How to Play the Harmonica

Learning how to play the harmonica is simply. However many people don't learn how to play the harmonica properly and assume that playing the harmonica is just all about getting the sound out of the harmonica by holding it in both hands and blowing as well as drawing as hard as possible. While this will make the harmonica sound, it is not how to play the harmonica. There are the right ways of how to play the harmonica and there are also wrong ways.

Learning how to hold the harmonica

The first thing to learn when learning about how to play the harmonica is how to hold the harmonica the correct way. You should hold the harmonica with one hand to allow you to breathe muted and vibrato effects with the free hand. Most people hold the harmonica with their left hand with the lowest notes on the left.

Learning how to blow the harmonica

To blow the harmonica the right way, you need to moisten your lips and part your teeth a little, then cover holes 1,2 and 3 with your mouth and then blow. Don't try to force the air through the reed, but gently breathe from your chest in a relaxed way.

Keep your mouth in the same position on the harmonica, draw on holes 1, 2 and 3. Again try to inhale in as even as relaxed a way as possible. The temptation may be to snatch your breath inwards sharply or to be timid about drawing but keep at it until you rind yourself producing an even tone on both blowing and drawing.

Now stop and tap any saliva to of the harmonica. If you are out of breath at this stage, you are probably trying too hard. Have another go and concentrate on keeping your lips relaxed on the harmonica without being too tense.

Take another short break, then practice harmonica exercises. When moving holes 1, 2, and 3, keep the harmonica still and shift your head slightly so that your lips slide onto the next three holes. If this is difficult, remember to moisten your lips before playing and to keep them relaxed but definitely in position. To keep your breathing regular, beat time with your foot.