Do It Yourself Harmonica

All my life I wanted to play harmonica. So many songs come to mind that grab me.  There’s On the Road Again by Canned Heat or maybe Boom Boom by John Lee Hooker and Rollin’ and Tumblin’ by Cream too. I could try to pay for lessons, but could I also learn harmonica by myself?

When I think broadly about DO IT YOURSELF (DIY) I tend to think of chicken coops, beer or candle making, and bee hives—all cool things on that long list of potential hobbies we all have (or should!), but lately the sound of the harmonica was calling me, and the library had what I needed. Using books, DVDs, CDs, and free MP3 downloads from Freegal, I am now on my way to accomplishing a longtime goal. Here are some of the resources that helped and could help you do it yourself:

Harmonica for Dummies by Winslow Yerxa

The Dummies series is great because it lays out everything in its most basic form. The text assumes no knowledge on your part. Instead it builds from starting concepts and works toward practicing in a manner that is easy to follow. Out of my four suggestions here, Harmonica for Dummies is the biggest and most comprehensive. Those of you with limited or no experience playing harmonica or music in general should consider this one as a starting place.

The Everything Harmonica Book: Learn the Basics and Play your Favorite Songs by Douglas Lichterman

Like the Dummies branch, the Everything series offers a step by step approach for those of us who are completely new to the Harmonica and playing music in general. My favorite part of this one is how it gives tips on improvisation. Playing without a certain direction is what attracts me most about the Harmonica, and this book makes that easier. The Everything Harmonica Book comes with a CD too, so those of you who learn better by listening may appreciate that aspect.

Play Harmonica Today! Level 1: A Complete Guide to the Basics by Lil’ Rev

This one is thinner and less comprehensive than the two above, but still a great starter book. People with some musical experience but none with harmonica may “hit the ground running” a bit better here. My favorite thing is that it gives you some beginning level songs to learn relatively quickly. Being able to play even some simple songs can give you the momentum you need to do it yourself over the long term. Note there is also a great DVD for Play Harmonica Today! to go hand in hand with the book.

Anyone Can Play Harmonica: An Easy Guide to Getting Started by Madcat Ruth

This one is great for those of you who have played harmonica before but want to break through to the next level. As a DVD, it’s also great for people who want to see and hear when they are learning. Peter Madcat Ruth is a skilled and entertaining presenter, and offers plenty of advice about the proper way to hold your harmonica as well as mouth and tongue techniques that are hard to understand just by reading text.