Learn How to Play the Harmonica
Fun Techniques for Learning to Play the Harmonica!
So you want to learn how to play the harmonica? On this page I reveal the number one, easiest secret I know for learning how to play the harmonica with a rich bluesy tone and solid rhythm by getting your mouth position right!
Learn the DEEP RELAXED MOUTH POSITION
Can you bend and make the harmonica sing with rich and soulful sounds or do your notes sometimes sound airy and squeaky? I’m asking because far too many intermediate level players get stuck with bad habits and find themselves frustrated, unable to play songs accurately, and discouraged when attempting to bend.
If you’ve been having a hard time learning to play harmonica, it’s likely you have not been using the Deep Relaxed Embouchure as seen in Figure 1 below.
| Figure 1: DO THIS | Figure 2: DON’T DO THIS |
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Unlike many harmonica teachers, I highly advise against tight puckering or tongue-blocking in the beginning or you will have a much harder time learning to bend. (BTW…bending is that crying, wailing, soul-melting sound that has made the harmonica famous.)
The truth is that tight puckering of the lips will get you off to a fast start but is ultimately a dead-end street. (I’m emphasizing this because I know you can succeed with the harmonica if you develop good habits right from the beginning.) click here to see a free video that teaches the Deep Relaxed Embouchure, or follow the steps below.
Step 1. Hold the harmonica in your right hand so the numbers are facing up (the lowest sounding note should be on your left). This is not the advanced hand technique but this will make it easier for now…first things first.
Step 2. Position the harmonica deep in your mouth. Relax and moisten your lips.
Step 3. Rotate the harmonica so that the back-side of the harmonica goes up towards the ceiling. The angling of the harmonica down into your lower lip is critical (see Figure 1 above).
Step 4. Use a mirror to check that your upper lip is deep over the harmonica as demonstrated in this picture…
| Step 4: Use a Mirror | Step 5: Unfold Your Lower Lip |
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Step 5 (Most important). Unfold your lower lip. Notice in the photograph how the lower lip is unfolded so that the harmonica is making contact with the inner surface of the lower lip. Compare step 4 and 5’s photographs and notice how shallow the lower lip is on the cover plate of the harmonica.
Step 6. Use your fingers to pull down the lower lip to make sure that the harmonica is contacting the tender inner surface of your lower lip.
Step 7. Look in a mirror to confirm
- 1. The upper lip is deep on the harmonica.
- 2. The lower lip is shallow on the harmonica.
- 3. The harmonica is contacting the inner surface of your lower lip.
- 4. The harmonica is angled down into the lower lip.
Congratulations! If you only learn this one thing today, you’ve made this visit worth your while and created the foundations for learning the harmonica the right way!
Comments (108)
Thomas
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Hi JP Allen,
I’ve been practicing this mouth position for 3 weeks and I can’t get the hang of it.
It seems like the lips are blocking half of the hole I was to blow into which makes blowing and drawing difficult, and that rich sound just disappears. What adjustments am I supposed to do?
THANKS!
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JP Allen
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Hey Thomas! I need to take a bit of a guess here because without seeing your technique it’s tricky. My guess is that you need to bring the corners of your lips closer together. This will serve the purpose of isolating the single note without covering so much it that “the sound disappears” (because you are covering half the hole.
What you can do is try taking your fingers and gently pinching the lower lip closer together. This will give you the feeling of bringing the corners of your lips closer together. Once you get the feeling naturally you will remove your fingers. Let me know if that helps.
For more help on this go to:
https://www.harmonica.com/single-notes-harmonica-4947.html
jp
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Thomas
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Dear JP Allen,
I REALLY want to play the harmonica & I keep watching your videos & I still don’t know how to play it right. What can I do to play it right so I can play it for my friends?
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JP Allen
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I would highly recommend giving my Happy Harpin’ lessons a try when your ready. https://www.harmonica.com/lessons I don’t usually suggest this to people right off the bat, but sounds like you are ready and have the passion to learn. jp
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Vincent
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Is your method for people with thin lips? I’ve been trying your method and when I pull my bottom lips together my harp pushes forward and it feels like I’m fighting to keep it deep in my mouth. It feels like it’s too close to my teeth and my upper lip is touching my nose. After 10 minutes my face and neck muscles are hurting. Is this beginner blues, is this normal or is my mouth shape not right for your methods? Please advise.
