Publisher's Synopsis
Music has been proven to make you a smarter, healthier, and happier person. Countless studies have shown that playing an instrument is an excellent way to improve your brainpower and is a truly enjoyable and rewarding activity. The harmonica, a simple but inspirational instrument, is an instrument that will certainly help you achieve all the benefits above. It's an iconic instrument, from its sound to the performers who play it, and you can join this part of music history and heritage. This book will look at the history of the harmonica, beginning with its design, construction, and its place in the history of music. You will learn about some key players who have shaped music today through the sound of the harmonica. You will also learn how to differentiate between different instruments and the what, where, and how of choosing an instrument that is right for you. The book will help you go from a complete beginner with no knowledge of the instrument or music theory and have you playing chords, melodies, and riffing along to a blues. No book can replace the experience of having a teacher, but we hope in this book to give you as good and steady a foundation in the basics of the harmonica when you find yourself without a teacher. Learn your grip, your breathing techniques, and to read harmonica tablature. When you're ready, you will move to intermediate techniques such as playing single notes and even learning to bend notes. To enable you to discover as much music as possible, you will also learn the basics of reading music, the most valuable skill for any musician. Whatever style of music you want to ultimately play, this book is a starting point to get you there. By the end of the book, you will be playing harmonious music, whether it's playing melodies by yourself or jamming with other musicians, accompanying a band, or soloing over a twelve-bar blues. Welcome to the beginning of your musical journey on the harmonica. Take your time and enjoy the experience of mastering each step. Every musician can find their style, and we hope that by working through this book, you will find yours.
