Too OLD To Learn Harmonica

[@TomlinHarmonica]

✏ Get your FREE harmonica tab PDF and audio clips here 👉 foxly.link/f5gidD

[@riptanionAF]

I'm 51, and I didn't start harping until I was in my 40s. I mean, I wish I had starting playing when I was younger, but starting to play when you're older is better than never playing at all.

[@sierradk]

I’m 72. I started lessons with Tomlin several years ago. First with “Intro to Improvisation”, then into “12 Bar Blues for Beginners.” I thoroughly enjoy playing my harp. I carry a harp in my car, travel bag and pocket. The key for me is practicing often and learning new tunes - it keeps my mind fresh. I’m old, but not TOO. Luv ya Tomlin - keep it going.

[@ralphreedy5296]

I started playing about a year ago, I'm 69. . I carry one everywhere, play it while driving and waiting for my wife. And always learning new songs and Blues riffs.

[@robertchartrand837]

I'm going on 80 and am really into blues harp. Tremendous way of maintaining one's vitality particularly during these difficult times. My ambition is pure self enjoyment and l have learned so much from Tomlin and other rrsources that are teadily available. Don't limit yourself in any way and ENJOY. Robert London, Canada88l

[@NoirFan01]

I started learning harmonica earlier this summer and am age 58. In addition, I have multiple sclerosis. At this point in my disease progression I cannot play an instrument such as guitar or piano. But I can still hold the Harmonica!

[@jacaranda9879]

Nice! I'm 64, and I've been playing for 4 months!

[@enjoyharmonica]

Great video, very encouraging for me. I'm 60 and still learning to play this little instrument. Good of your students to share there playing. 👏👏👏👏✅

[@MrJohnA125]

I'm 71 and wanted to learn harmonica after being given the first two Bob Dylan LPs 'Bob Dylan' and 'The Free wheeling Bob Dylan' when I was 18. As I cannot sing or play the guitar very well my career never went very far. While still following Dylan and the Stones for the next 40 years my harmonicas laid in the drawer. Retired at 61 and did a lot more walking going back and forward to watch my grand daughter. That's when I took up the harmonica again and started to learn, by ear, lots of songs I used to love. I practiced while walking along the streets. Nobody notices from their car if someone is playing a harmonica and it doesn't bother anyone else. Tunes as diverse as Delilah, Black Velvet Band, Listen to My Heart, Amazing Grace plus most of the appropriate Dylan songs I ‘mastered’. The Tomlin 4 week course ‘Introduction to the 12 Bar Blues’, earlier this year opened up a whole new world for me with, a blues scale and bending notes, to enjoy. I still play most days, even if it’s only for 5 minutes. I carry my harp with me - most of the time. Its my best friend .

[@chriskeys414]

Hi Tomlin I am now 66 and loving the harmonica more and more. I seriously started working on the harp maybe 7 or more years ago after casually playing at home for relaxation. At that time I was a patreon supporter of yours. Your instruction pointed me in the right direction so that I could play/jam with a blues group. Now days I play less blues but expanding my range with a different band who are between 62 and 74 and play all sorts of music. I never imagined I would be working on "Someday you''ll be sorry" (a quieter Kenny Ball version) on a chromatic. Also taking on long term projects like "Autumn Leaves" as a chromatic solo. Playing Blues, Country, Swing, Pop and Folk. So the harp has opened a whole world of music for me. I have had to understand music theory and am even trying to read music score. It is a wonderful journey and I am so glad I followed some of your courses. Chris Keys

[@alancarroll5792]

I started playing harmonica a year and a half ago at age 66 1/2. It’s been a lot of fun to play with blues backing tracks on KZbin and with a blue grass band.

[@Gineins]

I'm 29, recently started medschool and I'm trying to balance that with learning harmonica! Really is a great way to relax in between studying with all the stress and due dates

[@rayweeks1056]

Thank you for sharing this.... I am 59 and just recently started a month ago but was thinking that I was too old to start learning to play the harmonica. This has changed my mind...... Thank you.....

