Are you too old to start playing blues harmonica? 

I'm 77 and started blues harp, without any prior musical training, at age 71. I'm "self"-taught, mostly by listening to the greats and watching lessons from you, tomlin, shellist, etc. I have played semi-professionally and have taught COPD patients for several years. So, you're right- one is never too old.

Im 18 yo and I feel lucky to start playing guitar and harp for such young age (since I was 14) good luck to all our older friends

Hey, Got you all beat - started playing last year at the ripe age of 70! I'm a lifelong blues enthusiast and played bass is bands - so I knew 12 bar and lots of tunes as a solid foundation to take the leap. Also found so many great tutorials on RU-vid including Adam's. I worked my butt off and people now think I've been playing for years. So I'm living proof that you can 'master' the blues harp at any age - its not an obstacle - Go for it! You won't regret it...

I'm 57 years old and never in my life have I played an instrument or had any type of musical instruction. I couldn't even snap my fingers to the beat. I was the quintessential "white guy" out of sync with everyone else. However, 4 months ago I bought Adam's Beginners Deluxe and the lesson titled Counting and Playing Your Way Through a 12 Bar Blues changed everything for me. When I listen to blues I know which bar they're playing. I can keep a beat - which means I don't embarrass my wife when we're listening to music in public and I can play a few songs starting with Floyd's Hotel. I get an hour for my lunch break so that's when my car becomes the wood shed. It's a ton of fun. If you can count holes 1-10, breath in and out you can learn to play, too! It's Devilishly Difficult, but that's what makes it so interesting. If I can do it, you can do it and Adam's lessons are very affordable. Couple that with his free RU-vid lessons and you can go far!

This subject tickles me. Started about when I was 56. I let go of memorizing and learned to play with others and ending up making it a little better. That is now my nitch and I am having a ball with it. I envy some of the local good players who have been playing all their lives. But now my local idols are respecting my style. Anyway, never to late if you are enjoying it either alone or the friends you make along the way. btw 66 now. lol

I’m 73 years old and have just started about a month ago. Lots of stumbling but keeping at it.

I'm rocketing towards age 68 and took up harmonica 3 weeks ago. I"m deaf in one ear and can't hear out of the other, so I sound pretty good when I play.

I am 63. Started watching music videos regularly on You Tube over the last three or four years. Got to watch a lot of the singers and bands that I grew up listening to all my life. Played some guitar in my teens and twenties but never stuck to it. Now I am keen to start again but wanted to play something that I could pick up anytime. Enter the harmonica. Small enough to fit in a pocket and able to play anytime. Stumbled across Adam's videos on You Tube. Got my Hohner Marine Band Harmonica yesterday. It's only been just over twenty four hours but I am hooked on Adam's You Tube channel. Life is meant to be fun and learning to play Blues Harp is part of it.

I'm 52. Although I've played harmonica a bit on and off over the years, I only started playing seriously last year. I play all the time. I really enjoy it. Even when I'm just working on getting a clear one-hole note, it's part of the enjoyment. You're never too old, if the passion's there.

Thanks, Adam! As a 58-year-old beginner, hearing this video is great encouragement. Maybe others can relate to this, but I've played guitar for many, many years but never was able to fully express myself on the instrument. When I discovered harmonica a light bulb went on musically and I'm finally beginning to express myself in a much more significant way. Maybe it has to do with creating music via a more vocal approach versus through the fingers, but whatever it is it's a lot more satisfying. With that said, I initially lamented the fact that I am older and potentially "wasted" all those years with one instrument when I could have discovered the harp. But here's the encouraging opposing thought: since I am older, I don't feel the innate pressure many of us feel to become a good or great musician. The years of living have given me a much broader perspective on music where I simply enjoy the journey for what it is. No pressure. Just enjoying learning the instrument at the stage I'm at while striving to learn more to broaden the joy. I greatly appreciate you talking about this topic. You have a teacher's heart and that comes through very well.

