Harmonica For Dummies
by Winslow Yerxa
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Book Summary Information
Author: Winslow YerxaEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-09-09
ISBN: 047033729X
Number of pages: 360
Publisher: For Dummies
Book Reviews of Harmonica For Dummies
Book Review: Basics to Fairly Advanced, Superbly Written
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is truly well-written. It is crystal clear, follows a progressive course of instruction from end-to-end without any out-of-place interruptions, has no errors that I've been able to find, and actually covers more than most beginning players really want or need to know initially (e.g., playing in other than the first and second positions).
The accompanying CD is also excellent. While the tunes, in typical instruction book fashion, aren't anything you'd want to listen to for entertainment, as they are the usual folk tunes long out of copyright, they are well-recorded and each track is played in exactly the manner needed to illustrate whatever playing principle is being demonstrated. The backing instrumentation never overwhelms the harp, and the harp is played with only the techniques and ornamentation (bends, articulation, wah, etc.) appropriate to the topic. The tracks are already in MP3 format, so there's no need to rip them down to your PC for your iPod.
If you already play an instrument, there is material in this book that you can bypass, including notation, basic (very) music theory, and the like. It doesn't dominate the book and for the most part is contained in the first few chapters. Speedread through this material for the few harmonica-specific comments.
The book has few pictures or illustrations - but those it has are spot-on. Hand positions are illustrated. Tongue and mouth positions are illustrated. There are pictures in the repair and maintenance chapters. That's about it, but that's all that's needed, and I never felt the need for more. In fact, I particularly appreciated the embouchure (mouth and tongue) illustrations, which were better than I'd seen elsewhere to-date.
Harmonica for Dummies will occupy a beginner for a long time. This isn't a book you will buy, zip through in a week or two, then toss aside wanting more. Plan on spending many weeks - or months. If you come out at the other end having mastered all the material in this book, you'll probably be a better player than most non-pros you will meet.
Were I to wish for anything different in this book, it would be more of a blues and rock emphasis. The book is positioned as a generalized harmonica instruction book, however, so a variety of types of music and playing styles are presented.
Summary of Harmonica For Dummies
Are you hankering to play the harmonica? Harmonica For Dummies is an easy-to-read practice guide that gives you step-by-step instructions and gets you making music in no time! Even if you?re an experienced harmonica player, this jump-in-anywhere reference is packed with tips and playing techniques that will take your skills to the next level.This fast, fun, hands-on guide helps you choose your first harmonica and shows you how to hold it, make your first sounds, and keep it clean and working well. Helpful diagrams show you how to shape sounds using your tongue, throat, and hands. Before you know it you?ll be playing melodies, chugging out rhythms, and bending notes with ease. You?ll also pick up some basics of music theory and learn how to read the notation and tablature for all the music in the book. Discover how to:
- Play right out of the box with little or no experience using an inexpensive diatonic harmonica in the key of C
- Make that wonderful wailing sound
- Create exciting rhythms and play solo
- Understand how the harmonica works
- Play all of the music on the Bonus CD
- Read tablature, educate your eye, and develop your ear
- Breath correctly while playing
- Bend notes up and down
- Play one harp in many keys
- Develop your style in blues rock, country, folk, and more
- Play with other musicians
- Work with a microphone to create great sounds
So stop dreaming and start playing! Harmonica For Dummies will get you wailing in no time!
Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.
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