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JP Allen
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Hey Vincent, you have to just keep tweeking things slightly to get comfortable. It may be awkward at first, but keep working with the video. I have puffy lips by the way, definitely not thin. jp
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Adasia
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Hi I always wanted to play the harmonica and I have watched your videos but I can’t get the hang of it
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JP Allen
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Stick with it Adasia, if you are patient with yourself it’ll come. Have you checked out my free lessons and emails here: https://www.harmonica.com/go/fhl
Have fun! jp
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Carolyn
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What harmonica do you recommend for a beginner that has no music background at all?
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JP Allen
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Hi Carolyn,
I always highly recommend the Hohner Special 20 or the Hohner Bluesband if you need a more economical choice. Have fun…. JP
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Anna
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I’m getting very confused by you directions of how to relax your mouth and play the harmonica.
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JP Allen
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Don’t give up Anna. Try this: https://www.harmonica.com/how-to-play-the-harmonica-714.html
jp
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Bruce Begley
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Eagerly waiting for first lesson!
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Abhinav C
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Hey, I am buying a harmonica tomorrow, i am really interested in learning! What kind should i get, considering i am a beginner but one that i could use for a long time too, u know. Thanks!
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JP Allen
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I always recommend the Special 20 Key of C: https://www.harmonica.com/store/harmonica-hohner-special-20.php
jp
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Mike B.
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Thank you for helping me get things started. Your techniques have been the help I needed. I am able to play single notes & get to where I can play songs. I am able to learn enough songs now that I am able to enjoy playing. I have chosen a different route with my playing though, I am learning to play a 12 hole Marine band, but when things don’t sound right I will pull out the bluesband until things sound right then return to the 12 hole for the lower tones. Love the lower octaves the 12 hole give me, keeps me playing & practicing. Thanks again for all the free advice, will be buying your CD’s when funds are available for this hobby…
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JP Allen
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Right on Mike! Have fun with it. jp
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hemant
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i have got a 24 hole tremolo but dont know haw to play.can u please help me with it
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JP Allen
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I don’t teach Chromatic, diatonic is my specialty. If you live near Kent Ohio, Hal Walker would be the man to contact. jp
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SAMY
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Hi thank you jp again for you lessons .
you recommend to pinch the lips here but in your youtub video you don’t do it so can you tell me why please ?(sorry for my bad english
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JP Allen
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Pinching as opposed to puckering is something you can do to emphasize the deep relaxed mouth position and encourage your lips to cover the holes. jp
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Sadie Winkler
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Hi i really want to learn how to play the harmonica. so if you have more of these let me know thanks.
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JP Allen
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Make sure to subscribe to my emails, and when your ready Happy Harpin’ will take you there. jp
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Gary
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I have been playing for 2 weeks, and doing pretty good. It has helped that I have been able to play with someone on playing the piano with me. The way that you have shown the mouth position on the harmonica has given the most improvement I have seen, and it was an instant improvement. Thank you JP.
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JP Allen
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That’s great news! Keep up the good work Gary! jp
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savion
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hey jp i need your help on learning how to play the harmonica and i have watched your happy harping video and it helped a little how do i learn more i want to be able to play the blues for my grandad on his birthday
he loves the blues can you help me
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JP Allen
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If you have my Happy Harpin lessons that will be all you need. There’s some great blues licks in there. If you want to go a bit further with the blues try Breakthrough Blues: https://www.harmonica.com/blues/
jp
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Ric Potvin
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Hey JP.
I hold my harp in my right hand and not my left like I see in all the vids. It just feels better in my right hand. Is this odd or are there players that hold their harmonicas this way.
thanks,
Ric.
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JP Allen
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Holding the harp in your right hand like you’re doing is actually the “correct” position, although it’s all personal preference in the end. jp
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miles fidler
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What is the best harmonica for me to get to learn on. I am 87 and have always wanted to learn to play the harmonica. Thanks. Miles
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admin
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Hi Miles, you are never to old to learn to play harmonica! I always recommend the Hohner Bluesband. One is included with my lesson package here if you are interested: https://www.harmonica.com/lessons
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Rayesh pai
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Hey jp..