I’m 54 years old , and I took up harmonica during my recovery of (5) brain surgery and I picked up a C harmonica and an A harmonica and it makes me relax

I started playing the harmonica 3 years ago at age 68. You were my first instructor via You Tube, & taught me the basics & linked me to all the harp greats, etc. Since, I have sat in with all the local bands, some from Chicago, Minneapolis, & Nashville. Now I'm putting together my own blues band, "The Night Howlers". I watch & learn from all your new stuff, & even go back over the basic vids you offered in order to re-hone my skills, too. Love your thots & musical philosophies in this vid! Many THANKS, Brother!

60 years old here. Been following you for years. In my first band now. First gig Feb 9. Listen and play boys and girls. So much fun.

Thanks dude, I’m 61 and have just bought my first harmonica… love ur vids

im 24 and I recognize a lesson doesn't always have to include an instrument. I still have my lee oskar major diatonics in keys of C and A, I fantasize that I can play like all those other people who are masters but that's the thing, you can play like them... but not play like yourself. what I'm getting at is that I'm a noob at harmonica and that I love the instrument for its portability and versatility, but principles of the harmonica and blues harmonica no doubt, is the seed of genuineness. you could be playing like those big guys, but in all actuality, that is all you will ever be, is like them, and not like yourself. good lesson there adam, love your teachings and wisdom.

There is always this voice in the back of my mind that tells me that I should have started as a teenager. It is not as loud as it was when I first started playing, but still present.....

As a 65 yo only 3 (part time as i'm still working) years into it, i thank you for this encouragement!

Kinda out of place comment but whatevs. I recently started teaching harmonica to a guy that could be my father. The perspective is something else. The fact that someone like him wants something I can give makes me feel appreciated. And the guy has an awesome voice and good ear. Thanks for sharing, sir. I'm inspired yet again.

Sound advice for us late starters as always.

65 years old here. Just purchased a Marine Band and found your RU-vid channel. Let's hope for the best! ahahah

I picked up my first harmonica 8 years ago at 32 but never got serious about it and just mucked around on it off and on. Only really got serious about it last year at 40 years old and now I’m hooked but still not very good but I’m improving.

I’m 73 and I AM sitting on the toilet. My 50 year old Marine Band is out in the living room. One lesson lost. I started playing from scratch about a month ago and am just learning bends and scales so I have a ways to go. Wish me luck.

I start playing harmonica at 42 (I´m 44 now) and getting better everyday, slowly but surely maestro!!!!!

Dear Adam, Thank you for your lesson!! Im 72 starting now to learn! George from Austria 😌

You da' man! 74 here and relearning acoustic guitar after a 40+ year hiatus to be a "responsible adult". OMG I'm glad that's over. So a few weeks ago I knew deep in my soul (and with my wife's head shaking support) I had to add harmonica...so... now I'm doing a few hours a day with guitar, guitar and harmonica, blues harmonica, and singing. Been wanting to go after all of that for that 40 year absence. You are a wonderful teacher Adam. Absolutely love your straight ahead style that gets to the news without a lot of b.s. I have the deluxe pkg, but my daily practice routine includes random selections of yours that I run across on YT and try out to stay fresh. Have a great new year and thank you for contributing such excellent practical insights, "secrets", demonstrations, and a bit of wit to the process. I'm really enjoying the journey!

72 dude. Got my first harp a month ago. Thanks for the lessons.

started playing in my late 20s......Im 70 now.......Im a lifelong blues lover......it was my way to participate........it still is!!!!

As much as I try to play the harmonica, the harmonica also plays me, it brain washes, becomes addictive and brings tears to the eyes. When I'm away from it, I crave it, and become envious, angry and depressed when I can't do what the best can do; yet respect what they do. I feel this instrument is very seductive and unique. God bless the harmonica.

Can't wait to get started, thanks Adam, 👍

I picked up the harp last year because I love "Out on the weekend" by Neil Young. I'm 40. In this last year I have got much better. Really need to practice more.

Thank you master Gussow! I wish you all the best!

