10 years of blues harp lessons on YouTube! 

I found your vids during a very dark time of my life. My wife and I had just had twins, one of which was diagnosed with Autism. One night at 3:00 AM, after scouring the web for Autism resources, I searched RU-vid for "Crossroads Blues" thinking I'd find Clapton. I found yours instead. That lead me to pick my harp back up. I think I've watched every single vid of yours and now play every single day. Playing harp is my personal place in this crazy mixed up world. I wouldn't have it if you hadn't made your RU-vid vids. My life would be less. Thank you, thank you, thank you @kudzurunner

Adam, I’m 71 years old and always felt the blues. Even my favorite rock songs are bluesy in nature. After the loss of my wife 2 years ago, I decided I wanted to learn an instrument to fill my time; something I could carry with me on my camping trips. I decided on the blues harp and started searching RU-vid for instruction and found you. In your lessons and videos, you come across as ‘a friend’; someone I have known for years. I’ve only been at it for two weeks but I’m learning, slow but sure. Thank you for your lessons, wisdom, and knowledge. Best regards, Mike Scherer

Hi Adam, I started playing harmonica at 18, I turned 54 last year. I played for 6 months before my teacher got into a band and I never saw him again. I tried to teach myself through a series of books (this was back in the late 70's early 80's....no internet) and I failed horribly. I put the harp down and didn't pick it again for another 32 years. 32 wasted years is a gigantic waste of time. For my 50th birthday, my amazing, darling, incredible, one-of-a-kind wife sent me (a surprise I might add) to Jon Gindick's harmonica Jam Camp in Sept. of 2012. It was a life-changing experience for me. I've started practicing regularly and one of the first videos I came across in a search was "instant naked raw brutal blues" which (when you slapped the camera) made me laugh out loud for 2 minutes straight...I've been a huge fan of yours ever since. Thank you!! You, Ronnie, Jason, Tom and all the other guys who give so much away for free, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a great example of giving back. By the way....I still pretty much suck, but I have great passion and have already started sharing what little I know to a dear friend who has always wanted to learn. Some day, I hope to play something for you. Thank you again for everything......James

mr. Gussow, unlike a lot of your other viewers it wasn't your harmonica lessons that first brought me to your channel, it was your lectures on the history of the Blues in America that grabbed my attention. I've always been a big fan of the Blues and I've always been interested in them as a form of cultural expression in America I found your lectures very interesting so much so that I watched three hours worth in one shot. anyway thanks for sharing the history of the Blues with all the blues fans all over the world.

Adam i started playing harp when i turned 50 been playing 6 years my son played in a band they would practice at the house, i said to my self i got to learn how to play something ,anything so i got a harp found your video . i learned so much i liked how you talked about feeling,and respect for the blues.and about to make it your sound , i have so many stories to tell, first time on stage ,recording , playing in a band, playing with my son and his wife on stage, there are no words ,tears of joy.... i herd you say on a video one time , I am the man or will see if i am the man ......I will tell you , you are the man , i could not have done any of this with out your kind of teaching . happy 10 years , best wishes to you and the family . thanks so much.....................

Hi I'm Kevin now 62yrs old and yes you started me on my harmonica road But not that long ago I have been only playing for 4yrs and I am still Learning from you So I give you a Personal Big Thank you From me, I will keep playing as long as I can Cheers.from the UK.

Congrats Adam - the original and the best :)

I honestly believe i would have never actually applied myself to harmonica if not for stumbling upon your vids 2 years ago. I have learned so much, if I wasn't so broke, Ii would gladly pay for what i have learned for free. I can't imagine what you could possibly holding back. Thank you. In short I owned 3 harmonicas for roughly 25 years or more but only made noise while concentrating on driving. Never bothered to even try to learn. I mostly made noise and blew cigarette smoke through them. Well now i am approaching intermediate and have a new vice that helps me forget picking up tobacco for those same 2 years.

Hi Adam the first lesson was How to play a Slow Blues Mississippi Gussow 2007. I when and brought my fist harp in 2014 age 47 after loosing my sight in 2009, since then I have drove my wife and my Guide Dog insane with my obsession with Blues Harmonica .i would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Merry seed you in Edinburg last year as I was on holiday., but hope to meet you one day and show you what I have learned from the master. Best Wishes Tony.

I owned a harmonica when I was 18 and gave up on it after a couple of months. Fast Forward 36 years. After seeing J Geils live for the first time, and finding Adam's website I asked for a harp as an anniversary gift. I bought Adam's Beginner Deluxe package and have been playing for 2 years. Learning slowly but surely. REALLY wish I had taken it seriously as an 18 year old, no easily accessible instruction back then, and I wasn't really hooked on the blues yet! Thanks to you Adam, hope we cross paths someday soon.

I was seriously sick with a terrible autoimmune disease. Out of work, on disability, and really struggling in life. (in my young 30s). Even had trouble breathing while at rest. Always had some interest in the harp, but never acted on it. Saw your Sanford and son video on the street and knew I had to give it my best. As I learned the harp, my breathing got better, and i got physically better. I have since made a full recovery and harp practice is one of my favorite parts of the day. my ultimate goal is to play well and hit that foot set up like gussow. I have watched countless videos on your impressive music, educational speeches, and of course the great instructional videos. To say that your videos have been an inspiration would be an understatement. Thanks Adam!!!!!!