I got a harmonica, i got it as a gift.
Name: hero harmonica, shanghai, china..is it good???else if i want to buy a new one which one would u suggest?
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JP Allen
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It depends on what style of harmonica you want to learn. I believe the Hero is a 24 or 48 hole harmonica. I teach 10 hole diatonic in my lessons. I recommend the Special 20 and here’s why: https://www.harmonica.com/hohner-special-20-harmonica-h560-7001.html
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Jon
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I’m 48 yrs old and been learning some songs on YouTube I just recently
Purchased your lessons and love your technique
I’m glad I bought them, I practice all the time my wife and kids
Trying not to upset the family, I’m hoping I can be the player you are, I just love the harmonica, can’t wait to play some Muddy Waters and others
Thanks JP
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JP Allen
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Hey Jon, I’m really happy to hear you’re enjoying the lessons. keep it up! jp
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cris
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hey jp i just watch ur free video lesson in the website. i bought one already(c/g) im a beginner.plz advise me if i need to buy another harmonica to start.
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JP Allen
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Hey Cris, I always recommend the Hohner Special 20 if you are willing to make the investment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1YfullLMVU jp
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vale fernandez
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Please help me I have harmonica and it is a 24 holed harmonica and i dont get how to play it.
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JP Allen
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I teach 10 hole diatonic harmonica. I’d be happy to teach you that Vale. jp
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Caitlin
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Hi I see lots of men play but not girls why?
I have a 16 hole harmonica is it good and how do I use it
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JP Allen
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Boy I wish I knew Caitlin. I teach 10-hole diatonic. jp
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shivam s bhandari
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hi ! jp i am an asthmatic patient but always wanted to learn harmonica. sometimes i feel daisy after playing it for long should i continue?
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JP Allen
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Hey Shivam, dizziness is a natural sensation for any beginner. Take it slow, but I encourage you to continue. Harmonica is great for any breathing disorder. jp
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AJ
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Hi JP, Thanks a lot for all your lessons. I have recently started learning harmonica and I bought myself a Hohner 10 Holes Diatonic harmonica. I went through many lessons on You Tube. Most of them are very descriptive and very nice, and many of them are by known harp players as well. However, in your website you are emphasizing on a different technique of playing harp ( shallow lower lip and deep upper lip) vs the in-famous Puckering technique.
The videos I watched till now shows puckering as the best technique, and I too feel it very comfortable. Is there any disadvantage using puckering in long run, like while playing bends and all ? Just curious to know why u r endorsing this new technique over Puckering, any ” Harp Science” logic ?
And, I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge with people like me. I appreciate all your efforts. Good Luck !! Thank You!!
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JP Allen
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Hey AJ, here is a link to my explanation of the Deep Relaxed Mouth Postion. https://www.harmonica.com/how-to-play-the-harmonica-714.html jp
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Arafaat Qureshi
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i can’t play the songs tunes
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Emma
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I cant get a single note what should i do???
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JP Allen
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Keep trying Emma. It’s not easy, but you will get it. jp
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Alan mathew
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hii allen… i got a 10C harmonica.. but i dont know how to play this.. help me allen plese…
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JP Allen
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Try my free lessons on my website Alan…www.harmonica.com.
jp
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Indronil
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Hey! My mouth organ is of silver colour with red border.
It has ‘Nightingale’ written on it. It has 10 holes.
How to start playing tunes on it?
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JP Allen
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I’m not familiar with a Nightingale and just looked at an internet picture…doesn’t seem like a standard diatonic 10 hole harmonica, I’m assuming the layout of where the notes are is different. I recommend getting a Hohner Special 20, my fav. jp
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Justin
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Which key harmonica sounds the “blueziest”.
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JP Allen
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I recommend an A harp played in the key of E. If that sounds confusing to the beginner, google it on youtube and I bet you’ll find a lot of instructionals videos there. jp
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Vibs
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Hello Sir,
i have a 2540/48 C Ocean star(hohner).
What type of a mouth organ is it?
What are the different types of harmonicas & how to differentiate between them?