Thanks for another great great lesson! Have a happy New Year!

Sage advice, and well put. Thank you!

Late starter too and you are my main influence, thank you!

Thank you Adam for all your time and effort you put in your videos. Happy new year and keep on bluesing! Best wishes from Germany.

thank you Mr. Gussow. you make the whole endeavor accessible and are an inspiration to me and countless others.

I am 59, started playing the summer of 2019, and dropped it. I don't know why. About a week ago, I started back up and have been practicing 30-60+ a day. I began with Adams course (Beginner), and in just a few days, I can play O Susannah all the way thru and not have to look at the tabs, doesn't sound like much, but I can only imagine where I'll be next summer in 2021.

never never to late, not harmonica player,, at 69 6 strip lap steel builder an player. = top of the mountain= cool times of my life. = thanks much adam.

Thank's all your video Have a happy new year master 🙂

Love Ur lessons Adam Thank you 😁👍

I started playing bluesharp 12 years ago when youtube was still cool and You taught be a very good basis i really loved those videos. Nice to see you again!

Hi Adam, thank you so much to spend your time teaching us. I'm 48 years old, from Brazil, and just a starter boy. Thanks for your words and Happy New year to you and your family. Lets play hard!

He has got me going. Gong to keep trying to learn

32 and just started playing about 1 year ago and I started playing Banjo.

Thanks. Happy new year!

Hey Adam this was really helpful I play guitar and the harmonica I’m 47 and I’m a beginner but love it

Thanks Adam, not a beginner but late getting into the serious effort at 72. Saw you live in Philly with Mr. Satan years ago and just watched your documentary on Netflix. Loved it and my wife was in tears. Best to you and yours

Thanks for the inspiration Adam! Got a harp as a kid but never played it... found it last summer and started watching your RU-vid channel. - trying to learn. Really enjoying it....at 63.

Thank you Adam for all the sharing; the insights, the tips and especially the encouragement. I'll be 63 in a couple of weeks and I picked up my first harmonica back this last May (2019), so I have whopping 7 month's under my belt. But, I'm enjoying it all the same. Again, thanks have an awesome New Year!

73 just looking at my harp in a box been there 10 years plus

Thank you, sir. While watching this video, I felt as though you were speaking directly to this mostly blind 73 year old veteran and it gave me a bit of a thrill. Through out the entireity of my working years I was involved in the entertainment industy in one form or another and like so many others who traveled on that career path I had some marvelous high times and conversly times when I was shattered and figuratively had my teeth kicked in, but I digress. For some unknown reason I bought a cheap harp from Amazon a couple of moths ago, I guess because they would deliver it to me in my little podunk town in south Texas, and I came across you and your videos. The pure joy of making music after so many years of supporting and facilitating musicians and their performances simply overwhelmed me and set me onto a new path and for that, I want to thank you again. I intend to take my harp and the information that I have gathered to the powerers that be and the doctorors at the Audie Murphy VA Hospittal in San Antonio to inform them of a program at the VA in Tampa that has COPD patients learning to play the harmonica as a breathing therapy.. The primary at home exercise for those patients is breathing through 'pursed' lips and what do we know about playing the harp? Perhaps, the reason for me buying my first harp was to learn about 'pursed' lips and pass on the information to those doctors and patients? Sorry, but old guys are allowed to ramble on. Again, thanks for what you do and be the compulsive teacher that you are because we all appreciate you. Peace, Richard Moore

I'm going on 70, and have been playing on and off since I was ten. But as a retired doctor, I can tell you that playing harmonica is very good for preventing and treating sleep apnea. Playing harp tones your soft palate, and all the regions muscles involved in breathing that relax too much in older people. All wind instruments are good for this, but harmonica is the best of all. Everyone should be playing with harmonicas, even if they just noodle around for fun.

Great video! I'm 56 I started a year and half ago. The progress I'm making is slow but I'm having fun. Thank you for the video! It is very interesting!