I found your RU-vid page in March of 2009. I had just picked up the harp, and I did a search for, "Free Blues Harmonica Lessons." As if by divine providence, yours was the first video I found, and since then, I can barely begin to describe how much my life has been enriched...both monetarily and spiritually. I started a band with some fellow regulars at the local jam session; we've played more paid gigs than I can easily count...in several different cities...and more importantly, we're like family. I've also played several one-man band gigs, busked the streets of Portland, Oregon, and made about forty videos...influenced and inspired directly by my exposure to Satan & Adam. I won't be quitting my day job anytime soon, *but* in 2016, I actually earned enough as a musician that I'm going to have to declare it on my taxes. :-) To top it all off, I now have the honor of calling people like Jon Gindick and Jason Ricci my friends; in fact, Jason and I were chatting on Facebook just a couple of hours ago. The first time I saw Jason play, I thought about just giving up and throwing my harp away...and now we're buddies! I never would have dreamed something like that could happen. Most importantly, I was invited to teach a three-month harmonica unit at the local elementary school...two years in a row...and some of them really started getting good! Much of what I taught _them_ is what _you_ have taught _me_. In fact, one of the kids even got up the nerve to stand up in front of the whole 5th & 6th Grade and demonstrate your "nucka tucka" train technique...at a pretty impressive speed, complete with a train whistle on the 4 & 5 Draw...in elementary school! Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes, not just because I'm proud of the kids and not just because I'm proud of myself as their teacher, but because I'm proud to be part of _your_ legacy, to share with the next generation what you have shared with me...and now I'm full-on crying. Thank you so much for helping me, as you said in the "Satan & Adam" trailer, "...to become *me."

Hey Adam. Just wanted to say a massive thank you!!! 10 years, I can't believe it. The 22 of Feb is my birthday and I've been following your lessons since day 1 (I got my first harmonica for the xmas just before), I was a complete beginner back then. These days I play regularly with 2 bands (and occasionally with others), I spend my summers traveling to play at festivals all over the UK and Europe. I've recorded on several sessions for other artists, had the chance to play at the Royal Albert Hall in London in a band supporting Imelda May. I've taught classes and private students. Most importantly, however playing the harp has been the door for so many adventures, all over the world - Being able to sit in and play with musicians in France, Spain, Portugal, Australia, Thailand, Senegal, the USA and many other places has meant I've been able to connect with people, often without a shared language, and enabled me to see sides of the world I might never have otherwise. Music, and the harmonica specifically, has had a significant impact on my life and experiences over the last 10 years and I'm still enjoying it and learning all the time. This is all stuff you can't buy, and could never have imagined when I started blowing awful sounds 10 years ago. I can't tell you how important this journey has been for me - thank you doesn't sound like enough. All the best. Baker!

Hi Adam, I have been watching you videos on and off for the last couple of years. Lately I have ended up off work with a torn tendon injury which is taking a lo g time to heal and I have picked up my harmonica again. Today I sat in my beat up old car down by the river and taught myself Floyd's Hotel. Two thing I found tgat always help with healing are music and spending time in natural surroundings. Watching your videos & playing harmonica have became part of my new daily routine.

I learned to play Red River Valley when I was like 10. I started being a frontman in a show band because of my voice and ability to MC the star. I learned to be a better harp player on stage. I had never learned to practice. Until I was much older. and wanted to be a better harp, guitar player. I'm now 63 and still playing out..Getting better by the song. I still have a hard time remembering what I have learned and apply it.. Old Dog syndrome..But with your kindness has taught me how to practice..Thanks.

Congratulations Gussow, you are a light in the darkness. In came across your videos 4 years ago. You taught me me first blues notes and songs and how to fix that 2nd hole draw that I swore was broken. I've jammed out in parking garages, alleys, open mics, and gone busking downtown. My favorite thing I've learned from you is: as a harp player, I should be the person who's having the most fun on the bandstand. My favorite videos are the series on improvisation as Late night talks from your truck in the middle of a field. Thank you for your generosity and for keeping it real. Here's to 10 more years; But first, "take a pause for the cause."

I'm 65 yrs old and starting to play the blues harp - thanks for your help

Thanks Adam I've been with you for all ten years

Been with you from day one Adam. Never go anywhere without my harmonica. You really gave me the bug when you taught me that Glover rhythm ,took me ages but then boom! got it!! Thanks Adam, your inspiration has given me a wonderful feeling for harmonica music. Such a small instrument with so much diversity, you gotta love it.

Found you the beginning of 2024, it is now the 12th of Jan and have watched many of your video's already, I have ordered a Hohner Deluxe online a few days ago on the 8th, and waiting for it to be delivered. I have learnt a lot so far and thank you for all the lessons, from South Africa.

I began playing at 16 but didn't really take it serious until about 8 years ago when I had to have carpal tunnel surgery. I am a stringed instrument player and a drummer, and thought I would never play again. I travel for my job and figured the harmonica would be my musical savior. Of course that lead me to your videos. I found you the most engaging so I watched your stuff pretty much non-stop for a while. Then I came to HCH 2011 and met you and we talked about your book "Mr. Satan's Apprentice" which I had read twice at that point. I think I actually did say to you that I felt like I knew you which is funny, but that's how this kind of thing works. Bottom line is I have found a new friend in the harmonica. One I can take anywhere, and I have found that despite it's size, it can be extraordinarily powerful. I have played funerals, parties, in church, jams, gigs, etc., but this Sunday unfortunately I will play at my mother's celebration of life service. Something I never thought I would have to do. She loved my playing. One of the hardest times of my life, and there is the harmonica. This little instrument is a joyous instrument and can express all the emotion we give it. That's how my playing has transformed and individuals like yourself Adam have helped me to hone that. I thank you man. Take care, and God bless.

