Playing Harmonica
The articles here are for anyone interested in harmonica. I’ve been playing harmonica 30 years. Some of my experience is outlined here, but I still have much to learn from the harmonica community. Those playing for only 30 days are part of this community, with different goals to those with more experience. These articles may help your journey.
The articles are divided into four sections: Harmonica Technique, Harmonica Gear and Maintenance, Harmonica Performance and articles from Harmonica World. The articles are mostly by me, with other contributors as indicated. Some of the articles are for beginners, some for more advanced players, some are for everyone. A few of the articles are located on my companion Harmonica Academy teaching site
Harmonica Technique
What are the notes on a harmonica?
Which Key Harmonica Should I Use?
Harmonica Holder – A Practical Guide for using the Rack to play Harmonica and Guitar
Harmonica Chords – a practical guide
C harmonica- why beginners usually start with a harmonica in the key of C
Harmonica Two Hole Draw Problems – It’s not the Harmonica, It’s You..
Harmonica Gear and Maintenance
Microphones and the Acoustic Harmonica – Getting a Good Stage and Studio Sound – Tom Ball
Learning Diminished Harmonica Tuning with Phrase Maps – Brendan Power
Recording Harmonica for free with Audacity
Retuned Harmonicas – Major Cross and other Alternate Harmonica Tunings
Harmonica Stage Equipment – Easy Ways to get a great Harmonica Sound
Custom Harmonicas – what they are, why people like them
Harmonica Maintenance – Fixing Common Harmonica Problems
Alan G Bates Harmonica Collection at the National Music Museum at the Univerity of South Dakota
Review of Richard Hunter’s harmonica patches for the RP350
Harmonica Performance
Beginning Harmonica Players – joining the music community
Diversity – Surviving as a Professional in the Harmonica Business – Tom Ball
Chromatic Harmonica Baroque Book: a free ebook comprising 18th century baroque duets, chosen for chromatic harmonica players, compiled by Tony Eyers
Harmonica Jazz – Roger Trobridge
Busking – Paid Harmonica Performance Practice
Listening – play harmonica better by hearing others more
Harmonica Practice – a bit will help a lot
Harmonica World
In 2008 I started writing a tutorial column for Harmonica World, a bi monthly publication of the UK based National Harmonica League. This is a fine magazine, and I’m glad to be part of it. Harmonica World has kindly allowed me to re-produce some of the articles here.
A New Harmonica Model from Harmonica World Feb-Mar 2017
Harmonica Gear from Harmonica World Apr-May 2014
Basic Harmonica Maintenance from Harmonica World Feb-Mar 2014
Baroque Recorder and the Harmonica from Harmonica World Oct-Nov 2013
Blues Harmonica Introduction from Harmonica World Aug-Sep 2013
Tony Eyers Harmonica Trio from Harmonica World Apr-May 2013
4th Position Harmonica from Harmonica World Feb-Mar 2013
When Two Harmonica Players Meet from Harmonica World Dec-Jan 2013
Chord Harmonicas from Harmonica World June-July 2012
What Should I Play? from Harmonica World April-May 2012
Country Harmonica Tuning from Harmonica World Dec 2011
Playing Backup Harmonica from Harmonica World Oct-Nov 2011
The Third Hole from Harmonica World Aug-Sept 2011
Accordions and Harmonicas from Harmonica World Apr-May 2011
Setting targets for the New Year from Harmonica World Feb-Mar 2011
Custom Harmonicas from Harmonica World Dec-Jan 2010/11
Tremolo Harmonica from Harmonica World Jun-Jul 2010
Playing Fast from Harmonica World Jun-Jul 2010
Touring from Harmonica World Apr-May 2010
First Position Blues – the High Notes from Harmonica World Feb-Mar 2010
Third Position Blues from Harmonica World Dec-Jan 2010
Breathing Life into Music from Harmonica World Oct-Nov 2009
Thirds from Harmonica World August-Sept 2009
Harmonica Arpeggios from Harmonica World June-July 2009
First Position Blues from Harmonica World April-May 2009
Third Position Blues from Harmonica World Feb-Mar 2009
First Position Tunes from Harmonica World Dec-Jan 2009
Soloing and the Blues Scale from Harmonica World Oct-Nov 2008
Harmonica Practice from Harmonica World Aug-Sep 2008