I am 66....your instructional videos have enabled my playing sounds that please me. I'm along way off jamming any sense yet, but hey I'm a kid as far as harps go. Having fun and enjoying your instructions...

When I was younger like 9 years old I was given an old harmonica which I learned to play instinctively, and although I knew nothing about music and blues it still was sweet on the ear.... now time had passed and I'm 52.... forgot all about my younger days and that old harmonica, until I stumbled on your RU-vid uploads which were the spark that ignited back the flame and yearning for that bitter sweet sound. Now I’m waiting for the postman to deliver my Hohner Marine Band Crossover Harmonica in C…. Thanks to you Adam Gussow :)

Thank you Adam loved that info, my first Harmonica is a plastic Hohner C but getting a Hohner Marine Band C for my 70th Birthday in June so I should imagine you'll start to hear more and more from me as I practice more and more each day. I'm looking forward to 6/4/22 here in Australia.👍

I’ve started at 37,now 4-5 years later i play little,big walters songs...all tonque blocked i am pretty good but i loved it from the first day not being able to hit a single note.great thanks to adam,ronnie,barret,gruenling,liam,lee....

... if you are older, there is hope. Precisely my philosophy. I enjoyed listening to this, thank you !

Hey I am 71 and just started learning and playing the harmonica In my youth I listened to Sonny boy Williamson and have always preferred blues playing it on my ukulelewhen I practice I play and sing in a sea shanty crew and I am now accompanying the choruses on harmonica I have to say that you and others like you have spurred me on with your excellent and informative and current vids long may they continue Ò

Thanks Adam - I visit my grandson annually in Canada, and being a piano player all my life know the joys of playing an instrument. Living in Australia I obviously can't hulk my piano to Canada and so I've used the harmonica and your lessons to help me introduce music to my grandson. His reaction ( he's only 18 months old) has been very entertaining and, whilst I will cringe at my playing ability, he loves it and I get an applause from him every time!! Thanks again - your approach is fun.

Thank you!

Apparently the same 10 people are going around disliking these videos. You rock, Gussow. I'm 51 and just started playing last year because of your blues video (after 40 years as a musician of varying levels of commitment). I'm now featuring the harp on a tune I'm recording. I'll share it when I get good enough to play the part I hear! :-) Peace and thanks!

I'm 55 and have played guitar and bass since my teens. Have recently added harp, banjo, mandolin, and whistle to my armoury. Am really enjoying the extra dimensions I've added to my musical experiences.

I started my harmonica studies in earnest at the age of 33. My buddy, Michael Tracey, showed me the fundamentals of Cross Harp a couple of years earlier, but I never really did much with it; I played _with_ the harmonica, but I didn't yet _play_ the harmonica. Then, I decided to get serious, and considering how far your videos got me just in my first year of study, I'm confident that with sincere desire, a good work ethic, and the right mentor(s), it's never too late to get good at this instrument. Eleven years down the path...thanks to you, Jason Ricci, Jon Gindick, and Ronnie Shellist (pretty much in that order)...I'm playing hundred-plus-dollar-gigs nearly every weekend; I won't be quitting my day job anytime soon (wife and kids to support), but music has become a bona fide part-time job...and I've never been happier in my life! As for the daily grind you referenced, Jason once said, "Spend fifteen minutes per day practicing what you suck at, followed by five minutes per day reviewing what you're already good at." It's amazing how fast the toolbox grows with that approach. Of course, fundamentals are...well...fundamental! As Nietzsche said, "He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying." Start slow, and build momentum. It's funny that you mentioned seeing accomplished players and thinking of quitting. The first time I saw Jason play, I sincerely considered throwing away my harp. Instead I said, "If I aim for that level and fall short, I'll still be really good." Then, I went right back to your channel and lived there for about an hour per day for the next nine months or so. Since then, well, I'm still not as good as Jason, Sugar Blue, you, or any of the other great players who have been at it far longer than I have, BUT more and more often, I'm able to listen to the greats (past and present) and comp licks that used to seem impossible. Most importantly, somewhere along the way, I stopped trying to sound like anybody else and focused on learning from _others_ the skills necessary to sound like _me,_ and to savor the journey itself.

