This is an awesome list, and very helpful. If I can add to #3 - if you do compare yourself to anyone, compare yourself to... yourself. And rather than say "I'm not nearly as good as I'd like to be", say "Wow, I'm a lot better than I was." Let your own improvements on the instrument inspire you.
My first harp lesson was with Big Walter Horton. It was a group lesson at the Old Town School Of Folk Music in Chicago. You seem to be a Big Walter fan. He looked like he was 90 years old then (he was 60) . He had to be helped around. He taught us one lick which I have forgotten....but I can still say I got my first lesson from a legend.
Thank you for this one. I went down the list and great advise. For me, I listen my butt off before trying any lick or song. I've amassed all keys though out the near 3 years I've been playing. I use them ALL. I was at a jam a while back and 2 harp players that have a few more years on me asked what my style was because they couldn't figure out who I was emulating. My answer was " It's my style". They looked at each other and walked off slightly puzzled. Bottom line ... Learn some riffs then play with them and make them "Your style". Keep on harpin'. Vince.
Hey Tomlin, I greet you across the pond from Germany. I've had a blues harp since Thursday, I'm older :-) and want to learn. Your videos are great fun and easy to understand. Thanks very much! Happy harping!
Excellent as ever Tomlin Excellent as ever Tomlin. I Found the last tip particularly useful, as I tend to tell myself I'm doing something wrong if I use a note outside the blues scale, even if, to my ears its sounds good. You've given me the confidence to ignore my worries. Cheers! :)
Hey Tomlin I'm one of your students online through your harmonica school. Just now (December 11, 2021) ran across this post of yours. I have to say, that in addition to being a great teacher, you are a mind-reader!! You caught me on lots of these. I will mend my ways.....
Thanks for the lesson. It all makes sense and I think I try to follow all the 8 parts you cover except # 7. As far as I know I don't really struggle to play the rhythm if I can get to the notes of the song or rift. For lots of new stuff I have to get the notes in my head and then practice getting to them in time to (be in time:) play the rhythm. I'm always pushing to play the rhythm and it gets there as soon as I'm hitting the notes. Once I'm comfortable hitting the right notes the rhythm is good. Not denying your advice it right, but i don't know that I can make it work. I do listen to what I'm trying to learn at all parts of the process... Thanks
Great explanation of the mistakes that happen during the learning process. I saw several I am guilty of.... I really enjoy and learn a lot from your channel. Looking forward to your next video...!
Cheers and a Very Happy & Prosperous 2021 Tomlin! Awesome list brother! I particularly related to list items 4, 6, & 7 (CRUCIAL points!) and totally agreed with closing item number 8! ---- If it sounds "good" Play It! You have the "Teacher's Gift" Tomlin... It truly is your calling! Happy Harping! Cheers!
I am in advanced overblow overdraw player and even I think that this advice is fantastic! All of these tips can apply to player of all levels and of all instruments in some way shape or form great vid!
Great tips Tomlin. The first one on listening has become so important for my learning. I have to hear it in my head first to then be able to play those notes. Thanks for all your help
Omg, that is sooooo right re: listening. You have helped me SOOOO much. I'll be 60 next month and I'm enjoying playing and *usually* I'm not fantasizing about becoming world's best. What I'm working on are THE SPACES between notes and also playing along to recordings and NOT making entire song my harmonica solo (if you follow my meaning). (Laughing) Besides the obvious (e.g., NOT drowning out vocalist) it seems what you play and when YOU DON'T PLAY is a matter of taste and mindfulness....right? Thank you!!
A mistake I made as a beginner was avoiding the 2 draw note and using the 3 blow instead. I could bend the 2 draw but couldn't get a clean straight note easily so I didn't bother trying for the first 3 or 4 years!
Really useful advice - thanks Tomlin. I have a question on shape of the comb and reed plates: What is the effect of some reed plates protruding out beyond the comb (at the playing side of the instrument) and some reed plates being at the same plane or slightly away from the comb front. How will this affect new players when playing and does it cause an issue with getting a seal when blowing through the comb?
Hi Tomlin... 2020 was a real bummer but now we're entering 2021 and I'm back with you and these wonderful video clips you produce. All eight tips will certainly get me back in the groove. All the best.
