And I’m going to learn to play it . . .
[sub]Not sure if this should have been in Cafe Society, but it’s a fairly pointless post if not mundane[/sub]
I had the urge to learn to play one for some reason, maybe because I’ve been listening to a lot of blues lately.
Anyway my brother saw a How to play harmonica, book in a local charity shop and picked it up for me. So this lunch time I went across the road to the local music shop and bought a Blues Harp.
So, Wish me luck.
Ooooh good luck! That sounds really cool. Let us know how you like it.
Thanks, I’m sitting here at work considering annoying the hell out of my colleagues 
wa-wa wa wa waaa
My name is Gartog…
wa-wa wa wa waaa
I just bought me a Blue Harp…
wa-wa wa wa waaa
I sit in the office…
wa-wa wa wa waaa
With my pencils nice and sharp!
Maybe I sholdn’t get into writing Blues songs. Another career path closed for lack of talent. Rats.
Cool for you and your new musical endevor.
-Rue.
My name is Rue …
wa-wa wa wa waaa
I just pressed reply …
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I just can’t stop postin’ …
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Tell me what can I do [sub]do do do do do do[/sub]…
No sharp pencils here I’m afraid . . . .pens, screwdrivers and blanking plates though. . .
I’ve thought about buying a harmonica for some time. Thought it might be something to do as I walk to and from the train each day.
What do you need to consider when buying your first harp? Brands? Keys? Books?
Well I got hold of a book first because although I enjoyed listening to them, and liked the idea of a pocket instrument I didn’t really have any idea what sort to get etc.
The book I have, which my brother picked up at a charity shop for £1.99 is The Complete Harmonica Player by John Tyler.
This recommended a Hohner MeisterKlasse for beginners although I went for the Hohner Blues Harp which was also recommended.
In Part 2 it teaches how to play a chromatic Harmonica which enables you to play in any key.
There are other types, I Think it’s best to either get a book first (and see which sort they use, it will make it easier to follow the tutorials if you have the same type) or speak to someone who has played before.
There may be someone on the board who can help.
[sub] wa-wa wa wa waaa[/sub]
I used to play music alot, mainly guitar and keyboards. Was in many bands, even had a small recording studio in the house. That was 10 years ago, and since then I’ve got wife, kids, startup business and no time. I’ve really missed it, and about a year ago I took up the harp, now I play it for/with my 2 year old son at night before he goes to bed.
It’s a lot of fun. Unfortunately, you can’t play along with the radio since it’s keyed, but it’s a great instrument especially since it’s so portable.
BTW, I’ve got a chromatic, but I never play it. It’s a totally different instrument, and unless you’re a Stevie Wonder freak, you won’t have much occasion to use it. There’s nothing wrong with being a Stevie Wonder freak; I dig him too. Yes, you can play in any key, but there are a lot of things you can’t do with it. There are certain bends and transitions you can do on a standard harp that you can’t do on a chromatic.
Dinsdale,
Hohner Blues Harp is a good brand. For a first harp, C is a good key. Fraid I can’t recommend any books.
I find that practicing while driving inspires great confidence in those around you, especially in rush hour, and absolutely with the windows down.
You probably don’t have the same problem I do…lipstick is a b*tch to get out of those little holes…
It’s true, though, that a chromatic is waaaaaayyy different than the keyed harps. I don’t know how much you know about music, but a C harp can be used (sometimes) when you play in related keys, like G or F…
Good luck!
(And all you really need to do is act like you know what you’re doing and dress cool.)