This was excellent. I will be turning 70 this year and have been learning the harmonica for 9 months. I have spent this time puckering and now find I need to tongue block in order to encompass full application. My dedication is to learn music in my retirement so I am committed and have time. I really enjoyed this youtube skit.Thanks

Adam I am coming up 70 and I have playing blues harmonica now for about 6 years and I absolutely love it . Thanks to you I have learned a great deal and there isn’t a a day when I don’t play. I consider myself as a half decent player and I am pretty good at playing by ear . My biggest regret is I didn’t carry on playing when I first started at the age of 11 . If you don’t apply yourself and practice you will not improve.

63 n stiĺl learning. Great stuff Adam.

I started playing a bit of diatonic accordion at 70 now I’m 77 I also play a bit of harmonica. My talent is limited but I have a lot of determination. The first thing that comes to mind in the morning is to play the accordion for about 1/2 hr. Like you suggest, it works on you.I have made a lot of progress and play on a regular basis at local jams. I practice about 5 times a week for 30 minutes and it’s all it takes. I enjoy listening to your advice which applies to just about any instrument. Have a good day thank you. Bernie,Moncton NB, Canada.

Thanks for your video Adam. I'm 72 and bought my first harmonica today - a Hohner Silver Star. Was going to buy a Special 20 at $75 but the salesman ( a semi-professional harmonica player, apparently) suggested the $25 Silver Star. So will see how it goes! With your help I'm convinced I'll play fantastically in no time!

That opening song was great.

Great advice, Adam! I’ve played the sax for a long time but have been pecking away at the harp recently (chrom and diatonic). It’s hard to start back at the beginning again. Appreciate the encouragements :).

I'm 54. Just purchased your Beginners Deluxe course this year. Why? My band put "Last Dance with Mary Jane" in our setlist and we needed someone to play the harmonica part. I was somehow elected so I bought a Marine Band G harmonica and a holder and practiced playing the guitar part and harmonica part together for hours until I got it down. Thankfully it's a pretty easy melody. But it got me hooked on the harp!

I began playing daily at the age of 59 in March of 2015 and never looked back. My wife is my best support as I acquired around 30 mostly Hohner harmonicas and blew out a reed on around ten of them. I play daily for a couple of hours and have learned a lot since the beginning. My advice is to never stop practicing as you will always learn something new.

Yessss!!!! Keep em commung papa G!!!

Hi Adam, i started with 37 years play harmonica, now i have 38 and in a year i have improved a lot (with teacher), logic said than in 2020 ill improve a little more keeping in the same way. I have no talent, have a lot of work to reconnice notes, but a strong wish to improve and i really enjoy it. Thanks for come back to make your videos, this ones inspire, please don't stop. Hug from Montevideo, Uruguay

Very good point and that 15 minute theory I’d say suits not only harmonica but every skills that you train to learn

I started learning diatonic accordion around 45. I am not a musician at all. But i learn by myself practicing 3 h a day every night for 3 months i was obsessed. Now i am happy that i know how to play accordion i am 56. I am not an extremely good player but good enough to have a fun. Starting late you will never play as well as if you started as a kid but it is ok. One think i dont like is when people are critical of my playing lol but it is ok. In french we say critic is easy art is difficult. So there is no age limit you go to your speed and have fun. I just started learning banjo lool

G’day Gussow. I’m a soon to be 72 year-old who mucks around with popular melodies to a point where I get a nice response when I occasionally busk here in Melbourne, but for whom the blues have remained a fuzzy no-go land. UNTIL TODAY when I downloaded your Counting and Playing the 12-bar Blues lesson. Hell yes, I can do this! This single lesson has unlocked the door! I’ll be back for more. delight in your friendly accessibility Adam. Thanks so much, John.

Started last year at 39. Looking forward to the journey

62 y.o. Just starting and thanking you for this pep talk.

Thank you.

