I've recently purchased a "Hohner Blues Harp Harmonica", C key. It is the first instrument I've ever really owned -- but I thought it'd be something nice to pick up as a hobby.
I'm not particularly sure if this is the place to be asking this, but any tips for a newbie? As in what songs to start from, or any links that would be great to help me on my way. Also, I was just wondering if anyone has the tabs, or could help me identify them from this song:
If you scroll down the orange strip at the left of your screen, you'll find plenty of stuff for beginners to help you get started, videos, tabs and such. You might want to look into getting some face-to-face instruction, too. I think if you Google harmonica tabs or harmonica tablature, you'll find sites with songs tabbed out. Otherwise, tabbing out an entire song is a pretty tedious task...at least for me. Good luck, my friend.
you just entered the world of harmonica, congrats! you have joined the family! ---------- "When you thinkin' evil, you thinkin' about the blues" - The Wolf
It's a long, long time ago but I still remember the frustration of not being able to play along to a simple riff like the one in The Smith's song.
You will know that harps come in many keys and you have chosen a good key to learn on as many online lessons use a C harmonica. To begin with start to try and play clean single notes on blow and draw because that will be invaluable when you come to want to play some nice blues bends.
The simple answer to your Smith's tab question is to play this tab on your C harmonica:-
-5-5+5+4-4-4 where minus is draw and plus is blow.
You will notice it is the same tune as on 'Hand in Glove' but at a different and lower pitch than on the video so it won't blend if you play along with the song.
This is because the harp used on the record is in the key of E. (I wouldn't go and buy an E harp though because it is pretty high in pitch and difficult for a beginner to play)
You can find tabs for simple well-known song on the net to play along with and this will help you find your way around the harmonica and enable you to anticipate the sound of the note that comes out of each hole.
This simple instrument can often be frustrating but stick at it and have fun with it. If you find yourself getting frustrated playing clean single notes, mix it up and play chords (groups of three notes together) and train like chugging. Just keep it interesting for yourself and you'll love it.
Buy John Gindick's "Rock n Blues" harmonica book. It has tabs and a cd. You would do well to work through this book first. Then much of the stuff we tell you will make more sense. He will only take you so far. You will need Adam's stuff immediately afterwards. ---------- Danny
An excellent reference/learning book with CD is "Harmonica for Dummies" by Winslow Yerxa. It covers different styles genres and advances from beginner to expert in its offerings. Don't be put off by the title as the 'dummies' just means it is written in an easy understandable way.
Were I just starting out I would make sure I had a good handle on the basics ie correct breathing, embouchure etc. Some one on one or skype lessons from a good teacher will help you cover ground faster.
Tabs are a good start and tabs for just about any tune can be found on the net. But tabs become a pain & you should quickly learn not to rely on tabs but develop an ear. Good luck. There are plenty of people here to assist. ---------- HARPOLDIE’S YOUTUBE
Before deciding on a civilized or academic approach, buy an A,D & F, a 12 pack of Bud and cruise U-Tube for Sonny Terri, Jed Davenport, Noah Lewis, J Geils Band and James Cotton. You may discover you have natural talent and wake up tomorrow with a dozen riffs.
