How to get the classic blues sound on harmonica

Category: Jam Session

Post 1 by Darth Vader (Luke, I am your father.) on Monday, 13-Aug-2012 19:20:17

Hey all,

What's the best way to get that classic blues sound on harmonica? i've been wanting to play, but since I can't get that sound, I've never really been using the harmonica I've got. I figure if I can get some tips for getting the sound for blues in terms of holding the harmonica, and more importantly, breathing, I'll be good to go.

Post 2 by forereel (Just posting.) on Tuesday, 14-Aug-2012 0:56:01

Barbecue sandwich. Wite bread and lots of souce on that bad boy. Hot sauce too. Shade tree. Half gallon jug wine, or 5th whiskey. Woman was cheaten on you last night. Drink half of either Whiskey or wine.
Slide that bad baby out your shirt pocket, spit on it, think about the woman, sing a bar or two and play.
Your already blind, so your half way there.
Sorry, just had too.
Seriously, you should hang out with blue players if possible. Look around in your city for Monday night jams, and try to go. They'll teach you. I'm serious.

Post 3 by Deadnight Warrior (Zone BBS Addict) on Tuesday, 14-Aug-2012 2:38:20

hahahaha to the previous post. I'm having the same problem. What kind of harmonica do you use? I've got that beginner seven-pack blues set from Honer. I've heard a lot of reviews of that particular set that say it's a fairly decent set. But does the kind of harp matter? What's the difference in sound between single-reed or double-reed, or diatonic and chromatic?

Post 4 by Darth Vader (Luke, I am your father.) on Tuesday, 14-Aug-2012 9:55:11

I've only got a single harmonica in the key of c. I'm trying to get the wa wa and bending kinda thang goin'.

Post 5 by roxtar (move over school!) on Thursday, 23-Aug-2012 5:57:13

lmao, post 2 was good. There are some sweet blues lessons on youtube. CHeck them out. I struggle with playing harmonica myself, so i know your pain.

Post 6 by Darth Vader (Luke, I am your father.) on Thursday, 23-Aug-2012 15:11:30

I'll have to do that. The problem is gonna be replicating them since I can't see what's going on, and not everybody does a good job describing what to do and how to do it.

Post 7 by forereel (Just posting.) on Thursday, 23-Aug-2012 17:46:38

They'll show you. Ask them for what you need to see.
I have noticed some website that have instruction on this. What kind of harp you should have and that sort of thing. Do a search for Blue Harmonica or playing it.

Post 8 by Darth Vader (Luke, I am your father.) on Wednesday, 29-Aug-2012 20:54:53

I'll definatly do that. I have a couple harps in the key of c. I need to get a whole set of 12 or maybe just one chromatic harp.