I'm still a begginer harmonicist from Tunisia, I played for the first time harmonica because it was the easiest way for me to epress my feelings after a love deception. I used to play fo fun with a friend who play guitar some melancolic medlodies in a cafe. And one day, a guy came behind me when I was playin' and sais : oh man ! you play a harp ! that's good ! I play harp too ! He was more advanced than me. He said : I could Help you to get better beacause when I started, I didnt find anyone who could help me. We become friend. Otherwise, I love your vidéos and when I saw you for the first time playin outside, I said this man is great man ! I thought about all the greatest harmonicist : Little Walter, James Cotton.

started late in life. my late 20s. have been playing off and on since then for about 10 years. the jams and music have taken me lots of places. I've met world famous players that never would have happened if I didn't just blow draw and repeat.

About a year ago I bought a $5 harmonica from a children's store. I played that thing till the reeds fell off just to get that blues sound. I found one of your videos and was amazed at how bad I sounded. I bought a Hohner special 20 in the key of C and played it for a month while watching your lessons. I got frustrated I couldn't grab that blues sound and quit. I was gifted 5 more harmonicas not to long ago. Today I made the choice to not give up and looked up your channel with the intention of going to the first video you made. I saw you made a new video today and was amazed you were still at it. In one of your videos you talked about laying in bed for hours trying to learn the unique sound Sonny Williams has. I'm sure I am not the only one here that is playing for hours trying to learn your unique sound. What you talked about at the end of your video was awesome. I will dig for my own unique sound and play what I like. Keep on keepin on brother. Tom from Wisco

Adam. I’ve been “dabbling” with the harmonica for about 40 years - all basically self taught with lots of bad habits. During the pandemic, I decided to truly explore the instrument and how to actually play. In my search, your name kept coming up. So I went to your site and downloaded several of your tradebit packages and vids, plus watched a lot of your free stuff too. In less than three weeks, I’ve learned more about the harp, techniques, and how to play some really cool stuff than the past 40 years combined. I have a different feeling about the harp now - an indescribable thirst to learn more, play, and play well. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, instruction, and enthusiasm. You’ve made me a better player - see you down the road!

Adam, I sincerely appreciate what you're doing. I am with you, almost from the beginning. My life without your channel would be very different. Thank you for all.

Longtime ago I got a harp from my dad and not realizing what it could do, I put it aside. 3 years ago a friend got me going with a special 20. Looking for more, I came across your 2010 crossroad video. I was blown away and a great fan. Loved it. Then I starting looking for more info on the harmonica, and the blues. Starting playing every day. Got to know Tomlin Leckie and his great lessons. In 2016 Tomlin organised the Edinburgh Harmonica workshops. This was my opportunity to get some hands-on info for the masters. I enjoyed your workshops. I noticed that you could keep on telling about this passion. I also got inspired by your lecture on Blues Literature. It made me look beyond this little instrument. Your advise to listen to as many players I took to heart. It is fascinating to see how things fall into place and that I got the opportunity to meet you. Thanks for your videos and please keep telling us about the blues journey.

About five years ago, I was watching some Sonny Boy Williamson II on RU-vid and decided I was going to learn properly. Your videos were the perfect introduction, a holistic approach to teaching the harmonica that provides the mechanics, the theory and the context. As my playing has developed, I've moved away periodically from instructionals, in order to find my own way of playing, but when I return, you are still my first port of call. Thank you for your tuiton - past, present and future.

Adam, I came across your channel last october. When, after finding my wife's grandfather's old Hohner Chromonica during a deep clean of her dad's place, I decided to get serious about picking up the instrument. I grew up playing the drums but had to sell them after attending university. Since then Ive bought a few diatonic harps and have been rocking the blues with my buddy each Saturday in the garage. I want to thank you for providing me with the tools I needed to re ignite my passion for music and the music learning process. You are the man and a true inspiration.

What can I say I started 2 years ago on the harp and stumbled on your lessons. You have opened my eyes to music. I've always loved music but learning to play this incredibly difficult little instrument has brought me so much joy. Thank you Adam.

Hello Adam, I am french and now I am 27 years old. I think that when I began to play harmonica I was in high school (I think it is about 10 years ago). And you was one of the few guys who talked about harmonica on RU-vid. So I played harmonica for my pleasure, doing song that I liked (songs from Cowboy Bebop). Then, during my studies on computer science, I was having my harmonica in my pocket and improvising with my friends guitar players or jamming during nights full of alcohol on the street or on the parks of Montpellier (the town where I leave) . I also learned to play guitar, after one of the most tragic and bad event of my life. After that I worked few years as a computer scientist in image processing. And now, recently I try to join/create a band with friends in order to play on little stage, blues jazz and rock songs during our free time. I may not have watch all your videos, but I really liked how you transmit your love of music and harmonica. And also the way you tell things naturally. Thank you Adam, I can't explain in which way you may have changed my life now, but without a doubt you had a great influence on it.

yours was the first lesson I found after deciding to re-learn blues harp having given up in the nineties before RU-vid existed. Your lessons along with Ronnie Shellist, Jason Ricci & Lee Sankey over here in the UK gave me all the information I needed that wasn't available in the days before RU-vid. Yesterday I managed my first overblow on hole 6 so I can now play Watermelon man after trying & trying watching your lesson on that song :-) I play in a blues duo as the guitarist with a harp player & now we can swap over & I can play harp also, so thanks for everything, your love for music is truly inspiring.

congratulations Adam, I have been following you for about 5 years, enjoy every minute of it, your personality and instructions are great, you play from the heart and it shows through, your fan, Jim(Canada)

I have been following your channel for 10 years-- it may have been the first channel I subscribed to. I was 18 years old, fresh out of high school, a literature student, and an absolute lover of the Blues. I had grown up in a small town with few friends, and my record collection and guitars were all I had out in Texas. Not only did I gain insights on the harmonica that impressed real blues artists, I personally felt that many of the ideas you would share about the intent behind the music really changed me as a person. 10 years later, I know my life path may have been very different without the down home wisdom in all of your videos. P+L in the Blues, Pete Miller

