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Learning harp by ear is one of the great things about the instrument for me. It's not like a guitar where you can look at the fretboard, figure out where your fingers need to be and then struggle to get them there in time, you have to FEEL where your mouth needs to be, and whether it is a blow or a draw note. This may sound daunting at first, but it is actually a good thing. Once you get comfortable you can play way more easily.

It does get trickier when you need bent notes in order to play the song, but it works on the same principle. I'd advise the beginners to ignore bent notes until you can play mary had a little lamb or some other ditty in your sleep, and you can play single notes without wasting too much air.

Feel free to ask questions if something is not clear! Best of luck!
    i tried teaching myself, but bought some really cheap harps, which really didnt help. i think its best to get the best you can afford. i saw a learn to play book for R99 somewhere think it comes with a dvd.
      Here's what I think. If you going to play for yourself and by yourself then maybe you need a harp in C and maybe one other key. I've got one in C and one in G. This because you're going to play in 2nd position mostly so turns out to be G and D. All of that you cn find out on pages on the webz as I did and you're still wondering what they talking about and next thing you discover it's true. So go with C I did becasue I tune a guitar to open G and sometimes D. I dont go to open E becasue that increases the tension and I play with mediums and I'm scared I hurt the guitar top. lthough my resonator is like got a plank on the top so that shouldnt be a sweat hey. But I'll tell you that harmonica is quite a logical little thing to go for because you just whip it out your pocket anywhere. Was a time I was stuck in traffic quite a bit and just used to take it out and suck and blow a lot becasue the guys on the radio talk shit mostly and there really is NO good radio station to listen to. And most of the notes you're going tpo love are going to be sucks and you're going to get dizzy a bit to start off especially if you smoke. See if you like this: http://www.jt30.com/. He says big river and that's what I got , quite cheap but not bad at all.
        9 days later
        Hey ed,

        Joined so I could reply to your post - I don't play Guitar - only Harmonica.
        I see you are located in Durban. If you haven't bought a harmonica yet I would advise spending a bit more than the entry level R120 or so.

        The music store in Gateway - sorry don't know what it's called - sell the Suzuki Harmonica's. The MR-200 (Harpmaster) sells for around R160-00. It's the best entry level harp I've played. I have MR-350's , Hohner Golden Melody and a pile of other Hohner's (I get curious and buy to try ? )

        It has a plastic Comb so is beer proof - nice seal(doesn't let out too much air like the Hohner Silverstar) - it also bends nice and easily without having to break it in.

        Let us know how it goes - the advice posted here so far is great - I'm learning the same way

        -DT
          @infernox

          Is there an image or a link in your post ?
          Sorry - not seeing it.
            Hey Inferno

            As far as I know (not much ? ) - you're not going to get a Blues sound out of one of those.
            I have a Tremolo which is quite similar and I can't imagine trying to play Blues on it - maybe some background chords ?
            http://www.suzukimusic.com/harmonicas/mr200/ is the one I recommended in a previous post. Don't worry about the price online - I paid around R160-00 at the Music Shop in Gateway Durban

            Cheers
            Dt
              I agree, that double sided harp thing ain't meant for the blues! I'm sure you'll be able to play along, but its just not going to be the same.

              I had one of these kits when I started out, was great fun. Not the best quality harps, but perfect for a start, and having most of the keys around allowed me to play along with any song I wanted to, which helped keep it fun.

              http://www.muz.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=211_1266&products_id=3250
                Can I however learn with the one i have?
                  Dude I don't know, I haven't played one of those. I'd suggest you steer clear of it for now though, all the videos and instructions and stuff you'll get on blues harp will be written for the 10 hole diatonic. Also, I don't think you'd be able to do all the techniques on that double sided job. It would be like trying to learn flamenco guitar on a 12 string steel string guitar :/

                  So in answer to your question, yes you may be able to learn the basics, but I'd advise against it.
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