Learn Blues Harmonica 101: the essential lesson for beginners 

Its 3:30 am and i don't own a harmonica. Watched the whole thing. Edit: Its a few months later and I have arrived back here with a harmonica

I have been a musician for 14 years, and prefer the extreme "beginner-ness" of this video. This guy kicks ass.

I 100% wholeheartedly trust this guy with everything he says. It’s just his very Bob Ross-esque vibes.

My dad passed away, and I inherited his harmonica. I remember him playing like this but I had learned piano. I had no idea what I was doing with the thing, but I figured RU-vid would be a good place to start. And then I found this video and suddenly, the little instrument didn't seem so intimidating. You're an excellent teacher and I'm really happy to have found such a great guide to get me going and help this old harp make music again. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

I’ve been messing around with this harmonica for days. But when he said make fat lips, it was like my whole world shattered. Game changer!

So I’m in quarantine like everyone else and I decided to learn how to play a instrument and the cheapest and easiest to carry around is a harmonica so here I go

I drive a tractor trailer all night. You're what keeps me alive and keeps me alert. Thank you.

Haven't a clue how I ended up on this page but I'm ordering a harmonica today. What a brilliant teacher!

Dude.. you’re quite an incredible teacher.. I like that you’re genuinely keen to pass on your knowledge

I tried that bench test. First guy who stopped asked -"What the f,,, was that ?!"

Thank you! Very inspiring. I’m 67 and I just bought my first harmonica 🤩

Adam Thank you so much. I just finished watching Satan & Adam. You had a special thing with him,life is an amazing thing. Thank you for making this.

DUDE the "fat lips" concept unlocked bending for me somehow. I watched your bending video and I didn't get it but when I tried that knowledge plus fat lips it works perfectly now

Adam you are a great teacher and a phenomenal harp player. I started with a Fender Blues Harp in C (not a bad harp) and finally bought a Marine Band. Its been about a year now, same with guitar. I try to split my time between the two. I make an effort to put my time in on both instruments daily. I feel as if my day is not complete if I dont play either of them multiple times daily. I have come a long way and can compose my own riffs with both instruments at this point. To give people a glimmer of hope to keep going even if you feel like you cant get it ....Dont Give Up ! Practice every chance you get and things will eventually start clicking. You might get fed up and just start blowing on it wildly and something you did will catch your ear. Go back and recreate that....keep that little bit of knowledge you just learned, throw the other ba you did away and start incorporating that new sound you made into your playing...just keep playing. I started at 50 years of age playing guitar and harmonica. I play every day. Im over 51 now and can sit in on jam sessions. I have a very long way to go but im making music....MY MUSIC !! Its a beautiful thing and a feeling of accomplishment but you have got to put in the time and effort ! Thanks for all the tips Adam !!

I found you today and started working my Hohner 20. Worked on the first part over and over until I got it, worked into the second part. Thank you for this. I’m so glad I clicked on this video, sir. Easy to follow instructions. Just what a beginner needs. ✌️❤️

Hi Mr. Gussow. I´m David, from Spain. Just bought my first Hohner Blues Harp two ours ago here, in Córdoba, today, 29/03/3023. Now after lunch, I watched again this video, the one which pushed me to do that, and I got it!! I started!! So thank you for the video. We´ll see how far can I get.

Like if you're telling yourself, "one day I'm gonna be somewhere and I'm gonna pull my harmonica out and knock 'em dead".

Important parts: 5:00 count and 4draw, 4blow, 3d, 2d 5:26 (think sheep) 6:16 9:21 (7x4d,4b,3d,2d,chb,chd,chb) 7:40 chord 123B 9:21 back to the beginning and chord thing BlowDrawBlow 10:53 Fat DaffyDuck lips for 123chord 11:03 Here's the riff 11:28 small 2 to DaffyDuck 123, subtly open up 12:27 get ready 13:53 little secret: air around the harp 14:48 true riff -15:52-- bending 4 + start scooping- ??? 16:50 BENDING 19:52 here's the riff (bends) ---4draw 4d bend, 3d, 2d 22:05 22:32 --->fantastic Gussow

Mr Gassow thank you sir, for taking the time to do this. Most masters won't even waste thier time on the little people. I just ordered my harp. I'm excited to get started. I'll be haunting your website and channel learning all I can. Thanks again.

