[Harp-L] Rapid learning Nick

["geoff atkins" <geoffatkins@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Quote:	"Hello,
	I have just picked up a Suzuki Bluesmaster Harmonica set and have
never played before. I like the blues sound. Can any offer me 	some advise
of the fastest way to learn so that I can start 	having a little fun
with the harmonica.
  	Thanks,   	Nick"
Unquote.

Hello Nick, let's pass the questions of "sight reading" and "playing by
ear", and whether the harp you chose was the best.
You're off to a great start, having fun. Keep that aim.
I'm qualified to answer two cents' worth because I did learn fast.

This may help: listen to CDs of a range of players, playing the kind of
music that pleases and interests you. The best way is at first to buy
inexpensive compilations of, "Blues" and "Harp". That way you are exposed to
harpists from say, Sonny Terry to Little Walter. (Newer virtuosos you'll
find mentioned here, and many contribute too. So get more info here and on
the youtube-type sites).
Then listen to the playing styles, and try to learn the tunes and effects.
The latter can be learned from several good books, some of which have CDs.
There's a huge range of excellent harmonica lessons on the web too. 
Better, find a teacher to prevent getting into bad habits, and who will
listen, comment and encourage you when, despite trying, you don't succeed! 
(I progressed fast, then found I was playing "upside down" and had a
difficult month or so when I re-learned to play the harp left handed)
Practice, then practice some more. Use lip salve! 
Practice and meet people you can jam with, and 
Practice with them. 
Then the Holy Grail quest for your version of "the Sound" can start , 
but that comes later, with amps and mics and tube exchanging  :)
And have fun.

Best Regards
 
Geoff Atkins