First Sounds - Lesson 1

This is the start of your musical journey with the harmonica. With all journeys, it is best to know where you are going. For most harmonica students, the journey begins after hearing harmonica music. For example, listen to this tune

During the course you will learn to play it.

However, there will be many lessons, and much practice needed before you can do this.

This first lesson will show you how to hold the harmonica, and how to make your first sounds. Take the instrument in your left hand, and hold it between your first finger and thumb, like this

Most harmonicas have numbers, from 1 to 10, on one of the metal cover plates. Make sure that these numbers are facing upwards, so that you can see them, like this

Now place your hand with the harmonica into your other hand. The end of your thumb on your other hand should rest against the end of the harmonica, like this

Now look down at your harmonica. You should see 10 holes. Place your mouth over the bottom 3 holes, and blow gently. It should sound like this

Now breathe in. It should sound like this

Notice that the notes you hear when breathing in are higher than the notes you hear when blowing out. You may have to practice this exercise many times before it sounds right. Also try breathing gently, to make a quiet sound, then breathing harder, to make a louder sound.

Now we will try the same exercise with music. Listen to this track

and then this track

Now listen to the first track again, which has the harmonica. You will hear the harmonica blow 4 times, then breathe in 4 times, then blow again to finish. Practice many times with this track, until you can play it well. Then try to play along with the second track, which is like a Karaoke track, without the harmonica.

When learning a musical instrument, you must be patient. Many people try to progress quickly. It is not necessary to do this. There is a lifetime in which to learn. It is much better to take plenty of time with each lesson, and to persist with the exercises until you can play them beautifully. This will make you a better musician.

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