You got me goin again....52 and been playing 2 years. Hit a point where I didn’t think I was getting better....need to get back to schedule. I’ve played gigs and actually play with a rack & my keyboard....My biggest drawback was thinking I wasn’t getting better fast enough. This video convinced me otherwise and to keep it “personal”....thanks

Thank you Doctor Gussow. Harppy new year to you and your family. Just had my 69th b day. Been playing about 10 years now.

Thanks Adam. Since I got serious about this instrument 10 years ago at age 49 I've been on a great journey, in large part thanks to your video, lessons, and online forum. Thank you for sharing. Eric (BronzeWailer) Betts

I'm 64 and I say you're never too old. Been playing guitar for 45 years and I'm hitting my stride as lead guitarist in a band. Because we do Zeppelin tunes -- I recently taught myself mandolin and of course now learning harmonica and have actually played both live although I was faking it on harmonica for one song. Not faking anymore. Actually playing.

Latent learning is just before sleep--the mind works on what you just practiced!

I had wanted to learn how to play harmonica since I was a kid, but didn't get around to starting until a friend bought me one for my 46th birthday.

Well this year is the year. I am 56, I am developing a bit of arthritis in the left hand so I cannot play the tin whistle as easily, so your videos will be getting a fair few more views as I hit the Special 20.

NEVER TOO OLD TO ROCK AND ROLL. hi, 74 YO here. Doubt I will live long enough to get good (I don't do anything half assed.) but it was never about the destination, it is the pursuit. From where I am looking, it doesn't always take the 10,000 hours. After you have put in your time on one field there IS crossover into others. I have taught myself several trades/hobbies over the years, and I find that the hardest part is the first 10%. After you get to know that 10% really well the rest comes faster, and is a lot more fun When you get up around 80% it is time to shut up and let the kids make their mistakes. Unless they ASK for help, then you are free. Gotta say to the kids...ASK the old coots, worst they can say is no, and that won't make you bleed. They may be just wanting to help, but afraid of offending. Should have started when I was your age. Pete

Beautiful video! I started playing, blues and everything else, on diatonic and chromatic, almost 12 years ago at the age of 56. I play every day, and I've made lots of progress. I still have a long way to go, but I perform with people, even a couple of my 29-year-old daughter's bands(!).

Go teach english in korea they said. Itll be fun they said. Im stuck in an apartment amid coronavirus crisis. Ordered a beautiful seydel a month ago. Ive been following ur lessons since then. I play harp to keep happy. It works. By the end of this crappy situation ill at least have learned something cool.

One more thing,i’ve missed a day of practise only maybe when i was ill or didnt have a harp with me.somethimes 15min somethimes for hours!!!mostly when i hit the wall in progress i did it harder because i enjoyed it!

Another reason to practise in the morning when you get out of bed is that you may also find yourself with spare time later in the day. If you've practised in the morning you're adding to that. If you didn't bother in the morning you might not get the extra spare time and if you do that will be all you do.

you are never to old to try anything... you never stop learning...

It would be interesting to see/hear you and your son do a harp duet or show down. And do you have videos for beginner whose goal is melody line tune playing?

Glad you're back after a while! Just got my first harmonica for Christmas, looking forward to learning from you

Hell no Dr G I started 2 years ago with you And I am completely addicted 58 and three quarters

I am an old dog trying to learn a new trick. I'm 66 I've learned to play single-note songs (campfire songs or cowboy songs) while learning to read music. It took a long time to get past the reading music/campfire song stage. But about 2-and-a-half years into that I've tried to make the switch to learning to play the blues. I practice when I can - there are tricks I still need to master. The biggest is bending and hitting the bent note first and coming up to the note for a particular hole. BUT I'm getting there and I intend to continue. 66 is NOT that old.

I've played piano and guitar in the past. Time to try something new at 30.

Thanks Buddy, at 71 the arthritis has stopped my guitar and drummin (lifelong player/performer) so learning Harp and lap slide, who needs fingers there overrated HA! screw u old age!