Mr. Gussow, you are not just a fantastic harmonica player, you are an excellent teacher. I play a little bass and a little keyboards. What you did at 11:50 is enough to keep my harmonica in my pocket wherever I go. Thank you so much! Keep em' comin'!

Wowie. Gussow. I am hooked. You are my harp guru. You are totally animated. Love your fun approach. You’re the guy that’s going to make me a blues pro. I’m still with you.....

"Who's David Letterman?" I just found out what laughing into a harmonica sounds like

I bought a harmonica on a whim, I’m here, and I’m blown away by this video. Thank you! I’m inspired.

You seem such a kind soul! thank you for teaching me a beautiful way to express myself!

Definitely got me hooked. Just ordered a special 20 to start off with. I’ve been fascinated for years with the sound of the blues harmonica but didn’t think I could learn it by myself. Now videos like this are available it’s so helpful 👍🏻

absolutely not just for beginners. Great for review and focusing on the subtleties of the Shuffle. thank you

Thank you, Gussow. I have been trying to play for years. I'm 62 and learned more today with you than I have in all those years. again Thanks a lot.

I was listening to the Little Walter radio on my pandora and I thought “how does this harmonica thing work” and here it is!! You sound amazing and your teaching is so basic but so easy to understand!!! Well done!! Makes me want to sit next to the camp fire and enjoy that raw, timeless sound!

Boy did I start at the right time! Just got my first harmonica, a Hohner Crossover, yesterday on your recommendation. Thanks for these videos! Really want to get down that awesome bend sound!

Mr. Gussow, you are the man. I'm starting to feel the blues. Thank you so much.

I understand music theory well grew up here in Nashville I play a plarithera of instruments but this guy has broken playing the pocket saxophone down to a science as well as pleasant to watch I could not have kept my confidence in the harp without your words and wisdom sir thank you for taken the time to show us anything at all

Thank you so so much! Bought my harmonica over 20 years ago (before youtube obviously!) and it's been stuck in a drawer ever since. Re-discovered it as we're packing to move house, and thought let's try and learn it! Discovered you, and wow! Learnt so much just from this fantastic first video! My wife is now packing on her own.......

9 minutes in and i couldnt help but subscribing! such a charisma! thanks for sharing the knowledge in such a joyful way sir!

Am kinda playing my way through with jams at the local places etc. ... But still so much to learn from you !!! God bless ya bro!!

Wow! Great instructor! No BS just sincere explanations on what's behind the curtain and straight forward examples on how you can do it. At 60yo I started on my path to bluesville harping away but after 5yrs into it I got lost in all the complexity and mostly my seemly slow progress I just lost my vision of ever performing publicly or even for friends! So I stopped to breathe ...now almost 80yo (15 years later) I recently caught a live guitar/harp jam session and was deeply moved and inspired by that soulful harp "sound" and I said "Yeah Baby, I'm ready to dive back into that deep rich "tone" with a grove again!" So I'm an early bird @ 5AM with black coffee, scales, bending exercises to warm up and then some 1st position melodies that sound so sweet, switching to cross-harp working riffs integrated with chords like "Shortnin Bread" similar to this above lesson! The time absolutely flies before several hours harp madness/FUN sadly end and time for chores! I'm not quitting this time until I can do an "open-mic" gig without dying of the fear & embarcement "Thinking OMG what do I do now?" Worried someone will shout "Please STOP!!" Actually that's the "trick" with music don't stop just keep it going and most folks won't notice or even care that you missed the half step bend on your 3-draw! 🤫 So THANK YOU Adam! ...on demystifying this remarkable instrument and encouraging us to stick with our musical journeys. 😎

I thought that I was way passed this level, But then saw things in the finesse on the bend notes, and realised that I have a lot to learn. but so nice to be able to keep up and do 95% of the lesson, the real best is that last 5% But thanks for saying it's a beginners absolutely beginners intermediates go away. I can draw all notes, blow bend all notes, even over blow so thought I was pritty good, But this easy Riff so easy, but to really do it perfect every time is a difrent story. Fantastic lesson, and still learnt so much. Blessings to you Gussow, so informative on so many levels.....