Thanks for the videos, Tomlin. They help me very much in my dream of playing the harmonica. Virtually all the good advice I get is from you. Thank you!
lol trust my ears, to my ears all bends sound accurate, tone sounds nice. But then i hear the recording , and i sound nothing like what i'm hearing. this is one reason i would like to be amplified , purely for that real time feedback. not sure if anyone else suffers with this
Hey Tomlin thank you for your video.. and Mistakes n.9 .. "i cannot bend".. damit ... i watched all the video on youtube.. your was the first and after 1week.. no bends.. i can play single notes.. i play harmonica since 15 days.. but i didn't thought it would be so hard to bend notes..
Excellent points Tomlin :) I too especially like the part about "practicing other keys". Although I myself prefer lower keyed harps, I still (gladly) use the other ones. (Some songs just need that higher voice). In the long run, I truly believe that playing in all keys will improve your overall chops and tone :) Happy New Year my friend, hope all is well
It is hard to find a beginner teacher. I am 40 yr drummer, 30 year guitar, only med or expert lessons on harp it seems available. So again I will have to teach my self another instrament. Won't live long enough to learn piano. Ha. This is a great time to learn musiuc #2112
Happy 2021! My new years resolution is to practice 7 hours a week. An hour each day. On the point of #3. Iv found focusing to much on getting good have made practicing a chore. Playing nursery rhymes and zelda tunes to my children reignites that passion for playing for me.
Hello tomlin! I'm from Brazil and watch all your videos, I wish I could study with you, I did the foundation course and It's awesome, the issue is that is impossible to pay in euros 'cause reais is a pretty bad coin... Do you give classes to people in Brazil? How is it? Thank you in advance! best
Thx for this. I need an F harp for Supertramp's "Home by Another Way" My prob? I SPIT to much and I blow my harps out Talk about that, please. Thx mate
When you think it might be fun to try new one. Just do not buy a new harmonica and assume it might solve problems. I started with C and A (they were recommended for a course I took). When I felt comfortable with those I started to extend. I am nowhere near a professional level but it still is fun to experience a tune played in different keys. Of course it´s also a budget issue.
🎵 Just starting out on harmonica? Join my FREE Blues Harmonica Foundation Course here 👉 foxly.link/p5ugYk
This is an awesome list, and very helpful. If I can add to #3 - if you do compare yourself to anyone, compare yourself to... yourself. And rather than say "I'm not nearly as good as I'd like to be", say "Wow, I'm a lot better than I was." Let your own improvements on the instrument inspire you.
Great suggestion Dan!
I compare myself to others, but to the the people who say they'd like to play and instrument but never put in the effort.
My first harp lesson was with Big Walter Horton. It was a group lesson at the Old Town School Of Folk Music in Chicago. You seem to be a Big Walter fan.
He looked like he was 90 years old then (he was 60) . He had to be helped around. He taught us one lick which I have forgotten....but I can still say I got my first lesson from a legend.
Thank you for this one. I went down the list and great advise. For me, I listen my butt off before trying any lick or song. I've amassed all keys though out the near 3 years I've been playing. I use them ALL. I was at a jam a while back and 2 harp players that have a few more years on me asked what my style was because they couldn't figure out who I was emulating. My answer was " It's my style". They looked at each other and walked off slightly puzzled. Bottom line ... Learn some riffs then play with them and make them "Your style". Keep on harpin'. Vince.
I particularly appreciate your explanation on playing high keys alone vs in a band. It makes sense of things I'd been wondering about.
Thanks Tom!
Honest advise as always
When I first started I had no intention of being any good at it. But loved doing it. I got good because I loved playing
Yessss, thks so much for explaining!
Thanks for your experiences ❤
Love the new look of your video
Cheers for the videos🤟 really helpful
I really enjoy your lessons and advice
Hey Tomlin, I greet you across the pond from Germany. I've had a blues harp since Thursday, I'm older :-) and want to learn. Your videos are great fun and easy to understand. Thanks very much! Happy harping!
just started learning harmonica at the age 32 and really enjoining your videos. thanks for all the information you put out.
Thank you My Guy!
