The instruction and songs and tabs on this website are samples and exerpts from Dave Gage's HarmonicaLessons.com. This "Harmonica Playing General Info" section is an introduction to the two most important types of harmonicas, which harmonica to get, and the difference between 1st and 2nd playing positions.
Do you find these tips and info helpful?
... for 525 pages of instruction, lessons, songs and tabs, harmonica playing techniques, visit Dave Gage's HarmonicaLessons.com.
Summary of 1st Position and 2nd Position- Remember, 1st Position (or Straight Harp) is mostly, but not exclusively, blowing in the middle part of the harmonica (hole 4 blow is a good starting point and home base for 1st Position). 2nd Position (or cross harp) is predominately, but not exclusively, drawing at the low end of the harmonica (hole 2 Draw is the best starting point and home base for 2nd Position). On a key of "C" diatonic harmonica, 1st Position playing is in the key of "C" and 2nd Position playing is in the key of "G".
1st Position for simple melodies and folk rock style- 1st Position is typically used for simple melodies like "Oh Sussanah" or "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and widely used in a folk rock context, a la Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen (and many other singer-songwriters).
Players who primarily use 2nd Position- include James Cotton, Sonny Boy Williamson (both I and II), Mick Jagger (Rolling Stones), Little Walter, Paul Butterfield, Mickey Raphael (Willie Nelson Band), John Popper, Charlie Musselwhite, Huey Lewis, Sonny Terry, Norton Buffalo, Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Magic Dick (J. Geils Band), and many others.
Do you find these tips and info helpful?
... for 525 pages of instruction, lessons, songs and tabs, harmonica playing techniques, visit Dave Gage's HarmonicaLessons.com.