I just gotta say, thats how to teach the harmonica. Great video and a great lesson, big thanks from Iceland

"Mom, I got a harmonica instead of candy again." "Damnit, Billy, put it in the drawer with the other 5 your brothers brought home."

Simply amazing...much appreciate you sharing your harmonica expertise with us who love to listen to your every bit of advice.

Gussow, I already know this stuff. I'm here because it's a real pleasure watching you teach. You're the Bill Nye of the harmonica.

First harmonica lesson I've had lol, watched this video twice over, I can bend and go to the rhythm easily enough although I keep filling myself up with air and are struggling to hit the C hahaha but all in all well impressed with this lesson! Brilliant instructor :) just gotta practice some more an polish it up haha

Terrific lesson. I can't believe I'm finally starting to get the 4D bend! Thank you, thank you, thank you..

Adam! You are sent from the heavens above! You are the most awesome teacher ive ever come across! Bless your heart for going beyond the beginner class and teaching us some real meaty stuff. I hope to make you proud and glad you spent your precious time for the sake of future Blues harmonica players. You are the BOMB!

Just got my Hohner Marine Band 1896 in C today from Amazon. Getting good a single notes, but still need practice on bends. #2 is definitely difficult -- sounds different than yours does. Going to take me a while.

hey sir i'm paralyzed and lost use of my hands.. i have a rack ( i believe it's called ) to hold it but it is hard for me to get this with no hands. I always loved music and I did play guitar recreationally( nothing special lol ) before I got hurt. I did love playing a lot tho, and ever since I got hurt I have been trying to find my new thing. a new outlet. this seemed like something cool I could really get into, and actually do lol. is there anyway you can make a beginners video on how to use one with no hands ?? i'd be really greatful and appreciatetive for any advice. i've put in countless hours playing the scales and attempting to learn by myself lol. THANK YOU!!

First time picking up a harmonica! Thank you man, I'm hooked!!

This is exactly what I need to get started. I’ll be rewatching this over and over for a week I’m sure, but I’m excited. Thanks!!!!

nobody is worried about how long the video is, keep em coming I'm glad I found your channel your a great inspiration and teacher, wish you was in California to teach

Excellent instruction! Funny, clear and inspiring for a beginner like me!

Class act! Thank you. My new harmonica (far too fancy, I'm scared of taking it out of the box! Serves me right! Has two lines of notes instead of one, can't even remember what it's called!) so thinking of starting over and getting a Marine Band Hohner in C. Then I see there's a Deluxe version, oh no! So, for once in my life I'm going to reign myself in and do as I'm told and start slowly, simply so I can at least take it out of the box without feeling stupid. I had a harmonica when I was a kid. I taught myself to play it and remembr I could play a Seekers song (yes, I'm that old!) called A World Of Our Own. I think I played it okay though I didn't know what I was doing. No idea what key the harmonica was in. I'm wittering on now. But love these lessons. Maybe I'll be able to play it again (I don't much care for that song now). I was going to try and start with Jez Hellard The Miners' Picket Song but then again.....! Ha!! I just need to start!!!!!

Had a harmonica a long time. Finally occurred to me to look for a tutorial. Your was the first I hit. PERFECT first timer tutorial. Playing it near perfect right away. Great teaching Thanks!

Yes, it's a long video. But I just bought my Hohner Marine Band first harmonica EVER... after 64yrs trips around the sun. And you keep me interested ... I'll be back until I get this riff right... and then I'll be back again.