Even though i can play this organ(which i leared on my own) i wish to dive into the blues.what do you suggest sir?
Also,now i wish to learn ir professionally with the tabulature & various techniques!!
I am fuelling with passion!! I need help!!
Hope to hear from you soon!!
Thanks
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JP Allen
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An Ocean Star is a tremelo harmonica used in Asia and Scotland. For blues I recommend a Hohner Special 20, a 10 hole diatonic harmonica. A chromatic harmonica is easily able to play any note on a keyboard. A bass harmonica is low in pitch. A chord harmonica and a harmonetta play chords. Hope that helps. jp
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jeanee
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I have 16 hole d harmonica. You know where to learn it?
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JP Allen
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You need to find someone who teaches chromatic harmonica Jeanee. I would be happy to teach you the 10-hole diatonic. jp
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charlie t
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Hi JP,
I have enjoyed using your jam along CD, purchased as part of your course.
In it you suggest we check out http://www.freeharmonicalessons.com/guitar.html, for instruction on guitar accompaniment. This link just takes me to harmonica.com and I can’t find any mention of guitar.
Is there a new web address for that material or have you discontinued it.
Thanks, Charlie
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JP Allen
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Sorry but it has been discontinued Charlie…my apologies. jp
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amged elmasry
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Hi jp allen.By an accident i bought a harmonica of key G so can i learn from your lessons by this harmonica? And does its phrases change or its the same?
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JP Allen
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Hey Amged…My lessons are in the key of C, so you would not be able to follow along in the key of G. jp
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connor
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Hi jp. I have always wanted to learn harmonica, I bought one and can even beatboxing with it but that’s it. I watched all your videos and I can play single holes great and even do the tucka toodle thing. I’m currently at university in Wales. As you can understand money is ttight,however learning on my own is slow going, and I dont have the time a prison inmate has. So are your cds everything I would need to get to a good standard so I could play with my mate and his guitar.
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JP Allen
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Hey Connor, I can confidently say, yes, Happy Harpin’ will get you to a great place for jamming along with your mate and learning some fine harmonica skills. I say go for it. jp
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Sumegh. T
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I think I didn’t have a proper harmonica …..is it common to take extra efforts in playing lower or upper tone’s….please guide me….
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JP Allen
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You need a harp in the key of C. Preferably a Hohner Special 20 or Hohner Bluesband for starters. jp
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Mary
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Thanks I know how to play it now
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JP Allen
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Right on Mary! jp
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sasan
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woooooooooow
You’re the best teacher harmonica, I’ve seen
Thanks for Harmonica Video Lesson. I Really appreciate it
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JP Allen
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Thanks Sasan! jp
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yusuf
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i have a 24 hole harmonica , j p can you please teach me how to play.
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JP Allen
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Sorry Yusuf, but I only teach 10 hole diatonic. jp
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bahar
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hi i wanted to learn how to play harminca ?
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JP Allen
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Right on Bahar, give it a shot. jp
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Aaron
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i have 10 hole blues power swan harmonica i want to learn how to play it and play any song plz help
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JP Allen
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Hi Aaron, sounds like you are ready to check out my harmonica lessons: https://www.harmonica.com/lessons/
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Iemservan
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Master Allen! I need some help. For the first time in my life i purchase my first harmonica. I need some help. I just bought 16 hole harmonica with both side C and G. I want to play Russian National Anthem using it. I need your help. I confuse about the hole. Please help me.
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JP Allen
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The 16 hole is a chromatic harmonica and I only teach the 10 hole diatonic. sorry I can’t help with this one. jp
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Tanmoy Ghosh
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plzzzzzz suggest me how to play 24 holes chromatic mouth orgen with image diagram…the sargam.
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JP Allen
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I only teach the 10 hole diatonic harmonica. I’m sorry I can’t help you with your chromatic. jp
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Jim J
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JP, I am a 66 yr young former guitar player – former because my hands no longer work the way they used to. Since that option is no longer available I decided to break out my old harps and really try to learn to play something other than just chords. I have looked at all of your free offerings and they have helped a lot, but I know I need more to get to where I want to be. Do you offer a scholarship program? 🙂 Will be ordering as soon as I can comfortably afford it.