[@TomlinHarmonica]

I'm so pleased to hear that Ray!

[@Rubax52]

I have started learning the saxophone with the age of 59, that was my start into making music. Well, I also started the harmonica, I think 2 years ago, but, I am not very consequent at learning it, saxophone is still my main instrument. Anyway, I can support all of what you said Tomlin, it is never too late to learn a instrument, wait - there is one point when it is too late - when that big black car is parking before the house...

[@eetechtom]

Well said Tomlin! I started at 55. I would encourage everyone to take at least a couple of lessons from somebody like Tomlin.

[@gloriavitanza1761]

Grazie

[@johnreffitt6279]

I'm 60, just started with in the last yr and loving it so far....

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Thanks for watching! Don’t forget to ‘Subscribe’ and turn on notifications to never miss another Harmonica video. :-)

[@tapasidutta5865]

I am going to buy one marine band harmonica of key of b can u give lessons on that harmonica pls tell me should i buy key of b harmonica marine band

[@bigsunnywalker]

Regurarly playing Harmonica is very good for your body and soul. Decreasing the blood pressure You will have strong lung, Making you relaxable and happy. Harmonica playing has very similar effect as the Pranajama Yoga (Breathing Practice) Just make little steps. Take the rythm. Sometimes just play what you came in your mind. My best activity is walking in the forest and Playing Harmonica.

[@miguelgus5818]

I'm 62 and started after 50's. But as a doctor my progression is not so fast because sometimes the time to practice is not large. But in the last years due my teachers (including your videos!!!), I am improving faster. Now I play in a Medical Blues Band ( eigth Doctors!!) and we perform in charety shows. This is my fun and I thank to my little instrument for the joy of helping other people not only as a doctor. Tomlin, take a look in Spotfy- FIRST AID MEDICAL BAND!!! TKS for the video. It was very inspiring

[@nosreuter]

Wow, I'm really digging your bands interpretation of "The House of the Rising Sun", brilliant!! That was some smart harmonica playing, well done sir! I'm definitely adding your band to my playlist for inspiration!

[@miguelgus5818]

@@nosreuter that is awesome!!! I will show this massage to all band mates!!!! Tks

[@lenaking8056]

I'm 65, and I love it, still practicing, I plan on doing my own serenade by Dec 2020, at church,. I'm still rehearsing..Thanks for your free lessons :)

[@Chuckplaysblues]

Great video, Tomlin. I’m 72 and started harmonica about six years ago. I’m exclusively “self taught” but that doesn’t mean that I taught myself. I can no longer find an old instructional video of yours that I have not watched, some of them several times! Thanks for all the great instructions.

[@greghartrum8823]

I am 74 almost 75 and I have owned a harmonica for many years but never took the time to pick it up and really learn to play. One day I found one of your beginner lesson videos on KZbin and pick mine up and started messing around with it, by the end of that first lesson I was hooked. Its been a couple of month now and I really feel that I am improving. I would love to be able to say some day that I am a Harmonica player. Thank You

[@sierradk]

I started my harp lessons with you when turned 70. Now I'm 75+ and play the harp every day.

[@leschadwickharmonica6287]

I’m 51 and my wife got me a harmonica for my birthday 2 months ago. I’ve been watching your videos and bought a case to be able to join in on our church’s praise team. Just learned and am able to keep up with “Dear Old Dixie”. Bluegrass and Blues are the most enjoyable as it allows me to let go. I work in a hospital and right now it’s considerably stressful. It’s great to have an instrument and your videos to relax and have something to look forward to. Going to join your course in a few days.

[@jpparadise6004]

I’ve always played by trial and error, but your lessons have taught me a lot. I am 66 and still trying to learn

[@samakin4896]

Thank you for your videos! I am 63 and have always loved the sound of the blues harmonica, but was afraid to try it. You have inspired me to buy one today, and learn from you. Thanks for that!

