Hi, !

Are you just starting out on the harmonica, or have you reached a plateau in your harmonica playing?

If so, these secrets to harmonica success may be just what you need!

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1: Really Want It

A teacher I studied meditation with said something once, that really stuck in my mind. "Because it is so simple, we do not see".

He was referring to how our minds can be racing so fast that we simply do not see the obvious. Or ask the obvious!

Have you asked yourself:

Do you want to play harmonica? Really?

If the answer is yes, read on...

2: Set (bite sized) Goals

It's very important to set 'bite sized' goals for yourself when learning the harmonica. If you set your sights on too much you will easily become discouraged and put the harmonica down.

An example of a goal that's too big for a beginner (as funny as it sounds) is "I want to play Blues Harmonica". Now, I do think that is an awesome Idea, but it should not be your first goal. First, set a tangible goal to achieve, that can be reached within a couple of weeks.

An example of a tangible goal for a beginner to reach in this time frame would be, "I want to play a tune, any tune!" It's bite sized, and has a a nice payoff too.

Once you have reached you initial goal, you'll feel good, and with the experience you have gained in those couple of weeks, you will now have the knowledge to set another (bite sized) goal, that keeps you moving in the right direction.

That's the beauty of the 'bite sized' approach, as you gain more experience you get better at setting your goals, and your improvements start to take place quicker!

3: Enjoy Your Practice

Before we can play harmonica freely, we need to practice technique, and when you are learning a new technique like bending, or a new scale, it's really key to make this enjoyable. It's going to take some time, so relax and enjoy the process!

One secret to breaking through those little frustration barriers is to continually invent new little challenges for yourself. Mix it up!

You'll know how best to enjoy yourself and mix it up, but a few suggestions are;

  • Telling yourself you'll keep going today, until you make a specific break trough.
  • Use a metronome to measure your tempo and start speeding up your scales.
  • Practice the same technique on one or two different key harmonicas.

Learning techniques on the harmonica is similar to training for sports. You're not playing the match yet, but you need to practice in order to be ready for the match.

As i mention in the video, put on a different hat for your practice and keep it separate to your music.

Then, make it fun!

4: Enjoy The Music

When it comes times to jam and play music, it's time for you to let go.
Don't think, just Play!
Thinking is what practice time is for and the practice you have done is already up there in your subconscious!
So relax, enjoy yourself, and don't judge your playing.

Of course, you may need to practice a piece of music to learn it... but once you are ready, again put on a different hat (this time your playing music one) and just play.

You'll be amazed at how rewarding it is!

5: Harp, Sleep, Repeat

Learning harmonica requires brain power, repetition, patience, and then some sleep! It's the sleep that helps lock what you are learning into your subconscious!

In the beginning this pattern "harp, sleep, repeat" is really a great mantra. You are literally programing yourself... and the sleep part is the secret ingredient. That's why I say 5 minutes practice everyday is better for you, than one hour of practice on a Saturday.

Be aware of this, and maybe even run a little experiment by practicing just before bed for a few days, and see how you go!?

Soon, once you have learned your way around the harmonica, you'll be able to relax on the practice a little, as playing harmonica is just like riding a bike.

When you get it, you've got the skills for life!