Playing the Harmonica

by Dave Oliver

This is a great kit for older children, teens and adults. It contains a fully-illustrated 64-page book all about the harmonica plus a genuine 10-hole blues harmonica in the key of C. Using clear text and colourful, easy to follow illustrations, the book shows how to play the harmonica in a variety of styles from country and folk to blues and rock, and then gives 20 well-known tunes to get started on right away. Within minutes of opening the box, the child could be playing real music on their harmonica - one of the coolest and most versatile instruments around. The book also includes sections on the history of the harmonica, on the different types of harmonica and on how to care for them. It also profiles some of the harmonica's greatest players - from blues masters such as Little Walter to classical and jazz maestros like Larry Adler and Toots Thielmans.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Reference

64 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2002

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative little book. The first half is about the history of the harmonica and some of the greatest players of the instrument. Also recommended recordings by them.

What I didn't care for was, things like holding the instrument and playing chords and single notes, aren't really explained in enough detail for someone who may be absolutely new to such. But of course, you can always turn to YouTube for a solid explanation of each.Then return to the book for a list of some simple single note songs that make for good practice. Quite a bit too. Even a section on reading music notation.

Overall, I enjoyed it!