[@alandumais2080]

absolutely right im 40 started 2 years ago and its more than just learning an playin music its good for your mental health aswell

[@cohoa1]

My Grandmother after raising 16 children, Got her General education diploma, her drivers licence and learned to fiddle in her 80's. I'm 61 and have been enjoying your lessons for about 3 years , You are the best , bar none in explaining so many aspects of the harmonica and music. I've got my "woodshed" in the park and have made great strides in learning and enjoying the harmonica. Thank you so very much Tomlin

[@kdklotziber]

Approaching 75yrs... Started playing harmonica in the 1980's with a Mel Bay's 'Fun with the harmonica book'. Somewhere in the 90's I took an adult education course with little success. Around 2000 we started getting the internet and I started downloading harmonica Tabs. Only recently have I started getting virtual lessons off the internet. I'm impressed with your style and method of teaching. I very much would like to subscribe to your blues course starting next month. Asking for a pay as we play installment program.

[@A-staticCal]

Tell your folks they sound great and to keep on keepin' on. Nobody's too old.

[@skkwatra]

Am 64, and only two years since I picked up the harmonica. I can never fully express the joy, and the sense of abundant happiness that I'm enjoying for the first time in my life, from playing the darned thing! It's tiny, goes everywhere along so you're never alone, wildered! I mainly play melodies on my various diatonics, try to play different positions so as to play the songs in their original scales. That's so creative, and gives that much more satisfaction and pleasure of playing this 'Huge' musical instrument! 😊🎶🙏

[@artprior152]

I tried learning when I was in school but never wanted to put the time in. Flash foreward till I was in my 50s and I learned to play the lap dulcimer after lots of trial and error----it was a struggle as I had no musical talent at all but I learned a lot about music. I decided a couple months ago--now I am 79--to try the harmonica again and have been practicing every day and having a great time, thanks for all the help with your lessons.

[@elsiecow7023]

I'm 61, and have been playing harmonica for 6 years. I have trouble keeping motivated. But these videos sure have helped. I recently changed harmonica to a melody maker. And Tomlin gave me the idea of playing in front of a mirror. That was a big help! I found that I wasn't moving my hands but my head. My notes are clearer now. I do carry a harp with me every where. Most of all is to relax! Thanks Tomlin for all the great videos, Ronda from Eastern Oregon

[@evandavies4049]

A just brill 68 and been playing 18 months love it .y son bought me a swan for Christmas 4 years ago seen you on ytube got hooked whent out and bought a sp 20 joined your school the rest is history thanks tomlin

[@dolfevenberg847]

I started harmonica playing just before I became 72! I am now almost 73. I like it very much. Play almost every day 15-30 min. I started blowing the harp when I was 45. But it didn’t work at all. So after a month I stopped. Now retired, cleaning up drawers I found this harmonica. Went to internet/KZbin. I started again. In 3 days I learned more than in a month 30 years ago! Thank you great teachers, Tomlin, Adam Gussow and Liam Ward

[@BKBees]

I clicked into this video hoping to hear some students play and wasn't disappointed. I wasn't planning on giving up but this woulda turned my mind around if I was.

[@harmonicaman9437]

I am 67 and tried my first harmonica 2 years ago but after trying for about 3 months I gave it up. I picked it up again again just before Christmas and I am now enjoying it. I’m concentrating mostly on scales to get the basics under my belt. I can do some songs with the tab but when I try it without I just get lost. I have signed up for the 28 day challenge and after that I will be looking at joining the school and hopefully improving.

[@SacoHumberto]

Hi, I am 59, I was thinking I was too old, thanks for your tutorial videos. Humberto, from Perú.

