Basic Blues Harmonica Method Level 1 (Mel Bay Presents David Barrett's Harmonica Masterclass)

Basic Blues Harmonica Method is geared toward getting you playing blues harmonica as fast as possible. The songs and exercises have been designed to get you comfortable with moving around the instrument and allow you to take full advantage of the great sounding patterns available on your harmonica, without first having to learn advanced techniques such as bending. The basic techniques covered are single hole embouchure, tongue block embouchure and octaves. You'll be able to achieve that bluesy feel, without bending notes, by learning how to play in 3rd position. You'll also learn single note patterns and rhythms that will help you develop your motor skills and tone. This book is packed with song examples that sound great, even at this beginning stage. The CD that accompanies the book contains eight jam tracks for you to play along with. These jam tracks use harmonica-friendly keys and a wide variety of tempos and grooves to fit whatever mood you're in. The instruction portion of this book/CD set teaches phrasing within the 12 bar structure.

View the Harmonica Masterclass Series outline

David Barrett is the world's most published author of the blues harmonica. Having played saxophone and trumpet for many years David already had a solid musical platform when he started to play the harmonica at age fourteen. By age sixteen he was already playing blues jam sessions and harmonica shows in the California bay area. By age eighteen he was studying music theory in college and started teaching harmonica at local music institutes. By age twenty he released his first book, Building Harmonica Technique, with Mel Bay Publications. While finishing his degree in music he had the opportunity to take over a local music store that helped spur the beginning of the Harmonica Masterclass Workshop. David now runs the Harmonica Masterclass Company full time, bringing lesson books, lesson videos, private instruction, and workshops to players all around the world.

David has worked and played with Charlie Musselwhite, Mark Hummel, Lee Oskar, Rod Piazza, James Harman, Gary Smith, Andy Just, Mark Ford, Billy Boy Arnold, Rick Estrin, Paul deLay, Jerry Portnoy, Gary Primich, Howard Levy, Magic Dick, Tom Ball, Annie Raines, Paul Oscher, Phil Wiggins, and Brendan Power. He now fronts his own band featuring John Garcia on guitar and vocals.

David is the owner of the Harmonica Masterclass Company, that specializes in harmonica products and workshops for blues harmonica. His last workshop had twenty-six states and eight countries represented in attendance. Through his numerous instructional books and videos, David is revolutionizing the way the harmonica is taught.