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Sagar
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Hy I have swan 24 holes harmonica. I want to know is it easy to play?? I’m beginer I don’t know anything about harmonica plzzz tell mee
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JP Allen
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That all depends on the player…you have a chromatic harp. I teach and play the 10-hole diatonic. If you decide to give it a try I can teach you. jp
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anurag
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what is note in harmonica?
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JP Allen
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There are many notes on the harmonica, can you please clarify your question? jp
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Aditya
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i have Hohner, Harmonica, Ocean Star /Key C M254001S.
is it best for beginner??
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JP Allen
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That’s a good harmonica…my most recommended though is the Hohner Special 20. jp
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Ananth
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Hello…i bought my harmonica recently and i want to know where to start?
can anyone please help me?
there are no tutions available around my place.
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JP Allen
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Hey Ananth, start with my free lessons on my website https://www.harmonica.com. I also have a bunch of youtube tutorials that should keep you busy for a bit. jp
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Kevin
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I bought a 24 hole c key, diatonic harmonica. I need to learn from the scratch. Kindly give details
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JP Allen
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Sounds like you have a chromatic. Diatonic are 10 hole harmonicas. jp
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terang
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Hi.. allen my name is terang and i m passionate about harmonica. I would like you to give me some tips on how to accompany harmonica with a guitar…
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JP Allen
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Hey Terang, I suggest getting a harmonica holder and start out by playing some easy folk songs in the key of C with only 3 chord changes so you get used to playing along. jp
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Danielle
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On every website I’ve been on say to cover the holes with your mouth but when I try it does not work it just makes a gurgling sound! What am I doing wrong?
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JP Allen
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Hey Danielle, try out my “How to play single notes” on my website. Or better yet try my Happy Harpin’ lessons and you will be sure to get it right. jp
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Raphael
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I Can Nw Play The Mouth Organ Fluently, Im A Nigerian
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JP Allen
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Right on Raphael! jp
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Chetan
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Hi Allen I am Chetan, I have a hero 48 hole harmonica. I am desperate to learn but can’t find a proper link to learn.. Can you help me out with the proper link or notes.
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stutee
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Sir I m from India.l m a good trumpet player but now I want to learn harmonica so can you tell me some special tricks how to play harmonica very well.I m waiting for your reply sir
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JP Allen
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Please check out my website: https://www.harmonica.com and scroll through the free lessons. I also have a lot of free lessons on youtube. Hope that helps. jp
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Seema
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Hi,Actually I had an interest of playing a mouth organ and as such I purchased one a year or 2 back.Moreover I wanted to do it for my dad as he likes the melancholic tune produced by it but unfortunately I was not able to play it due to lack of assistance and proper guidance which is a must for the same.Today I was just scrolling down the net and was able to reach here where there is some hope of help regarding the same.How could I get your help?
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JP Allen
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I’d love to get you started Seema. Just go to my website https://www.harmonica.com and you can scroll under “lessons” and you will find all my free lessons there as well as a link to my Happy Harpin’ lessons when you are ready. Also if you go to my youtube page you will find lots of free lessons there. Have fun!! jp
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MOHAMAD REZA
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hi dear jp
if i want road map to learning harmonica step by step , how u plan it!? like this:
1.single note 2.second and 3th positions
3.bend notes 4. chugging and rythm playing
…
???? please plan it for me thank u
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JP Allen
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Starting with Single notes would be tricky. First step is to work on the deep relaxed mouth position and then playing basic syllables or rhythm patterns. Have you checked out all my free lessons on my website? Go to: https://www.harmonica.com. Also Happy Harpin’ will get you on your way when you’re ready. jp
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piyush thapa
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Dear, JP Allen I’ m the beginner for harmonica learner and I belong from Nepal. I have watched your video and I want to learn harmonica.
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JP Allen
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Great! Let’s do it! jp
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Zach
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If I’m using a rack to hold the harmonica while I play, how do I get the harmonica angled down in my bottom lip? Or do you have to pucker when using a rack?
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JP Allen
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Hi Zach, you’ll want to get a rack that can tilt the harmonica position. Check out the Hohner FlexRack MZ2010, or Suzuki SHH-10R, or the Farmer SideNote!
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