[@WesGibson]

I first picked up a harmonica in 2019 at the age of 60. I had just moved my life into an RV to travel North America and wanted something small to play music with. Partly because I like music (piano and clarinet background as kid). Also, I have a father with dementia, so I look for ways to continue building neural pathways to fend off any potential dementia issues down the road. I'm coming up on 65 now. My harmonica road has not been smooth. I was religious about practice for three years. Have been an annual member of Tomlin's courses twice so far. First time, I made an effort. Second time, I was a slacker. I've been slacking on my practice for a couple years now. Partly because, having parents in their late 80s is taking a lot of my time. It's an excuse, and I'm aware of that. Also, I got stuck on vibrato and have never been able to get over that hurtle. It beats me down, and I started feeling like I would never progress further. With all that being said, my harps sit on my end table to this day and I do pick them up from time to time. I'm trying to get back into the habit of learning and practicing on a daily basis.

[@mikebottiaux5850]

I’m only 62, not old at all. Learning something new keeps me sharp.

[@janeanderson5056]

Tomlin is the absolute best instructor I love his videos !! Thank you Tomlin for all your knowledge and kindness

[@edsiegel5357]

Tomlin, I am 73 and started your school un January of this year. I have years of bad habits to overcome but I'm loving the lessons.

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Thanks Ed :-)

[@paulwarburton3378]

Hi Tomlin, I am 59 years old and have been teaching myself to play for around 2 years. I drive an excavator for a living and sometimes have a lot of standing time. So I decided to learn the harmonica. Now I am frequently found blowing my harp to some sort of blues tune in my digger. I am also frequently asked to entertain my colleagues with my harmonica and I'm glad to oblige. Music touches my soul in such a deep place, to be able to make and share music is truly a magnificent thing. Thank you Tomlin from the bottom of my heart for all the instruction and encouragement you have given to me. Music is now a bigger part of my life and my life is in turn bigger. Thanks again. Paul Warburton Market Harborough Leicestershire Uk

[@liberatosiat1922]

You have been my inspiration thanks for the instruction I’m 74 and loving the sound

[@bradlyhenson1814]

I'm ALMOST 60 and I am DETERMINED to Play this Harp !!!!!! 🤨😎🤨💯 I PRACTICE every Weekend.

[@cstuartcook9390]

Excellent Podcast Tomlinson, as evident from the wealth of comments from below. I first got into Harmonica in 2964 when I bought an EP by Cyril Davies. Awestruck. Bought a G Marine Band and failed miserably at producing anything like it. Kept that harmonica until looking for it in 2005 I realised I’d lost it sometime. Bought another and enrolled on a course with Matt Walklate. As with so many of the KZbin videos I found it rather blues oriented which was not the music I wanted to do but it did open up the instrument to me. This and many of your videos have enabled me to head in the direction I wanted to go in. I can now go to a music session and take the floor with my folk tunes and songs. I’m 70 this month and skint with all the money that’s gone on harmonicas but happy. Still keeping away from Blues and 2nd position but love listening to it.

[@truusvaneerden3153]

Hi Tomlin, Appreciate your videos very much. I started at 63, 4 years ago, I had private lessons on skype 11 times, after that your lessons on You tube. As a kid a played a little, but due to my profession as a ships cook (my husband was a captain of cargo ships in the merchant navy) for years couldn't play and exercise, because on board there are always people off watch, who need their sleep. Now we are retired . I play every day at least 1 hour, mostly popsongs sometimes with the original music, sometimes with karaoke background. I love the journey to learn, every new song I learn is a new victory. Again, thank you very much for the vids.

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Awesome to hear that Truus!

[@juliekovacs515]

I am 63 and just started playing in the past couple of weeks. Love your lessons. Thank you

[@greggmarkowski5203]

I'm 65 and during the pandemic decided to give it a whirl. Adam Gussow is the teacher I follow the most, our life experiences are similar, but this lead me to others including your wonderful content. My only goal is to see how good I can get before I have to get off this goofy ride of a life. If it's where I am now, so be it, if I can become okay at the Harp that would be great too. I'm just enjoying the journey.

[@edrobinson3787]

Hi Tomlin, I’m 72, and just started playing last week. You and Adam G, are my go-to teachers every day. Thank you, you explain things so clearly.