No park benches, the dock works just as well though. loving the lessons and getting the 2 draw! thnx

This was great, 2nd day playing harmonica and could pull off some bends. You have an encouraging style of teaching, good stuff my man.

Love this guy he’s clearly been teaching for ages cos he knows exactly what to say. Great energy.

Been playing now for a few months. Was finally able to follow your directions. Great video. Will keep practicing!

This guy's a pretty good teacher. Also: glad to hear it's not just my 2-draw that's wonky.

I really appreciate your lessons and your patience to explain, I have improved a lot on my harp since I subscribed in your channel, Thank you! you are "THE" Harp man!

Thank you so much for this! I just bought an 8 dollar harmonica and this made me feel like a pro in 5 minutes! You rock!

ive wanted to pick one up for years and finally got round to it.....now i'm obsessed with harmonica . loving all the videos dude. amazing explanations.

love your stuff. appreciate it mate.

Thanks. You are very likable. I appreciate your approach. You make me feel like that I can get there with practise.

omg I love you!!!! i own a harmonica brand 'Victory' in the key of C my dad had in his desk who knows how long and a few years ago I took it with me and had it always in my backpack but I never knew how to really play and get the single notes right and I thought you need a special harmonica to play blues. Now I watch yoir video and i can do almost perfectly what you showed. .. you are an amazing teacher!!!! Thank you so much!! You finally made me find the blues in my harmonica!!

Your like Bob Ross for Harmonica

One of the best Thumbnails!

I did your very very beginner lesson and now this one. They are simply awesome. My harmonica set has only been sitting idle since Christmas and I feel fortunate to have discovered your lesson videos while vacationing alone in Florida. I could be doing crossword puzzles and sudoku but I’m learning to play Harmonica! Brilliantly I only brought one harmonica with me and it was the c! Crazily I never noticed that the hole numbers were there on the harmonica! Thank you! When I hit the big time I’ll say I owe it all to you! Ha!

Wow. I had the Walmart First Act kit and after a year had only picked it up, like, twice. *Now* I'm actually starting something. Thank you! You're exactly what I needed to get me over the hump.

This video is absolutely amazing

Adam, I want to take a moment to thank you for the great content you have put out there for aspiring harmonica players. It takes knowledge, time and effort to produce these videos and I am thankful to have found this one in particular. I am a novice and it put a few key thoughts together for me at the right time. Someone wise once said "when the student is ready; the teacher will come". This lesson presented a worthy goal and astute observations to help a student get there in a logical progression of small steps. I think you have succeeded in hooking me and I hope follow through to eventual mastery of this material. Each time I practice this lick I recognize my progress and it feels good. You are an excellent teacher. I have no musical talent or experience to speak of, so I feel I am being a little presumptuous to offer this insight from today's practice. But I am inspired and grateful and hope this thought is of value to you for your students. I was working on the shuffle rhythm and trying to balance my breathing. Having got used to placing the harmonica somewhat deep in my lips to get single notes, when it came time to play chords they sounded good but expelling a little air was difficult. 1) When I relaxed and eased up on the inward pressure I found a sweet spot where a little air escaped of its own accord. 2) When it escaped I could detect the air blowing on the back of my hand. 3) If I wet the back of my hand between my thumb and forefinger, it was even easier to detect. You have forgotten more about harmonica than I am likely to ever know. I offer this thought in humble gratitude because I discern a thoughtful teacher looking for useful explanatory nuggets to convey to his students. In my limited awareness of what's out there I have seen other references to the need for balanced breathing. but not quite this detail. If this is old news to everyone please forgive an enthusiastic beginner. Hope this helps others on their harmonica journey.