Adam, you have helped transform my playing, my enthusiasm for playing, introduced new techniques and with that made my playing life so much richer. I found your RU-vid clips around 2009 and then joined your "Dirty-South Blues Harmonica Forum" in 2011. I'm a much better player for having found you and your so generous passing on of all your knowledge and skill. I'm now playing pieces I never ever dreamed I'd be able to play. Thank you so much for everything you have shared. Cheers John Goodwin in Bowral Australia

Hi +Adam Gussow! I came first came across your videos about 5 years ago. At that point, I was playing in an indie-pop/rock band of sorts in Winnipeg, Canada, and all I knew about Harmonica was enough to play a few Neil Young riffs in first position on a harmonica rack. I wasn't good, but I wasn't really taking harmonica seriously. About that time, I made the move out to the sleepy little town of Russell, Manitoba, and struggled for quite a while to find my musical place out there. (Indie-Pop was strangely unpopular in the sticks!) I found myself accidentally playing guitar in an country/folk/gospel trio, and had to re-wire my brain for the new genre. I picked up the one harp I owned, and decided I just HAD to get better at the thing. I looked up your videos, and the game was changed. My love for the blues was re-kindled, and my solo loop-pedal based project started taking on a whole new life. Suddenly it was all about Robert Johnson and Leadbelly covers with +Son of Dave style loop/beat-box grooves and +Seasick Steve style riffs and my hockey-stick Dulcitar! (Ok, and a lot of 90's punk and alternative thrown in for good measure!) My harmonica playing changed a lot. I found the Modern Blues Harmonica forums, and started reading it religiously. (It took me a long time to work up the courage to create a profile and join the conversation!) Suddenly I went from 1, to 2, to 6, to 12 harps... And THEN I discovered alternative tuning, and the game was changed again. I could change these things? I could valve them? I discovered +BrendanPowerMusic (an active forum participant) and ordered a pack of 6 of his own brand "PowerDraw" harmonicas. I learned to valve my harps using chopped up bits of bicycle inner-tube. Then I learned to re-tune my other harps to PowerDraw. It's been a crazy ride so far, and I know I haven't even crested that first chain-driven hill on the roller coaster! Maybe one day I'll learn to overblow... dammit! Thank you, Adam, for your excellent videos, your invaluable website and forums, and your dedication to spreading the blues harp gospel to anyone with an internet connection! (Even a really slow sub-broadband connection like mine!) Cheers, -Rob Laferrière Russell, Manitoba, Canada

Congratulations for your lessons and your passion

I think you asked if you inspired us in any way? Yes you did, back in I think 2009 I think, I seen your very first harp lesson. Adam I fell in love with harmonica and the blues. even today I carry a harmonica in my pocket. Later I also discovered your a professor of a University with teachings of the Blues. So ya you've inspired me, I'm 56 and still watch all your youtube channels and I've learnt alot from you, thanks Adam.....Oh I almost forgot, while doing my business in the bathroom one day, that's where I learnt to bend my first note, believe it or not. lol

I saw your first video in early 2013. I had always known i liked soul music but i wanted to explore the roots of the music i listened to because of my interest in instrumental music. Since then I went back to college and got an Assoc. of Music. I never imagined I that it would take me 10 years post HS graduation to find something worth my time and effort to obtain a degree but I found that in the blues and also in jazz via JALC. I ended up having to drop out of the pursuit of my Bachelors in music due to POOR family planning decisions (pun intended). My journey began here and I appreciate the opportunity to learn.

Hey Adam thanks for all your help. You got me back into playing blues harp something I had given up on for years. I have been watching you for about 7 years Thanks for giving me back a part of my life I had given up on.

Ten years ago I was attracted to the blues harmonica music and found your videos on youtube which had not been blocked in China. I still remember the excitement of seeing your new uploads about every week and practicing in front of my computer. Looking back, I am amazed at how great influence your lectures made on my college life, since it was very hard to find people talking about and playing blues in China, even in a city of more than 8 million people. Now I have been studying in Europe for a few years. Even though I have not been playing harminica for a long time, I think it is time to pick it up again. Thank you, Adam.

Hi Adam. Found your videos about 4 years ago, after finding Dan Gauge first. I have played harp for 25 years with never a lesson ( not to be recommended! ) and your work has helped me enormously! Now playing about two gigs a month with Kat Fish and the Harp here in Bright, Australia. One tip I can pass on is to organize your harp case in 5ths , that way the positions for a given key are in a consistent order, and it is invaluable when you are trying to track down a key at a jam where the guitarist either doesn't know the key or can't be bothered telling you!

Learning the harmonica really is a life changing thing Adam. My journey began when I saw Musselwhite in 2008 at the 100 Club in London. Then I got to attend a Gindick camp in 2013. Then thru good fortune was in Memphis when you were holding a Hill Country Harp seminar in Holly Springs in 2015. All this is helping me get over 25 years of a career doing left brain spreadsheeting and becoming a right brain using musical me. Thanks!

Adam, I discovered your channel when you were about 15 months in and have seen just about all your vids - absorbed about 3% of it and still go at it. I love your sound! I have also learned tons from the beginner packages on your site. I enjoyed your Blues Talk lectures. Very intense - so important. I've read all your books. I started playing on a goad from my wife and daughter when I was 53 and discovered you when I had to give up lessons when I lost my job. That's the past. Today I am a different person and you are a significant part of that. The road lengthens and the path narrows and harmonica is always there with me likew a Fiddle melody. Saweet!

The first thing that happened to me after picking up the harp was stumbling upon your videos. Been hooked ever since. Keep doing your thing Adam.

