How to Play the Harmonica
Clay Edwards (Com ’87, Grad ’88) is the president of Hohner Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of harmonicas.
Holding the harmonica
First, it makes sense to start with a quality harmonica. I’d recommend a professional level model that will allow you to “bend” notes easily.
Hold the harmonica with both hands, the right thumb and forefinger around the 10 hole end, and the left thumb at the end by the 1 hole, with the left fingers behind the back of the harmonica. If you flap your fingers back and forth quickly, you’ll learn to make an echo sound, often associated with campfire music.
Breathing, drawing
Playing the harmonica is about breathing in and out, with control, rhythm and precision. The low notes are by hole 1, the highest are by hole 10. Visualize a piano—the higher notes are always to the right. Blowing or drawing on a single hole produces one note. Blowing several holes at once can yield a chord, like the intro to Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man.”
6 Blow 7 Blow 7 Blow 7 Blow 8 Blow 8 Draw 7 Blow 8 Draw
Accompanying music
Another way to learn is by accompanying music. Play only one or two notes at a time and stay in rhythm (don’t play faster than the song goes). Less is more, if you play in rhythm and follow the melody up and down. Play along with CDs or YouTube videos, which are a good source of free lessons. Hohner’s site (http://www.hohnerusa.com) will offer free lessons soon.
Learning to play the harmonica will help you gain an emotional response from people. Playing music soothes the soul and inspires, and the harmonica is an easy place to start.
Comments
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