Harmonica Resources

When I started playing, more than 40 years ago, the only way to gain harmonica knowledge was to buy records, and attend local blues gigs, hoping to see good players. I was fortunate to meet some great players early on, who mentored me, and showed me how to explore the harmonica world. Also, Chess reissued many of their classic 1950's blues recordings at that time. I was able to buy these at greatly reduced prices in bagain bins. My Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson II and Howling Wolf double albums are now cherished (and much used) treasures.

The Internet opens the world of harmonica to all of us (this course being an example!). Becoming harmonica literate is now far easier.

Links to Players

Mike Stevens is a prolific and very highly regarded Canadian player, specializing in Bluegrass and other styles. He has performed with many Bluegrass greats, including Jim and Jesse, and has authored the instructional book "Bluegrass Harmonica", distributed by Hal Leonard.

Brendan Power is probably the best known player of Irish harmonica, due to his album "New Irish Harmonica" and his work with the Riverdance show. However, he plays a wide variety of styles, as his web site indicates. He uses altered tunings extensively, which enable stunning ornamentation for his Irish playing on chromatic harmonicas. His approach to Irish styles is outlined in his book "Irish Music on the Blues Harp," and is highly recommended

Matyas Pribojszki is a wonderful Hungarian player who plays blues, even though he is from Eastern Europe.

PT Gazell is from Nashville Tennesse, in the USA. His playing is based more on country music than blues. His is a pioneer in bluegrass harmonica, and has recently released a stunning jazz CD.

Howard Levy, from Chicago, is considered the most advanced harmonica player in the world. Follow the link and you will understand why.

Shtreiml are a Canadian band, featuring Jason Rosenblat on harmonica. The band is influenced by traditional Jewish music.

Mark Hummel is considered amongst the greatest of the current generation of American blues players.

Adam Gussow is a well known blues player who has created a wonderful series of YouTube harmonica instruction videos.

Crossroadslearning provides harmonica teaching in schools. The program is run by David Berntson, who has 20 years experience in this area.

Richard Hunter is a well known American player and the author of "Jazz Harp". He has created an excellent harmonica patch set for the Digitech RP350, the patches are available at his site.

Links to Harmonica and Blues Resources

Seydel Harmonicas: The oldest harmonica factory in the world. I'm a proud endorser of Seydel Harmonicas.

Harmonica.com - an extensive, well organised and popular harmonica teaching site by J.P. Allen

Blues Harmonica online lessons by the truly excellent Dave Barrett

Pat Missin is a well known source of harmonica information. In particular, his site has a detailed overview on harmonica tuning(s).

HarmonicaUK is the UK harmonica organisation. I've been a columnist for their Harmonica World Magazine for many years.

Band in a Box is the metronome for the 21st century. In particular, it helps build the technique to enable a beginning player to join with others. Essentially you can set a backing band to any speed (or key), then slowly increase tempo while gaining familiarity with a new tune. I have used this software extensively for practice, and cannot recommend it highly enough

Rockin Rons Music is a comprehensive online harmonica shop, with a well organised site and a first class reputation.

Blues Jam Tracks: Pete Schmidt's blues jam tracks are the best I've heard. Put together by seasoned blues players and available online, these tracks cover a wide range of common blues rhythms. Highly recommended.