10 years! Wow, time flies. I first came across your videos way early on. I used to play along to them at work when my bosses were out of the office! I remember that Ronnie Shellist was the only other person who had some instructional harmonica videos on RU-vid. Thanks for all the great videos Adam.

I have been watching from video one, I play as a hobby mostly for my own enjoyment, but I have played a couple funerals and I do play lately in church now and again, and a little lunch time jam with a guy at work on acoustic guitar. Long live the vids!

In October 2007, I started watching your videos. After just a couple weeks, I uploaded a video of myself playing and sent it to you (I'm sure you remember, right? lol) I am still playing AND using it in my career. I am an administrator at a middle school here in Birmingham, and I play for the kids often. Just a couple weeks ago, I read a "Pete the Cat" book and played/sang the words with the students. I just wanted to say thanks for all the lessons over the past 10 years! You're still the best out there!

I bought a harmonica 2007 Jan went to Gindick camp.Then found you on my journey. You came to the first meeting from Philly harp club.Now I play with a rac with guitar.play drums and bass.Great journey thanks Adam your a trip

Hey Adam; I met you at Chicago Blues Fest in 2015, so maybe I told you this before. I found your videos 4 years ago at random on RU-vid. I had been owning harmonicas for 10 years, but not so much with the serious learning and playing. Your videos inspired me to really learn to play, and since then I play at local Open Mics and Blues Jams. So I really owe you a lot, thanks so much

Adam, I stumbled upon you videos just last year and watched many over and over again. Front porch slow blues video hooked me big time. I had to play like that. of course my journey has many miles to go, but the biggest discovery was an instructors name on your website. Clint Hoover, who I called and found out he was living 8 miles from me! He's a super guy and a great player and teacher. Been taking lessons from him every since,. ....Heck you even answered a few of my emails. Thanks for all of your efforts. TOM

"Harp Attack" You turned me on to that, Jason Ricci, et. al. Love your books, too. Thx, mate ...

Like you I had the itch for the harmonica, something about the sound just got to me. I bought a cheap harp a few years back and starting learning, I came across various uploaders but they all seemed to be trying too hard to be a teacher, like at a school or college. You were different, I would often skip through intros and such with other people to get to the meat of the video and the lesson but I never did with you, it was always entertaining to just listen. And when you played, you did so with so much more soul and class than anyone else, it was truly inspirational. I must've watched hundreds of your videos over a couple of months and have been subscribed since I started out. You have taught me pretty much everything I know and you've given me knowledge that extends beyond my playing, I feel like I can talk to people about blues harmonica for hours upon hours and it's all thanks to you. I started off as a 16 year old kid with a £6 harp, trying to play one note at a time, and thirsty for the blues experience. I'm now 19, and at university here in Wales, I don't get to play much but I've come a long long way and when I do I like to think I can truly enjoy the sound I always dreamt of. Thank you Adam, (I also love Crossroad Blues, fantastic track man!), if anyone asks how I learnt your name comes up first, I've loved learning from you and about you and your career. It's raw, it's real, it's wise, and it's wonderful. From Will, started when I lived in England, now in Wales, UK.

Somewhere in April 2010 around 16:00. Keyed in blues harmonica on RU-vid and there you were. Watched the first two videos until 16:30, got in my car, drove to the music store that closes at 17:00 and bought my first Bb harp. The guy at the counter advised a C, but I couldn't care less about his advice. I NEEDED a Bb because "the guy", the guy that was giving it all away, that skinny white man, he was going to teach "me", a 40 years old mixed blood, Dutch / Caribbean, to play this thing. And furthermore I have to download everything before it gets removed. ( Most of it, It's still there!! ) After that, fecal matter is regularly hitting fan's all over my house for the past 7 years. I don't have a band, I don't play with anyone, I'm a hobbyist that loves the harmonica to blow off some steam. I play when i feel like playing and sometimes annoy the heck out of my neighbors when playing along amplified with Nico Wayne Toussaint. Thank you Mr. Gussow!

59 (in March). Really started watching you a few months ago. Tried to learn blues harp about six years ago but gave up (couildn't get single notes). Kept seeing my bag of unused harmonicas and decided to get back to it. Also trying acoustic guitar again (know lots of open chords, barres, and scales but not able to play music!). Have a good harmonica dvd, the "Caveman book", Tony Glover and others. Will keep at it, mostly because I really enjoy you, your attitude and sharing. Eventually would like to order some of your stuff when I figure out what I want and need. Played drums 45 years so my time is solid. In fact, I think I could play harp and use a foot drum the way you do sometimes. Thanks for everything!

Ten years following you, master and comander. Thanks Adam. Thanks for offering all your knowledge and experience us. With you we've learnt not only how to play blues but besides what the blues is. Ten years more please!

I like that doing this for us, has such a good impact in your life. You are a good guy. It's easy to see that. My story of getting started... seen the fellow Scot, Billy Connelly on a talk show playing one. I made a passing comment to my mrs "wow he can really play that thing, I've always fancied a go" Next time she was at the supermarket she bought me a toy one as a joke. It has something like 15 holes. So i ordered a real (c) harmonica. Started watching RU-vid videos and yours was the 1st channel I followed, and still my favourite. I got my 1st harmonica the same week of Halloween this year. Finally just managed to play amazing grace this week there. When this virus is over and I can get work again, I'll get on your site and buy some lessons. Thanks Adam

started watching your videos in 2009 glad you still make videos!

Another masterclass!

Thank you, Adam, for so much. Ive been with you about three-year's time and youve tyrned me on to everything from the cd "Harp Attack!" to the stylings of Jason Ricci, your friend and former student!