[@stevewebster317]

I first picked up a Harmonica when I was 14, and a total Bob Dylan nut! I tried to imitate his playing and failed miserably, after a few weeks consigned my harp to a drawer. Last year I retired and thought to myself; perfect time to learn how to play, now taken the first steps on that journey.

[@TomlinHarmonica]

That's awesome Steve!

[@marcush7437]

Im 42, I startet in June 20. I love it and I’m happy that I started at all. Such a beautiful instrument. I enjoy my journey of getting better a bit everyday. By the way. Thank you so much Tomlin, because you are one of my first KZbin teachers I was watching for working on my first steps.

[@stumpothebrave]

Hi I'm older than most ofyou people and i really enjoy the music, certainly it is good therapy . Istruggle but i learn a bit each day....thanks Tomlin

[@loasidasortiz9716]

I love it,I started playing last year learned many songs just watching your videos I'm be 60 soon.

[@MrSpanky2001]

I really enjoy your interviews with new players and their journeys. I liked the part, last week, where the student said it's important to finish off a day of practice with some playing. I always try to include a little playing (to backing tracks) after I practice. It brings a joy that's hard to express.

[@heiko6983]

Thanxx Tomlin for this video🙏🏻 I am 54 and started playing harmonica 4 years ago. It was my first instrument. Since then I play the blues almost every day. And I subscribed to Your channel. I love harmonicas, the blues that you can create with them and the feelings that manifest while playing them. 9 months ago I started also playing piano. This is very helpful and great for my rhythm feel and my understanding of the blues. As the two instruments are totally different they complement each other in a perfect way. Thanks to all who contributed to this video. You do a great job Tomlin. Go ahead!😊

[@simonmitchell9274]

Hello Tomlin, I have been playing for 3 weeks now and love it. I am 71 and have always played the guitar but never picked up a harp. I saw you on a KZbin video and went out and bought a C harp and play every day. My next challenge is to relax haha. I think I will sign up for your school this week. Thank you, it's good to see us English embracing the Blues.

[@lindajones49]

I’m 62 been playing since 1994. Holy Spirit taught me how to play first song was Silent Night. Each player has their own sound.

[@evandavies4049]

Bang on tomlin 68 playing 2 years love it your the reason why I started

[@Ellen-hl5kn]

58 and I started a couples of month ago. I love it! Wisch I could go faster, but I enjoy the road.

[@ctef60]

I'm 63 and now begin. It's hard for me, and success is slow. But I'm very enthusiastic. I like the blues music, but harmonica isn't very popular in my country. Any way, Think, You are one of the best teachers around!

[@michaelt.2009]

Thank you for this, love all your videos but this one hit different! I’m 58. I learned to play Baby Scratch My Back perfectly from your video. Thanks for everything.

[@willisgreenstreet5322]

A good friend passed away, and left me and my son some instruments. They were mostly guitars. I have been playing for over 40 years. In the bottom of a box filled with cords, pedals, capos, and other guitar stuff was an harmonica, Never really tried to play the harmonica. Never could get a single note, but thought I would mess with it. I watched a bunch of your videos, and within a couple days I made a clean nice sounding middle C. I enjoyed it so much I went out and bought a Marine Band 1896. I'm 59 yrs. old just starting out. I'm having fun so far.

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Very cool Willis!

[@JohanDroeshout]

Nice promo for you course, Tomlin! You are a very inspiring teacher.

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Thanks Johan :-)

[@cameronlogan3593]

I am 65 and started about 7 years ago because it seemed like a fun thing to do. I started with lessons and then eventually jammed locally almost every week until the COVID thing started. I still practice two-three times a week and also take lessons with a local professional harmonica player a couple of times a month. And I follow your online lessons and can not tell you how much I have enjoyed everything you post. I also appreciate you hooking me up to jam with some local bands at Stramash and Whistle Binkies when I briefing visited Edinburgh last year. It was a fabulous time! Thank you again for everything you share with us. I love playing the harmonica and only wish i had started sooner!

