If you would like harmonica lessons so you can learn to play harmonica in the blues harp style, you've come to the right place.
Hey, thanks for stopping by. I'm "Blue Barry" Faust. Friends just call me Blue or Bluzman. I've been teaching folks how to play harmonica for many years and I believe that anybody, with practice, patience, and the right instruction can learn to play blues-style harmonica or "blues harp". These harmonica lessons are my own methods that have worked well over my many years of teaching. These lessons can help you or someone you know get past simple tunes and really focus on making that bluesy sound the harmonica is so famous for.
Whether you are an absolute beginner who's never even picked up a harmonica, or maybe you've tried to play at some point without much success, or even if you're pretty good and simply want to improve, you've found the right place. At least, that's what my students say!
So, if you stumbled upon us by accident, be sure and tell a friend about us; I'd really appreciate that. If you're sure you want to learn to play blues harp, you can get started right away. Just purchase and download the Beginner Blues Harmonica SuperTutor™ and get yourself an inexpensive 10-hole harmonica in the Key of A.
Who Needs Lessons?
People of all ages and from all walks of life are attracted to this little 10-hole wonder. Anyone following simple directions of blowing or drawing air through a series of numbered holes can learn to play folk songs, tunes and melodies. It's very easy to do.
What happens to most people is this... they get a harmonica, they read the little instruction insert in the carrying case, they learn a couple songs, and then they lose interest and put it down and never learn the real art of playing harmonica. It's too easy to get quick results and there's never enough of the right instruction to really learn to play quality music. Some people perceive the harmonica as a fun toy for kids to play with and it works well for that. But for those in the know, that very same instrument in the hands of a skilled musician turns into one of the most amazing instruments ever invented.
That's Where I Come In...
I've taught many, many people to play blues-style harmonica over the years and it's this style that people are attracted to. They might not know it as blues-style, but they know that sound. That deep, sometimes raspy, sometimes sublime, almost vocal, emotionally charged sound. You hear it in all varieties of music from country, to jazz, gospel, folk, rap, reggae, and everything in-between. But it all stems from the Blues.
Why the Blues...
It has to do with the way the harmonica is played. That way or method was discovered by African-America slaves and their descendants. Instead of blowing into the instrument to create “harmonies”, they found that by drawing air in, and using tongue and throat movement, they could create pressure on the reeds vibrating inside the instrument to change the rate of vibration and play “bent” notes in a scale they found more appealing. That scale is what we call the “blues scale” and today it is used in rock, jazz, gospel, country, and just about any other type of music. Listen to the commercials on TV and you’ll be amazed how much blues harp you’ll hear.The Bottom Line is This...
When you learn the techniques of blues-style harmonica, you can apply them to ANY other style of music you like. Period.
And THAT's The Difference!
I've looked at many harmonica courses out there over the years and the problem I find is that they try to be all things to all people. They try to cover too many styles of music, or they try to explain complex musical theory, or they get carried away with jargon that leaves the student confused rather than educated. Sometimes they just take it for granted that the student has all the motivation he or she needs, and fails to encourage. Don't get me wrong... there are some good quality workshops, classes, and private tutoring sessions to be found, but most of the self-study courses fall short in one of these areas or another.
So, What Does This Course Cover?
This Beginner Blues Harmonica SuperTutor™ will help ANYONE learn to play harmonica music. This is an interactive multimedia program for use on a Mac or PC with QuickTime Player (Mac or PC) installed. The program consists of approximately 72 minutes of audio instruction with on-screen guide so you can follow along easily. It also includes 12 minutes of solid blues backup music that you can jam along with. There is also a handy Cross Harp Key Chart so you'll know which key of harp to use to play along with guitar music as you advance.
You can follow along start-to-finish or you can jump to the topical index and choose specific areas of instruction. It's up to you and how you learn best. The program covers care and maintenance of your harp, proper breathing, single note bends, chords, octaves, trills, trains, blues scale, phrasing, 12-bar blues structure, and much more.
How Much Is It, And How Can I Get One?
Beginner Blues Harmonica SuperTutor™ is available for immediate download for only $12.95 (US). By making this available exclusively online, I can keep production costs down and make this material afforable for anyone who wants to learn to play. This course is only available directly from this site, so there is no middleman to pay or shipping delays or fees. Order now to get started.
System Requirements?
This Beginner Blues Harmonica SuperTutor™ will help ANYONE learn to play harmonica music. This is an interactive multimedia program for use on a Mac or PC with the free QuickTime Player installed.
What Else Will I Need?
You will need an ordinary 10-hole Major Diatonic harmonica in the KEY OF "A" in order to play along with the audio CD. If you already have one, you're set to go; otherwise, you need to get one.
M. Hohner makes the "Old Standby" which is a good harp for anyone who wants to learn to play while keeping it on a budget. I recommend the Lee Oskar Pro-Design harmonica. It's more expensive, but it's a professional-quality instrument and one that will last you a lifetime. It has replacement reed plates that are easily changed out if a reed goes bad or you just flat wear it out! Either harmonica will work well for learning. You can get one at your local music store or order one online. Just be sure you ask for Key of "A" Major Diatonic; you can’t go wrong.
Get started today and you'll enjoy a lifetime of learning to play blues harmonica!
-Big Blue