I first became aware of you when I heard Crossroads on the XM blues channel. I Googled you to find info on the album and discovered your videos. That led me to try to learn the harmonica. From there I went to your Hill Country camp, what turned to be the last one. From there I went the Augusta Blues and Swing and got to spend time with Joe Filisko, Grant Demondy and Annie Raines. Than about 3-4 years I went Clarksdale to Gindick's Jam camp. Now I am currently studying via Skype with Tomlin.

just started about 2 weeks ago and have been watching a lot of your videos

Your Crossroads video was the 1st one I saw. I was hooked. You actually inspired me to get out and busk, rather than always being in a coffehouse. It's just awesome to not feel alone as a fellow harp player.

congratulations and thanks for all master!

Hello Adam: I came across your first video, the giving all away one around 2008 living in Venezuela. I was an amateur musician, mainly guitar but always in love with harmonica sound, so I looked in RU-vid for "harmonica lessons", your clarity and passion in that video made me a fan, I have been following since then and I was always eager to watch your next video. I remember the "woodsheding" vídeos, they made an impression on me to this day. I had to escape socialist disaster in Venezuela and start all over in Europe, which kind of put my music on hold, but I still got my marine bands and wish to come back to practice! Sincerely, thanks for all

Adam, I came across my wife;s grandfather's harmonica... M-Horhner Camping. He brought it with him from Germany.. So I went to the local Cracker Barrel and purchased a $5 Hohner BluesBand harmonica...I was going to learn to play... well I soon learned not on the $5 BluesBand. Watched many many of your vids, Jason's, Hakan, Luke, Shellist, Tomlin, and many more but I must say Christell Berthon is amazing. Well I went to the Guitar Center and purchased my first real harmonica..Marine Band in C then a Lee Oskar in C. I must say the Lee Oskar's plastic comb is much easier on my lips. Well I've progressed but have a ways to go. My handicap is I have absolutely zero formal music training. Note vs a bar vs, a beat, vs. a key...so from that stand point it has been difficult, but bending, vibrato, pursing, tonguing, embroucher...next is to try electrifying my mouth harp...Thanks again and keep it coming. By the way a old high school friend Al Moses plays guitar in a blues band called Blues Chronicles Reese Black is their harmonica player, maybe you have heard of Reese or even the band? Al is great guitarist ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PCLzIxpG-ZI.html

I first came across your videos in early 2008. I only looked at them occasionally, but have always found them informative. Congratulations on your success!

Adam, my greatest respect to your huge amount of vids and your wonderful approach to teaching. Feels almost like you're talking directly to me! Always wanted to play the harmonica and finally started really doing it last spring... and since then I watch your videos and they're such a great inspiration (especially the first 50 for the absolute beginner). Again, I really owe you greatest respect and THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

sir ur an awesome artist one of my favs ima get a coupple harmonicas to learn from ur vids ur awesome, greetings from panama god bless u

Hi Adam, nice to see you almost on REAL TIME ! I came across your videos about 6 months ago and this was a turn on ! But I always thought that I was seeing things 10 years old, and wondered if you'd come up with new stuff for us "wanna be harmonica players". I am 64, live in France, kind of played the guitar at amateur level for a long time until I discovered that there are loads of better guitarists than me, but much fewer harmonica guys ! This little instrument is so addictive and easy to carry, having one in his pocket will eventually allow to play it on any opportunity. I've been watching most of your videos, and I am working hard to improve. I purchased some of your lessons and "Born in Chicago" still gives me some hard time to play it right. THANKS for everything !

Wow! Found this channel near the beginning just trying to learn more about the blues. Still Following.

Adam. Just started playing a couple of months ago and I find your videos invaluable, thanks.

A most magnificent video. I'm another guy you've never seen, but I feel like "I know you."Mass hours watching you. You, Jason, and Hakan are my main heroes. You've inspired me to at least start thinking about doing some beginner basics videos to give back some of the knowledge you've given me. Thanks for all of your hard work Dr. Adam.

Congratulations! You videos are priceless and are a great help for beginners (like me) as well as advanced musicians! You are our guru, master and star who we follow! In Serbia we have a lot of brilliant blues musician but blues is not most popular music here! In past my grandpa play our folk music on harmonica and he buy me first picolo harmonica when I was a kid and teach me how to play our folk music. When I was older I didnt know which harmonica I have to buy. (in that time there were not internet etc.). I live in village and one time my mother buy me in town, Hohner Orchester harmonica, but I can not play blues on that harmonica. LIfe is strange and I didnt play harmonica for a long time but I began listening the blues a lot. Before seven years I watch your video and decide to buy my first Hohner Marine Band in key of C and try to play. I buy it, sit in my car and when I first blow and draw I knew that is it. I fell in love at first sound of the that harmonica, and now I enjoy playing for my soul! I dont play that well but my friends are still surprised when they heard me to play! I learn a lot from you and something from Jason Ricci also. I play almost every night in my room, for my own soul, watch your videos ( and trying to play around like you :-) ) It fills me up! Thank you master Adam! You are doing a great job! You've discovered the key of immortality, so you going to exist as long as there RU-vid and internet! I wish to your family and you all the best in life! Greetings from Serbia!

Ahoy from Poland (the one in EU). I've actually bought my first harmonica just a week ago and had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I've watched a bunch of videos on youtube and none of them worked for me, until I came across "naked raw brutal blues" video and laughed to tears as I tried to follow the instructions (oddly enough I actually got a few things right in just those 10 minutes). So thanks for doing this, every now and then I'm digging through your old videos and probably will keep doing so as my playing ability progresses (hopefully). I'm still absolutely awful, but your videos have definitely got me started.