[@AbcAbc-zn8uo]

I'm 18 now. I started playing 1 year ago. I'm very happy because of that, because I love playing harmonica and to be honest I want to become a pro one day. I work hard, have good progress and I really enjoy playing harmonica. But the most important thing is to have fun and it doesn't matter how old you are. If you like it, you have to do it.

[@Person-uz5lw]

here's a tip from a guitar player that some of you older guys might not know about: Look up backing tracks or jam tracks here on KZbin. Like "blues backing track in G" or whatever key or style and just have at it. That's how I practice new scales and stuff on the guitar. If you have a newer car that has bluetooth or an aux cable you can look them up on your phone and sit in the car if you're worried about causing a racket in the house

[@Poelie]

hi, I am about to turn 58 next Februari. I've started playing bass guitar 5 years ago, playing in a Bon Jovi Tribute band now, and since 2 weeks picking up harmonica as well. It's addictive, and a great value add to my bass playing and enjoying playing music in general! I also tend to think its good for my breathing as well, its like Yoga !

[@congerscott6064]

57 and just getting started 👍.

[@mrzaphf]

I've learned the basics by my self when I was young but lately I've learned a lot from your lessons. I'm really grateful and thank you a lot. Like you said as long as people are able to have fun while playing, there 's no limit to what they can achieve.

[@PlayoffOdessa]

Thanks for this video Tomlin! It was great to see some of my course mates there - Robert, Gina, Tony in particular. They were all a great inspiration to me while I was learning in Tomlin's online harmonica school as we all posted our video submissions and, besides the teacher's comments, also gave each other feedback on our performances. From the comments below, I see that I'm probably not the oldest one here. I started learning harmonica with Tomlin's lessons 2 years ago, when I was 40 (some also believe it's a serious age), and now I can feel how much progress I've made and remember the amount of joy I've had - it was definitely one of the best decisions to make! Lots of warmest vibes from Ukraine! :-)

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Aw - always lovely to hear from your Dmitriy :-)

[@alceurcruz]

I'm 70. I am an amateur guitar player and started at 10. Many years ago I bought an harp, but never took it seriously. Now I am trying to learn blues, and harp is a fundamental instrument to play, so... I found this channel and hope to enjoy it. Thanks Tomlin.

[@thetattooedvaper4081]

I'm 57 and just bought my first harmonica. A Fender Blues Deluxe in C.

[@callenski]

That’s exactly what I started out with a year ago, right after my 66th birthday. I soon bought the set of 7 Fenders and filled in the flats/# keys with some other inexpensive harps. I’ve since replaced them all with better harps but now I keep those in my car and still enjoy playing them. Great starter harps for the $!

[@Brunoinski]

Just turned 70 the other day and picked up a harmonica and watching your and others videos on KZbin. Plan on taking classes in the future but I want to do a little more practicing on my own before I do.

[@Hundenminhelmer]

I'm 61 and started fiddling around with blues harmonica some five years ago. I still don't play blues but I play the melody line in the song as I play along with a guitar. I've just bought a chromatic and really wanna go in deeper on this instrument. I'm looking for a teacher here in Norway but haven't find anyone yet, but I keep on searching.

[@Thealrightguysband]

I was always into blues rock and in the past several years I have been attending a friends annual blues festival. So at the age of 62 I purchased a C harmonica and that first year I got up the courage to get up on stage and jam, or should I say just making sounds, off to the side. I played several years just by ear and January of 2020 I decided I needed to get back to the basics and learn the fundamentals so I signed on with Tomlins class. I never knew what I didn't know about playing the harmonica. I could play and I could mimic but now I know structure and finally feel like a musician.

[@billloehr40]

I started at 72 and I’m now pushing 80. With work, I can play almost anything. If there is a jam somewhere, count me in.

[@deltanine2468]

I'm 87 and I'm learning to play the blues, soon I will be playing in dive bars and honkytonks all across this nation.

