Instant Blues Harmonica 9 Ed: Minutes Away From Blues and Rock Improvisation! [Paperback]

David Harp (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2001

David Harp has taught thousands to play the harmonica, and in this revised edition with 30 percent new material, he makes it even easier. An illustrated instruction book, a CD of play-along music, and a "Mojo Deluxe" harmonica encourage would-be wailers to play the blues.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Musical I Press; 9th edition (May 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0918321727
• ISBN-13: 978-0918321725
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #298,907 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I like it!, April 11, 2005

By 

AJK "AJK" (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Instant Blues Harmonica 9 Ed: Minutes Away From Blues and Rock Improvisation! (Paperback)

I bought this last year, and although I'm reasonably musically inclined (I have played a musical instrument for over 25 years), this was very helpful to learn the basics of harmonica playing. I would have appreciated some instruction on bending notes, which he says is offered in the next manual (a bummer, because it's a reasonably shameless ploy to get people to buy the next one). Also, I would have liked more popular tunes sketched out -- most of the stuff he does is really for using the harmonica for secondary music (like harmony) rather than to play the melodies.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Super easy instruction, April 23, 2005

By 

S. Ryhn (St. Paul, MN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Instant Blues Harmonica 9 Ed: Minutes Away From Blues and Rock Improvisation! (Paperback)

I have been playing with learning harmonica for a while now, but received this book as a present from my in-laws (who were probably tired of hearing "Camptown Races" and "Red River Valley" endlessly). What a treat. David Harp's instruction is super easy, and starts off with foregoing single notes. He gets you started on music, and then when you're having fun (and more interested in practicing), he hits you with more advanced techniques.

I don't mind the Bending Notes book being plugged - there's only so much you pack into a beginners book.

If you're thinking about trying the harmonica, I can't recommend this one highly enough.. :)

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Harmonica Instruction to Get You Playing IMMEDIATELY, September 30, 2008

By 

southern charm (Jackson, MS, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Instant Blues Harmonica 9 Ed: Minutes Away From Blues and Rock Improvisation! (Paperback)

If you're ready to pick up a harmonica and a book to play today, I highly recommend David Harp's Instant Blues Harmonica. It teaches the basics of harmonica improvisation quickly and easily. Pop that CD in, and you'll be playing in minutes. Literally! It's very fun and VERY easy! I think ANYBODY can learn to play with this book/cd. It opened the door to musical instruments for my non-musical husband.

For a more in-depth study, check out The Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing the Harmonica. It covers every possible aspect of learning to play the harmonica, including how to read music and advanced techniques of play, such as bending. This book is useful in learning how to translate written music to a harmonica, and learning how to incorporate harmonica into a band or group.

David Harp will get you started playing immediately. Then, if you're interested in continuing your education, check out the Idiot's Guide.