Master the harmonica fast with this fun, easy guide Everybody loves the sound of a harmonica, and the thought of learning to play one is even more appealing. The instrument's portability, versatility, and affordability make it a great choice for those interested in learning how to produce the unmistakable, signature sound found in many styles of American music. With Harmonica For Dummies, you can learn to master the harmonica faster than you ever thought possible, even if you have little to no playing experience. This easy-to-use resource is filled with tips, tools, and instructions that will have you playing in no time.
In Harmonica For Dummies, you'll find an accessible format designed to help you access new techniques, songs, and styles of playing. Accompanying digital content and interactive tools will help you learn the nuances of playing harmonica and give you the know-how to use this versatile instrument to its fullest potential.
- Provides you with a high-quality, comprehensive instructional manual
- Instructs you with detailed instructions and tips to help you learn to play quickly
- Written in a clear, easy-to-understand format complete with accompanying audio/video content
- Helps you improve your playing and embrace the many musical styles that have made the harmonica an iconic instrument
The harmonica is a very accessible instrument, but only those with the right instruction and direction will be able to experience the joy of using it for accompaniment and solos. Let Harmonica For Dummies guide you through the learning process and make you a harmonica expert in a flash!
Table of Contents:
Introduction 1 Part I: Getting Started with Harmonica 5
Chapter 1: What Is This Thing Called Harp? 7
Chapter 2: Becoming a Harmonica Owner 13
Chapter 3: Making Your First Harmonica Sounds 29
Chapter 4: Relating to Notes, Scales, and Chords 51
Part II: Starting to Make Some Music 71
Chapter 5: I Hear a Melody: Playing Single Notes 73
Chapter 6: Shaping Your Sound 99
Chapter 7: Enhancing Your Sound with Your Tongue on the Harp 123
Chapter 8: Bending Notes 145
Chapter 9: Positions: Playing One Harp in Many Keys 173
Part III: Growing Beyond the Basics 195
Chapter 10: Fancy Playing: Developing Flair and Speed 197
Chapter 11: Mastering New Songs 215
Chapter 12: Behind the Hidden Treasure: Bending Notes Up 225
Part IV: Developing Your Style 241
Chapter 13: Rockin’ and Bluesin’ 243
Chapter 14: Expressing Yourself with Some Folk and Gospel Melodies 263
Chapter 15: Fiddlin’ the Night Away with Traditional Dance Tunes 279
Part V: Taking It to the World 295
Chapter 16: Putting It All Together — Your Tunes, Your Band, Your Listeners 297
Chapter 17: Amplifying Your Sound 309
Chapter 18: Improving Your Harmonica with Repairs and Upgrades 323
Part VI: The Part of Tens 343
Chapter 19: Ten (Or More) Ways to Connect in the Harmonica World 345
Chapter 20: Way More Than Ten Harmonica Albums You Should Hear 353
Part VII: Appendixes 359
Appendix A: Tuning Layouts for All Keys 361
Appendix B: Audio Tracks and Video Clips 367
Index 377
About the Author :
Winslow Yerxa is a widely known and respected harmonica player, teacher, and author. He has written, produced, and starred in many harmonica book and video projects. He provides private harmonica instruction worldwide and currently teaches at The California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley, California.