Adam, I came across your videos about 4 years ago and its one of my favorite. you were my first inspiration to play harmonica. thank you for everything! "instant naked raw brutal blues" is my all time GO TO for revisiting fundamentals.

I just started learning and your videos show me the way to go, thank's a lot!

I started watching your videos about half a year ago when i started playing harmonica. Im in my early twenties and don't have a harmonica teacher in my town so you and some other youtubers are my go to sources. I gotta say it's not easy but i'm starting to see progress. I was kind of overwhelmed (and still am) by your enormous video catalog. Sometimes i feel quite lost, especially if i'm not sure if i am good enough for some technique or whats my next step, i'm missing the big picture. But i have many years to go and some day will have the skill for every of your videos. keep on the good work, i don't think i would have even started playing without you artists sharing your knowledge. Greetings and Big Thanks from Germany!

Hallo Adam! I follow your channel from the begins. I think I am lucky! I got so much inspiration and valuable info about harmonica things. I come from a country where blues harp playing has no roots. When I started about 15 years ago I was alone with my questions and then I find your channel. My all time favourite is your Front Porch Lesson! I have learnt that I have take my time, slow down, listen and practice. All I can say is THANK YOU!

Hi Adam ,and thanks for all you've done . I've gotten into playing harmonica just over three weeks ago and your videos are a true inspiration, I practice everyday now. Its like I have to get this sound!!

Ease anoff I've got both parts already, thanks you're always so helpful, I've been following you for about two years and through your videos you've helped me lots

Been here from the first video. Bought your lessons and funky but effective tab sheet lessons. Meet you once at one of John Gindicks jam camps in Mississippi.

Hi Adam, I was already playing blues harp when I first starting watching your videos many years ago but they really helped me take my playing to a much higher level. I'll be 68 in a couple of months and I'm still fronting a Classic Rock/Blues band. Thank you so much and congratulations on 10 years! Ken

hi Adam love the song kicks ass . i am so happy you did post your video . love ya adam thanks so much for all you do for harmonica music . keeping the blues alive . i did not no anything about harmonica now i do. and i can play one thanks to you not grate but can play one and over the last 4 years i have bin going out to clubs to see blues bands and this year when to memphis the the I.B.C to see some awesome blues bands and harmonica players . and i can't wait to see your documentary satan & adam. once again thank you for all the iharmonica video's it has helped me in alot of way's . i am from baltimore but i live in alabama now for the past 8 years now. 4 years ago i saw one of your video's live from mr gip's juke joint that next weekend i whent to gip's place and wow that was awesome a real juke joint i go all the time now thanks to you for turning me on to some kick ass blues music . and how to play harmonica the blues makes me happy!!! thanks man

Hi Adam, I started not long after you started posting in 2007. I loved your videos and went on to buy your lessons and loved them all. I still play on & off but I just couldn't get 'IT' whatever it is! I just don't have the rhythm or whatever it is but that's no disrespect to you. Bless you sir

Ps. I remember when I was first moved by John Popper as a young fellow.. I just didn't have the unencumbered being to really let myself blow. Especially around other people. This felt like my most crucial next step, and I knew that dealing with this first would unlock my purest harp and a lot of other beautiful things in life. So now... I am ready for step two- which may be what you call lesson one?

Thank You..

Hey Adam, good anniversary video, I started playing almost exactly six years ago just goofing around and playing along with orange blossom special "not at all sounding like any version to date" but ultimately found up Allen on you tube and bought his beginner set and learned what I feel was very rapidly and figured there must be more to learn. So back online I went and found your channel and Jon gindick among others and really got into this thing. Never really wanting to play in a band or anything but really love playing and learning as well. I met you and jp at the jalopy theatre in Brooklyn and have been playing ever since now I feel stuck but enjoy playing along with the radio as I'm driving its a great stress relief. Thanks for all your you tube lesson s and misc advise from time to time keep it up myself and I'm sure everyone else really appreciate what you've done and hope you keep it up. Also I receive weeklys from Tomlin, I really don't feel I'm getting any better but absolutely love the sound as you described in this vid? Thanks again and talk soonKevin

Thanks, helped me a lot starting out, take care Adam.

Adam l think you great techer and waching your Video lesson almost 5 year )

Hi Adam, I first checked out your videos just a couple of months ago and they have helped me greatly in terms of developing both my technique and that all important sound and feel. My story is this; Like your good self, I have performed semi-pro off and on for many years. My first "serious" band lasted 10 years and hundreds of performances and my role was vocalist with all the usual front-man duties. I first tried the harmonica back then in the 90's as our style of good-time blues rock often had long musical breaks from two exceptional guitarists and kinda left me in the center with not a lot to do but bop on the spot! As you said in your video, there were few resources to be had in 1990. I had a play along book and audio cassette that went from zero to a hundred miles an hour in the first three pages and left me bewildered and demotivated. Fortunately, as a child I played the trumpet in the school band, so what with that and the singing, I can read the dots and have good breath and diaphragm control, so I got together a few passable rhythm chops on the harmonica and there it rested. The band fizzled out in 2000 as work and family commitments took priority for all of us at the time. Fast forward to the current day and the start of a new project with my son and a fantastic female vocalist. I now find myself playing guitar, piano and singing backing and a few leads. It's an acoustic based band playing stuff with a sweet blues and country vibe............. It's great and I love it. It's like coming home........Anyhow, I pulled out a harmonica one time at practice and my bandies said "Yeah! We want some of that." "OK." I thought, "You could do with unraveling a few harmonica mysteries as all I got are a few chugs, a 4 hole bend and a 5/6 hole shake on the draw in 2nd position!"! And that, good sir, is my path to your virtual door. I find your pro tips and explanations invaluable and my personal "licks bag" now has more than a couple of good sounds to draw from. I will continue to follow your channel with interest and keep practicing like crazy, 'cause man have I got the bug! Thank you Adam for your great work. You are solid gold! Best regards. Keep rocking. Chas.

