The Everything Harmonica Book

by Lichterman, Douglas

• ISBN13: 9781598694826
• ISBN10: 1598694820
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-08-01
• Publisher: Adams Media Corp

Summary

From the top of the pop charts to TV, film, and radio scores (not to mention even your grandpappy's rocking chair), harmonica music is all around us. The Everything Harmonica Book with CD makes learning how to play the harmonica fun and easy. Practice with straightforward, step-by-step instructions and entertaining exercises. In no time, you'll be showcasing your skills for the most widely played instrument in the United States!Written by three professional musicians, this book provides you with the tools for success, including: Steps to master the basics and simple songs Inspiring examples to help you complete challenging exercises Improvisation tips and techniques The history of the harmonica and its importance in popular music The colorful personalities and great recordings of its master players This guide is perfect for your specific level, whether you're a beginner or an established musician. The Everything Harmonica Book with CD will inspire you to create your own unique compositions from one tiny instrument.Douglas Lichterman is a musician, author, and music educator. In the 1970s, he was a founding member of the rock band Windows, which opened for many of the top bands of the time, including the Jefferson Starship and Jerry Garcia. Mr. Lichterman is a coauthor of The About.com Guide to Acoustic Guitar. He lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.Blake Brocksmith is a founding member of the band 8Ball, and he has worked as a side man for several recording artists, including Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. He lives in New York.Gary Dorfman is the chief engineer at Batcave Recording, working with nationally known artists including Rob Zombie, Kenny Garrett, and The Strokes. Mr. Dorfman lives in New York.

Table of Contents

Top Ten Things You'll Learn From This Book	p. x
Introduction	p. xi
Let's Start	p. 1
First Things First: Types of Harmonicas	p. 2
Different Keys: Highs and Lows	p. 4
Harmonica Brand Names	p. 4
What Harmonica Should You Buy?	p. 5
Maintenance and Repair	p. 6
The Basics	p. 9
A Look Inside	p. 10
The Ten Holes	p. 10
Twenty Reeds	p. 11
Blow Notes and Draw Notes	p. 12
The Three Octaves	p. 13
The Major Scale	p. 13
Holes 4 Through 7	p. 14
Breathing Patterns	p. 14
Chords	p. 16
Understanding Rhythm	p. 19
When to Play	p. 20
Counting	p. 21
Time Signatures	p. 22
Note Length Values	p. 24
Tap Your Foot	p. 25
Metronome Usage	p. 26
One Note at a Time	p. 29
Relax and Get Comfortable	p. 30
Breath Control	p. 30
How to Hold Your Harmonica	p. 32
Techniques for Playing Single Notes	p. 33
Exercises for Playing Single Notes	p. 35
Bending Notes	p. 39
Bent and Blue Notes on Your Harmonica	p. 40
Draw Bends	p. 41
Blow Bends and Overblows	p. 43
Classic Riffs with Draw Bends	p. 45
Trills	p. 48
Slurs	p. 48
Exercises for Playing Bends	p. 49
Rhythm Accompaniment	p. 51
Advanced Tongue Techniques	p. 52
Articulation Syllables	p. 56
Simple Rhythms and Syncopated Rhythms	p. 57
Rhythmic Exercises	p. 59
Melody and Chording Together	p. 61
Arpeggios	p. 62
Harmonica Tablature	p. 65
Reading Music for Harmonica	p. 66
Counting	p. 69
Hole Numbers and Note Names	p. 69
The Arrow System	p. 70
Bends	p. 71
Simple Notation	p. 72
Exercises for Reading Tablature	p. 75
Playing in Key Positions	p. 79
Song Key, Harp Key Tuning	p. 80
First Position	p. 81
First-Position Licks	p. 82
Second Position, or Cross Harp	p. 82
Second-Position Licks	p. 83
Third Position	p. 84
Third-Position Licks	p. 85
More Positions	p. 86
Songs You Can Play in First Position	p. 87
Playing Melody	p. 88
Well-Known Folk Melodies You Can Play	p. 89
Exercises for First-Position Play	p. 92
Beautiful Is Better Than Loud!	p. 93
Playing by Ear (Picking Out Melodies in First Position)	p. 94
Play with Confidence	p. 95
Practicing	p. 97
Why Practice?	p. 98
Regular Times	p. 98
Get Organized, Be Prepared	p. 99
Relax and Focus	p. 100
Listening Is Practicing Too	p. 100
Break It Down	p. 102
Slow Down	p. 103
Evaluate Yourself Honestly, but Stay Positive	p. 104
Have Fun!	p. 105
Improvisation	p. 107
What Is Improvisation?	p. 108
Components of Improvisation	p. 109
Phrasing	p. 112
Roots and Fifths	p. 112
12-Bar Blues	p. 113
Tone	p. 119
Ensemble Playing	p. 120
Bandstand Etiquette	p. 122
Playing Along with Recordings	p. 122
Harmonica Gear and Accessories	p. 125
Microphones	p. 126
Amplifiers	p. 128
Effects Boxes	p. 132
Customizing	p. 134
Cables and Adapters	p. 135
Minor-Key Tunings	p. 136
Harmonica Legends	p. 137
Little Walter Jacobs	p. 138
Big Walter Horton	p. 138
John Lee Williamson, aka Sonny Boy Williamson I	p. 139
Rice Miller, aka Sonny Boy Williamson II	p. 140
Sonny Terry	p. 141
James Cotton	p. 141
Junior Wells	p. 142
George "Harmonica" Smith, aka Little George Smith, Harmonica King, Little Walter Jr.	p. 143
Big Mama Thornton	p. 143
Jimmy Reed	p. 144
Carey Bell	p. 144
Paul Oscher	p. 145
Modern Masters	p. 147
Kim Wilson	p. 148
Billy Branch	p. 148
Rod Piazza	p. 149
Mark Hummel	p. 149
Annie Raines	p. 150
Rick Estrin	p. 150
Charlie Musselwhite	p. 151
Gary Primich	p. 151
Charlie McCoy	p. 152
Norton Buffalo	p. 152
Mickey Rafael	p. 153
Adam Gussow	p. 153
Magic Dick	p. 154
Howard Levy	p. 154
William Clarke	p. 155
Toots Thielemans	p. 155
Rockers Who Popularized the Harmonica	p. 157
Mick Jagger	p. 158
John Lennon	p. 158
Bob Dylan	p. 159
Neil Young	p. 160
John Popper	p. 160
Sugar Blue	p. 161
Bruce Springsteen	p. 162
John Sebastian	p. 163
Stevie Wonder	p. 164
Bob Hite	p. 164
Chrissie Hynde	p. 165
Paul Butterfield	p. 165
The Essential Harmonica Recordings	p. 167
Resources for Further Study	p. 171
Glossary	p. 175
Index	p. 187
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.