[@wardmayfield2289]

First picked up the harp laying in a hospital bed with nothing but time on my hands. Was injured in Afghanistan and was going to be immobile for a while and always liked the sound of a tin sammich so why not? It went poorly, for the life of me I could not get my sound to come off as anything better than two cats being murdered by a vacuum cleaner. Out of anger I gave up and focused on my recovery. Two years later I picked it back up with renewed vigor and access to yours and a few other instructors videos. Still not amazing anyone with my riffs but it's pleasant enough to encourage me to continue growing in ability. Your videos and simple approach are key to that growth, thanks a ton! SSG Mayfield US Army (ret)

[@LeeFKoch]

I actually bought my first harmonica when I was 11 years old, a Hohner Marine Band, with my first money earned on my paper route. Back then, there was no internet, nor youtube tutorials. I couldn't afford lessons, so I just dabbled with it, learning a few folk tunes by ear. Then I put it away and forgot all about it, until recently a musician friend of mine asked me to sing some songs in a small amateur band. One of the songs is Billy Joel's Piano Man, so I found my 42 year old harmonica and checked for online tutorials. Now I'm hooked and want to learn more, especially blues harp. If you do the math, you'll figure out how old I am.

[@erichperigaultmonte4105]

i am 74 becomming 75 and i am following you to learn Harmonica i hope to make a a video soon

[@HarpoonDon]

Tomlin, thanks for this. Although I didn't ever really think I was too old, this video helped a lot. I started at 63 and I'm now 67. I started by learning what I'll call campfire or cowboy songs. I was learning to read music at the same time and this worked well. Now, trying to learn the blues I find it much more difficult. There is no specific sheet music for blues and I'm not nearly as good at making-it-up-as-I-go. Hearing the various people you highlighted has given me a boost. Thanks, Don.

[@jaxgator24]

I'm 60 and decided to try to learn to play the harp for my own amusement and enjoyment. I have been playing for right around one month now. I have learned to play the C major scale as well as the minor blues scale. I can play some simple melodies such as Oh Susanna and When the Saints Go Marching In, etc. I have already learned how to get clean notes in melodies as well as the blue notes. I cannot get all of the bend notes at perfect pitch yet (still completely missing the1 1/2 step 3 draw), but that is just another thing that I am working on. I have learned and am really enjoying different chugging patterns, adding single notes within. I am having a blast and seem to learn something new every day. Too old to learn the harp? PSSSHHHHHH! Happy harping to all! :)

[@timthomas1381]

My father passed away 2 year ago at age of 96,he played harmonica all his life.When her passed I decided to start playing

[@michael_hf]

A big WOW for Gina!

[@kevinc3424]

I'm 62 years old, I started playing four years ago after seeing a friends post on FB. I had no idea that he played, and his playing was so incredibly good that I asked him if the video was a fake. He assured me that it was in fact him playing. He put me in touch with his teacher and I began lessons. I have progressed, but I still feel very much like a beginner. My teacher is friends with Joe Filisko and arraigned for him to come and do a small (about 2 hours) workshop with us, it was very inspiring, and he was a very gracious host. Unfortunately due to covid there have been no lessons in almost a year, and due to other health reasons our teacher will not be offering future classes. I very much want to progress to the best of my ability, but have trouble creating my own structured routine. Thank you for your videos and encouragement. Kevin C

[@rudivandriel8505]

You're right Tomlin, age doesn't matter. I started when I was really young, around 5 or 6 . Played until maybe 12 or 13 ,I don't remember but now I'm 60 and starting again. Bought me direct a crossover and it's all coming back again. Mostly playing along with different kind of music just for the FUN !! Thanks for the tips and tricks, I keep following you

[@bluesharp9848]

I've been playing / learning for 5 years and I'm 67. I like to learn melodies. I did Tomlin's improvisation course. Still find improvising needs improving but that's down to my lack of practicing it! I try to tab tunes out for myself by ear if possible. All in all, its given me an interest in music which I can now share with my sons who play guitar and drums.