Long way from Nanuet eh? Followed you from the beginning I think. Your lessons, including the tabbed ones I bought were a great help, but what made the difference was your easy going conversational delivery. I miss the ones in the car! Best of luck!

Started out in the 80s, gave up for a while after my blues harp gave out (pathetic, right?). Picked it back up recently with my old Special 20 (it survived and is still (!) very playable) ), and a Blue Midnight I purchased about a month ago; I was bending on it right out of the box in the parking lot - and then promptly forgot how. Finally re-figured it out, largely because of your and a couple other people's vids on the subject Still haven't gotten back to being able to get more than one or two notes below per hole, and forget about overblowing so far (sort of frustrating to have lost that), but I'm slowly regaining what I had 'way back when, playing with a couple of dulcimer groups and a bluegrass jam group (I also play banjo, fife, flute (I have one heck of a lot of blowing wind&capacity, relearning the draw breathing), fiddle and bodhran). Thanks for your videos!

Hey Adam, came across your channel in 2016 and started learning harmonica as a result! Your videos are inspirational and entertaining. Love your work! My progress has been slow on the harmonica, partly due to a motor cycle accident that set me back in Sept 2016 (couldnt use my arms for 3 or 4 months), but picking it up again as I can get the harmonica up to my mouth now. Still struggling with cupping though as my hands dont work so well, but I will get there in time! Thanks for all the effort you put in, it is much appreciated!

Eres genial gracias por todos los videos. yo soy nuevo pero igual ojala aprenda a tocar la armónica así algún día

Congratulations Adam, - amazing what you've done - greeting lars

Hey Adam Happy Tenth! I don't actually remember how long ago I started watching your harmonica video's I would guess 6 or 7 years now and I would say that more than a fair few of the Views you have racked up have been my fault for sure. I played or tutted on a harmonica some as a young boy and then in my mid 20s for a bit I really had that need to feel the music that comes from a harmonica I felt like I was just beginning to grasp it to be able to play what I felt as I played ... but as life sometimes does it threw me a rotten curve, my youngest son was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of two and for the next ten years we fought for his life, During that battle you might guess it was pretty rough and the music was lost from my soul for a while. It was upon seeing your videos teaching blues riffs, you make it seem so effortless and the raw enthusiasm you exude along with the inspiration you gave to me thats what got me back playing again not to mention that bad ass sound ... Thank you. And thank you for your contribution to future knowledge Hopefully preserved here on youtube and the internet for all time. were their more people with your heart and generosity the World we live in would be a far greater place. Continue to amaze us as long as your able I for one will be watching. Dave

Congrats dude

My Story goes like this Exactly before two years ago i was in the first year of my college studying law and i had nothing interesting to do so i thought to learn the harmonica because it was small and easy to learn ( or so i supposed ). I had no idea what blues was i had never heard a blues harmonica , the only thing i knew was the chordal sound of the harp. So before buying one I researched on the internet and having no prior musical knowledge I really studied what a key was, in what keys the harp was available and some harmonica songs. It took me six months to decide what harmonica to buy as the one i found the best for me(lee oskar) was unavailable online in my country. i waited for it for two months and finally bought a special 20. I rarely practiced it for another six months as it was intimidating at first to give 1 hour daily practice, bit i did started to find some videos on the internet and hear some blues harmonica classics, i have to confess the blues really got me. so a year ago i really started practicing seriously and now i have two harps and i practice 3 hours daily without a miss. my next goal is to transcribe and learn some songs and in six months to perform at my collage some blues harmonica. Adam, i really like your philosophy of the blues and your videos about the life than the lessons. i really like how Dr. Gussow is carrying on the blues tradition and keeping the blues alive. Thank you. Greetings from India ( commenting at 3 A.M. supposed to be sleeping but found this video)

aprox. 6 years ago, and on a whim out of the Blue( "s). I quit smoking cigarettes. ( 5th grandchild's second birthday ) In a way, my wife is responsible too as in, she asked if I wouldn't smoke around her if she quit to make it easier, long story short she still smokes pack a day and I quit cold turkey for no real reason ( best way ). Now having said that and after 35 plus years of smoking I worried about my lungs going thru a massive change and not doing well in the process. Myself always having the Blues and it's beat instilled in me and never really getting past the beginners level on guitar. I thought just blowing on the harmonica would be a great way to not only straighten my lungs but also prevent a over reaction, filling up if you will, from clearing out 35 years of tar. Blowing on the harp seemed like what I wanted, but like every one else before me I was at a loss to understand how I could ever do such a thing. " until, and me not being a person that surfs the web. I some how came across one of your video's, at a point I was ready to give up the idea of playing. I watched them over and over again, down loaded the sound tracks and listened in my truck, while playing along with them. But nothing, still couldn't understand how it was possible. But somewhere in your lessons you spoke of not giving up and or with and the only thing that would work, was practice and hard work ..... As if I woke up one day and one bend of the note, all the things you had shown us in your videos started to make sense. It was at that point I could play and note by note , bend by bend I started to sound good. All my life and still today, I have been un-able to remember words to song, or the music notes themselves. But have always had the beat with in me strong. So with your lessons and a few bars into any song, I can now jump right in and play, right or wrong, I can now enjoy the Harp and all the health benefits it brings me. Smoke free and still playing 6 plus years now. And as you can tell if you read this whole thing, I'm very long winded having survived not smoking anymore, ha, ha, thanks to you and anyone else I may have seen giving up the trade secrets. Thank you Mr Adam Gussow, keep on keeping ...... Mark