Best beginner harmonica lesson ever, flipping excellent thank you for all the details left out by many other teachers 👍🏼🙏🏻

Love your tutorial style and enthusiasm Adam! Bought my harmonica last week and currently embracing the obstacles!

great video mate thank you ..Davie from newcastle uk please keep it up the great work thanx again

I'm a raw beginner, just got it, and looking for youtubes on how to play. :)

I received a Hohner Marine Band in C as a Christmas gift. I play guitar, ukulele, mandolin and banjo so my family thought I needed a portable music device. I've never been able to play harmonica so I looked around and found this video. I really like the way Adam puts the hay down where the sheep can eat. In just a few minutes I've been able to play this little riff to a point where it doesn't bother the family. I need more practice but it's going well. Thanks Adam!

Have had this harmonica bouncing around my draw for years. No Im retired Im going to see how far I can go. Just watched your first lesson for beginners.... Love it so far. Thank you for sharing.

Tomorrow, I'm buying a harmonica.

Excellent lesson picked up the basics now I just have to clean it up and put some soul into it.

have had this harmonica in a drawer pulled it out knowing i have plenty of time at home, and by watching this beginner video i think with work i just might be able to learn blues harmonica. Pretty exciting.

Just got my Hohner Blues Harp and now I'm gonna try to use your videos to learn how to play. Thanks for your work!

You made me laugh when you said that I have my whole life to do it!

I think I can get this ! I impersonate Stevie Nicks but my original stuff is very Bluesy! Thank you for the free first lesson!

just bought a harmonica and found you as my first lesson. fabulous!! will practice every day! thank you.

Adam, I love how you teach! Beginner after a month, I am getting better! Flute player here so wind and ta-ta-ta is natural. Thank you from Seattle!!!

Always interesting, entertaining and Informative.

Just watched the Satan & Adam documentary, amazing story of two amazing men, keep up the good work Adam and thanks for the great free harp lessons.

I've played blues guitar for many years and I've always wanted to play harmonica. I started watching your videos today and you inspired me to pull my Hohner out of storage. Wow.... I've learned more in an hour than I have in my previous half century. So motivated by you Adam. Thanks so much for the inspiration.

I had the pleasure to sit with this guy at a SPAH convention in San Antonio. He is the bomb, super friendly and a great teacher.

Loved the documentary on Netflix.

Dude, seriously, this is too much. It's like you've been badly beaten with the Talent Stick. Take that - Rhythm, and that - Blues, and that Soul, and that Improv. No Man, we are not done - smack - Creativity, boom - Communication Skills, bam - Personality, Humor, Charisma. Sitting on a Park Bench, playing a gig, creating videos, teaching (reaching) video students - WoW. Impressive....I'm inspired - on many levels. If only that Talent Stick were available....I would try to get at least a tap......

Ok, so almost 40 years of tremolo, I can now get tunes out of my first Marine Band (it arrived literally an hour ago)! I relived history and played Charlie Pride, Crystal Chandeliers as my first song - at least this time it took me seconds rather than months! Now starting to practice blues riffs to jams! Loving it already!!! Looking forward to watching and learning from a master! Thanks Adam!

God Bless you for your patience in teaching this harmonica!!! LOVE YOUR VIDEO!!! THANKS SO VERY MUCH!!

Corona virus instrument Imma learn how to play harmonica during quarantine

I did it:))) Thanks for video! My dog trying to sing it😂😂😂

Thank you very much for this lesson! I watched it all the way through and I don’t sound to bad. I love the way you teach - you don’t give us everything, we have to actually go and look for it!! Thanks

Excellent teacher and video. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for your hard work.

If my engineer teachers were as cool as this guy my life would be way more interesting

"Well this video's dying on the vine..." Hah, that cracked me up. Great video, though.

A few months that I work the harmonica, after several tutorials to learn how to bend it is the first time that in 20 min of work I understand the principle and that I get there! Thx dude you are a good teacher

I received a fender Blues Harmonica for Christmas and I watched this man Adam in what a brilliant teacher what he was showing me by the end of the video I was playing what he was playing and it's the first time I ever played I'm looking forward four lessons 2 3 4 and 5

What am I doing here? I own a harmonica and I’m watching this during my math test