Excellent as ever Tomlin
Excellent as ever Tomlin. I Found the last tip particularly useful, as I tend to tell myself I'm doing something wrong if I use a note outside the blues scale, even if, to my ears its sounds good. You've given me the confidence to ignore my worries. Cheers! :)
Thank you❤❤❤❤
Many thanx!
your videos are soooo good ❤
Great start of the year! So great to have you back.
Hi Tomlin. Once again a very helpful lesson. Putting down the harmonica and listening many times is perhaps the most difficult thing.
Excellent
Thanks a lot for the advise.
Hey Tomlin
I'm one of your students online through your harmonica school. Just now (December 11, 2021) ran across this post of yours. I have to say, that in addition to being a great teacher, you are a mind-reader!! You caught me on lots of these. I will mend my ways.....
Great insights thanks !
Thanks, Tomlin -- this is one of your best! Great tips applicable to players at every level, even professionals.
Excellent advice. Thanks Tomlin.
Thanks for the lesson. It all makes sense and I think I try to follow all the 8 parts you cover except # 7. As far as I know I don't really struggle to play the rhythm if I can get to the notes of the song or rift. For lots of new stuff I have to get the notes in my head and then practice getting to them in time to (be in time:) play the rhythm. I'm always pushing to play the rhythm and it gets there as soon as I'm hitting the notes. Once I'm comfortable hitting the right notes the rhythm is good. Not denying your advice it right, but i don't know that I can make it work. I do listen to what I'm trying to learn at all parts of the process...
Thanks
Damned good advice! Peter M
Tomlin, thumbs up! Concise and to the point :)
Great explanation of the mistakes that happen during the learning process.
I saw several I am guilty of....
I really enjoy and learn a lot from your channel.
Looking forward to your next video...!
Cheers and a Very Happy & Prosperous 2021 Tomlin!
Awesome list brother! I particularly related to list items 4, 6, & 7 (CRUCIAL points!) and totally agreed with closing item number 8! ---- If it sounds "good" Play It!
You have the "Teacher's Gift" Tomlin... It truly is your calling!
Happy Harping!
Cheers!
Aw thanks Jack - I really appreciate that!!
Fantastic advice that and breaking down melodies in stead of playing all the way through Leck at a time thanks
Happy New Years, excited to have you back! Always helpful information!
Very cool. Appreciate the tips TL.
I am in advanced overblow overdraw player and even I think that this advice is fantastic! All of these tips can apply to player of all levels and of all instruments in some way shape or form great vid!
Great tips Tomlin. The first one on listening has become so important for my learning. I have to hear it in my head first to then be able to play those notes. Thanks for all your help
great video tomlin!!
Top notch info! I have some things to work on.
Brilliant Tomlin. And much of this applies to all instruments. Lesley
Omg, that is sooooo right re: listening. You have helped me SOOOO much.
I'll be 60 next month and I'm enjoying playing and *usually* I'm not fantasizing about becoming world's best.
What I'm working on are THE SPACES between notes and also playing along to recordings and NOT making entire song my harmonica solo (if you follow my meaning). (Laughing)
Besides the obvious (e.g., NOT drowning out vocalist) it seems what you play and when YOU DON'T PLAY is a matter of taste and mindfulness....right?
Thank you!!
*are
Great video’s . Do you do one specifically for playing harmonica that in a neck frame, as I also play ukulele banjo. Regards Tony
Ugh iv learned so much so quick and iv hit this stopping point. I'm not learning anything. It's discouraging.
thank you Tomlin, you're a very good teacher
Great video tomlin I definitely need to take note of a couple of these some great pointers as well .. keep the vids coming
A mistake I made as a beginner was avoiding the 2 draw note and using the 3 blow instead.
I could bend the 2 draw but couldn't get a clean straight note easily so I didn't bother trying for the first 3 or 4 years!
Really useful advice - thanks Tomlin. I have a question on shape of the comb and reed plates: What is the effect of some reed plates protruding out beyond the comb (at the playing side of the instrument) and some reed plates being at the same plane or slightly away from the comb front. How will this affect new players when playing and does it cause an issue with getting a seal when blowing through the comb?
Hi Tomlin... 2020 was a real bummer but now we're entering 2021 and I'm back with you and these wonderful video clips you produce. All eight tips will certainly get me back in the groove. All the best.
