the missing ingredient in my playing for sure. All of your points about relaxation are spot on! I feel AND hear the improvement of my tone with 3 draw bends!! Thank you!! :)

[@freddieramos9681]

It would really help me if I knew what key you are playing

[@narasimhiah]

THIS LESSON VERY COOL THANKS

[@trappstein]

Good one on fundamentals

[@iannicolson1202]

Wasp in the jar, how descriptive. I like it. A very important lesson that applies to lots of other instruments too. Cheers

[@MosquitoBite82]

You have so many great tips and tutorials. I'm so greatful for this. Can i support your channel in some way?

[@byronrogers4489]

My number one rule on fitness, music, learning to fly a plane, etc ... don't quit.

[@FirstForty1]

Yes I think this is an issue to my sound.... good input. Those "bad"bends sound like me...wow

[@SDo5O62]

Hi Tomlin, really like your Harp Lessons. One thing I would highly appreciate if you could always mention during session or in your comments what is the Key of the Harp you are using during your lesson. Thx!

[@kimberlyabettes3525]

I think all of his lessons are with a C Blues Band harmonica.

[@TheWaveydee]

Getting nervous and tight is part of a musical life....saying to just relax into it - is easier for someone who can play perfectly. Your playing fluidity is not just from being relaxed. It's specifically that you are very good at it. You might feel relaxed - but a relaxed approach doesn't help the bum notes if you don't know the notes you are blowing are crap. Playing allot - helps relaxed playing because you hit the notes and the harp sounds good.

[@maxwellfan55]

Totally agree. Same applies to any instrument. Practice, practice, practice, keep learning upward and play to people, not just yourself. This will set you up good. That said, relaxation technique is very sound advice, whatever level. Always remember that before any performance and try not get fazed by others gawping at you. Me? I talk to my God, give thanks and know it's not the end of the world if I ain't perfect, even tho' I try to be.

[@bobbyjohnson6524]

Relaxing is an important part of everything we do.

[@JozRad]

First the bends, concentration can be stress, tightening, guilty! I thought of getting a 'blues bender' to get me used to the action. Second point I found interesting, being on stage, in front of people, etc...I am going to set it up, so practicing with a mic, check///Thanks and keep harpN

[@gardenharp]

Wow - after playing for ever - I recently realized that I am too tense while playing and need to work on relaxing - and along came your reposting to provide tips to help me. Very useful. Thanks Tomlin

[@oldvic192]

Watching this playing is so frustrating , while it is super great , will never get onto this road , feeling to give up now .

[@harmonicamanrandy]

I do warbles with my jaw. That's an option too.

[@heinzbeyeler1543]

Hi Tomlin. Does the Wah-Wah work better with tongue blocking? It seems that you are using tongue blocking for the Wah-Wah.

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Great question Heinz. I'm tongue blocking the 4 hole but the lower notes I am lip pursing. It is easier to get a really deep wah with tongue-blocking because you are sealing more of the harmonica.

[@loasidasortiz9716]

So funny I got the same gold throw pellow as well as the same Blanket Anyways great lesson thks!

[@deaddocreallydeaddoc5244]

Great lesson, but I'd say that sometimes you do want the wasp in the bottle if you want to play down and dirty blues. But intention should be the selector, not the lack of skill.

[@leesmithjr.8454]

grreeeeeeeaaaat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@stevemcqueen7735]

Frankie says relax

[@barnaclephil]

Remember to relax.

[@n9rlo]

Take a double shot of whiskey before going onstage! It's always been my preparation and it definitely helps you relax!

[@gabrielatik09]

Nice watch😂

[@sunnyscott4876]

I'm relaxed. I practice in my car and I always find myself driving about 5 or 10 miles an hour slower than I normally would be ! How's that for relaxed ? 🚘🚘🚘🚘🚗🚗🚔🚔🚔

[@colincampbell4261]

Whilst driving?

[@sunnyscott4876]

@@colincampbell4261 Absolutely !

[@octaviomaciel9125]

Sunny Scott 😀 I practice driving too 😂

[@gardenharp]

one of the best things about the harp - what other instrument can you play in a traffic jam?

[@ivicasnjezni1082]

Didn't know that Kevin from Home Alone has a site for learning harmonica :D

[@dragonkfg]

So.... I should relax to be a better harmonica player?

[@thedon9670]

yes

[@octaviomaciel9125]

Same thing for playing any instrument, relax first then practice and remind yourself to stay relaxed.

[@harkerroland9750]

Until now i cannot blow bending :( just the draw two or three hole

[@reverendv8900]

And therein lies (I suspect) the reason why - after four years plus of trying and trying and trying - I cannot play the harmonica properly. It is simply impossible for me to play from the diaphragm because I have no idea how to relax, despite being chilled out in the mind to the max. No relaxing of every muscle and sinew means no circular breathing means no tone. I did once tape myself many years ago after taking something that I cannot mention on here and that was the closest I ever got to a rich tone.

[@jimmy59ca2001]

just watch sonny boy, he looks like he is going to go to sleep while he is playing, lol

[@IgorBagayev]

You can remove the word "Harmoica" from the title )

[@Zedoari]

It's funny how "pro" players advocate being relaxed but don't consider the years they've already put in practising the instrument!! Knowledge and technique is of course the most important lesson.. So don't worry about this clickbait.. relaxed playing will come by itself once you start getting good!

[@TRAOism]

Great Lessons...but the pink watch is so distractive.

[@mrtambourineman6107]

Bro are you really Scottish??