[@dennishawley3090]

Having just watched this video, and if you care for another personal story, I am now 69. I tried to learn the harmonica several times beginning when I was 18 or 19, way before the internet. Then, and a few times later on, I would try to learn from books but could not master tongue-blocking. I didn't know back then of any other technique, but about 9 years ago, I decided to try again and found a really helpful CD & book on 'lipping', as it was called. I took to it immediately. I spent the first two years playing just straight harp, learned to read tabs and played hundreds of songs before focusing on blues harp. I bought another CD/book from the same author (David Harp) on blues harmonica, a more advanced lesson program. While I'll never be Little Walter, I sometimes play with other musicians and surprisingly (to me), I always have people compliment me. Recognizing from the outset that, as you mentioned, it helps keep the brain sharp, I took up guitar 5 years ago as well, and now play pretty decent rhythm guitar, and sometimes lead. Plus I added bass guitar a couple of years ago, and occasionally play it depending on the song. I play with a few old geezers like me, we all play guitar and each of us plays other instruments as well. One is a good natural drummer , another plays bass, keyboards and a little mandolin so we all switch around to keep it fun and interesting. To be honest, in the current environment (at least in the U.S.), playing music has been of great assistance in maintaining one's sanity. I practice guitar and harmonica every day, and get together once or twice a week with friends, playing on a outside patio with plenty of distance. And I should add that I've learned a lot from some of your videos, and appreciate them.

[@TomlinHarmonica]

That's awesome Dennis - so many instruments!!

[@dennishawley3090]

@@TomlinHarmonica I took up guitar to do a kind of Bob Dylan or Neil Young thing, just learning a few open chords with a harmonica neck holder, but made faster progress than I had imagined. So I just kept going. More options, more fun. I always have a harmonica close by, even sitting in the car at a light or something I'll play some. It all helps. Your video on how to play The Doors 'Roadhouse Blues' was among several that was very helpful. You have a really good teaching style.

[@allanbird4570]

public comment: I self-taught from age 10, I am now 89 years and still practice almost every day. I never learned "blues style" but always preferred solo playing. I currently mostly use Hohner 270 in various keys, but recently obtained a Hohner 364 solo tuned and a "lucky13 " also solo tuned. So be encouraged ppl, and keep practicing :)

[@dilemmix]

Haha there's still hope! I'm 65 and starting!

[@tavarespablo]

Very inspiring! I noticed that when stopped using age as an excuse (and I'm just 28 lol) I felt that I even started to learn more easily. Learning harmonica is already hard, but sometimes our beliefs makes it harder

[@jameskowalkowski2308]

Turning 60 in MAR - Play guitar, bass, cigar box, and now HARP - just start playing!!

[@bobbybluefancher8181]

Started playing about 4 years ago just a bit before the pandemic started ! I’ll soon be 72 !

[@davidarchuleta8446]

Thank You Tomlin, I,ve learned greatly from your Great videos & teaching's !

[@neilscorgie4058]

Im 63 and going to sign up to your online school my daughter brought me a Marine Band in C for my Birthday. I'm hoping putting an hour a day + should do the trick

[@hugochen303]

I’m 33 now!! Just start for a week!!!

[@DannyD_GoF]

Well, considering i decided to start learning at 42 years old (just about to turn 43) I'd say...heck No :) And thanks for your lessons and videos which have been a great help and learning tool for me 😊🙏

[@owen67811]

Harmonica for life!!!! Harmonica forever!!! Harmonica- maniac From Malaysia, Penang heng ee high school

[@ianlewis8086]

Great video. I started about 4 weeks ago at 62.

[@ezekieljohnson9677]

Hey Tommy, I'm 'Johnny' Johnson from India. I have been Watching a lot of your KZbin videos, & got 'possessed' watching you playing the Harp, got myself a 'Hohner Silver Star' and started 'Blowing' LOL....I' blow a lot of air other than any sound...I seen one of your video, where some your 'Oldie' students playing,,,,,just got 'mesmerized' and now i'm all out to blow the Harp with you....I live in a different Time zone...When & How can you teach me....'Online' Cheers!!!