I love the way you presented this video, Tomlin. You've made it very interesting.
Thanks for watching! Don’t forget to ‘Subscribe’ and turn on notifications to never miss another Harmonica video. :-)
Thanks, Tomlin! ! I learn a lot from you
Just starting to play harmonica. Im glad i found your videos!
Yup me too. I have a problem with the tong block technique ,it s really hard ...
Spot on Sir. Thank you for this. (prints page) Play on:) Gotta go see some Delacroix now:)
Thanks for the videos, Tomlin. They help me very much in my dream of playing the harmonica. Virtually all the good advice I get is from you. Thank you!
An Excellent video, Thank you Tomlin
Thanks Tomlin. Guilty of all 8 !!! HarmonicaUK could do with you as a Zoom Performer - have they contacted you ?
Thank you, Tomlin. Great advice!
Excellent job
Tomlin I had an review request regarding of seydel big six harmonicas and baby fat harmonicas from
China like a cigar box guitar
What's that lovely little Fender looking Amp you got there bro?
Some great advice there Tomlin 👍
Happy new year, great video.
lol trust my ears, to my ears all bends sound accurate, tone sounds nice. But then i hear the recording , and i sound nothing like what i'm hearing. this is one reason i would like to be amplified , purely for that real time feedback. not sure if anyone else suffers with this
liked what you said about rhythm, hit home for me
Hey Tomlin thank you for your video.. and Mistakes n.9 .. "i cannot bend".. damit ... i watched all the video on youtube.. your was the first and after 1week.. no bends.. i can play single notes.. i play harmonica since 15 days.. but i didn't thought it would be so hard to bend notes..
Excellent points Tomlin :)
I too especially like the part about "practicing other keys". Although I myself prefer lower keyed harps, I still (gladly) use the other ones. (Some songs just need that higher voice). In the long run, I truly believe that playing in all keys will improve your overall chops and tone :)
Happy New Year my friend, hope all is well
Aw cheers buddy! Looking forward to catching up with you soon :-)
It is hard to find a beginner teacher. I am 40 yr drummer,
30 year guitar, only med or expert lessons on harp it seems available.
So again I will have to teach my self another instrament. Won't live long enough to learn piano. Ha.
This is a great time to learn musiuc #2112
Happy 2021! My new years resolution is to practice 7 hours a week. An hour each day. On the point of #3. Iv found focusing to much on getting good have made practicing a chore. Playing nursery rhymes and zelda tunes to my children reignites that passion for playing for me.
Hello tomlin! I'm from Brazil and watch all your videos, I wish I could study with you, I did the foundation course and It's awesome, the issue is that is impossible to pay in euros 'cause reais is a pretty bad coin... Do you give classes to people in Brazil? How is it? Thank you in advance! best
I thought from your thumbnail picture that you was wearing a mildly dark lipstick and make for hehe I think I need to go to Specsavers hehe
Avoiding high keys - that sounds like me :/)
Thx for this. I need an F harp for Supertramp's "Home by Another Way" My prob? I SPIT to much and I blow my harps out Talk about that, please. Thx mate
I already did here - ua-cam.com/video/sUQA77An1wI/v-deo.html
Agree, 99% of the chances are pointing to the indigenous, not the arrow.
Lol, again the 1 thumb down, the hater is still alive!!
I have done all 8 of these mistakes, lol.
Me too!
At what level should you start playing different keys?
When you think it might be fun to try new one. Just do not buy a new harmonica and assume it might solve problems. I started with C and A (they were recommended for a course I took). When I felt comfortable with those I started to extend. I am nowhere near a professional level but it still is fun to experience a tune played in different keys. Of course it´s also a budget issue.
Max gave you great advice!
Everytime I try bending, after 5min I feel like I ran for 5km
NUMBER ONE MISTAKE.....FINDING A ....TEACHER THAT HAS...NO....INTEGRITY!!!!!.....BUYER BEWARE!!!!
rhythm is not my friend and this is bad!
2020 was a load of wank!
number 2 is my downfall.
he says not take too seriously, translated, refuse to listen to voice of discouragement in your head, tell it to shut the **&* up.