Instant Harmonica: Quick and Easy Instruction for the Beginner

When I began playing the harmonica about a month ago I purchased numerous instruction books along with taking lessons on line. I found this publication, "Instant Harmonica" by Patrick Byrne, to be very helpful. It covered the subject matter in a simple and straight forward manner. It began by explaining that the harmonica is a real musical instrument and gave tips on keeping your harmonica clean. It went on to show how to hold and harmonica, breathing and how to read harmonica music. The importance of tones and rhythm were also covered in this text. As a beginner playing the harmonica it is important for the practice songs to also have the words. This guide had the song notes, tabs and words, which made it easy to learn some of the common beginners songs. Some of these included: Oh! Susanna, Kumbaya, Amazing Grace, which is one of my favorites, Camp town Races, Frankie and Johnny, On Top of Old Smoky, Blow the man down, Home on the range and numerous other song tabs. Unlike a couple of harmonica song and instruction publications I purchased, this one covered the topic without getting bogged down in too many technical details. The important thing emphasized is to practice, practice, practice with your harmonica, which I have been doing every day. For anyone who is considering learning to play the harmonica, this guide along with some formal instruction is an excellent combination. Personally, I loved this 96 page manual and still practice most of the songs I learned reading and studying this guide. Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: The Samurai Soul: An old warrior's poetic tribute).

Not just a book of primary instruction, not just a songbook of tunes arranged for blues harmonica, but a happy combination of both. With INSTANT HARMONICA you can pick up any Key of C, ten-hole Diatonic, Richter-tuned harmonica (the most common kind) and learn it from scratch, or quickly refresh your skills. Songs are arranged by the "number" system with up arrow for breathe, down for draw, and also in conventional musical notation. Best of all, the tunes, while simple, are not simplistic. Perhaps some instructees are too small to contend with the lyrics of "Frankie and Johnny" or "D-I-V-O-R-C-E," but surely a parent or instructor can fast-forward over them until the child is ready? It would be a shame to pass up INSTANT HARMONICA when so many competing books cost more and offer less.

It's a good primer - I got this for my son and I. I've been playing for 30 years but I wanted a copy of the same book so I got 2 - he can tell me what page he's on, problems, etc... It's good instruction - makes it easy. But the song selection is sorta dated. lol. I'm 46 and I barely have heard a lot of these. It would be better if it had more campfire classics and modern songs / riffs to keep the next generation interested.

I'm a beginner, and I started with this book. The notation and the introductory texts in the book are good, but the song tabs simply are not challenging enough. I know the book is made for beginners, but many of the important notes in songs are left out or over-simplified. I've had to improvise on a few in order to play more accurately. I just think the songs aren't as challenging as they need to be in order for improvement to be seen. Yes, it's a good introduction to the harmonica. But it will keep you a beginner.

I bought this book to accompany a Silver Swan harmonica I'd bought for my 9-year-old daughter. The book is easy enough to follow and learn, so much so that my daughter managed to master the first song that very day. This is a great companion book for a person interested in learning how to play the harmonica. The tunes are basic but build upon one another so you are adding to what you know and slowly enhancing your skills. I'd highly recommend this book as a very valuable starting point.

I got the book and it was a bent but I kept it, because it was a gift. My mom said it’s the best book because it has songs you’re familiar with so it helps you know how long the notes are held and what the song is supposed to sound like. She has learned so much already (since Christmas). My mom has heart problems and the doctor actually recommended her playing the harmonica for breathing. So, if you know anyone with breathing issues, then you might want to get them a harmonica and this book!

The book, Instant Harmonica is excellent. It is so easy to understand and implement. Within an hour, following the instructions, I was playing a couple of simple songs. Since then I have learned many more.. I highly recommend this book for beginners...I believe anyone can learn to play the harmonica following these simple basic directions...Mf Deutsch

I learned very quickly and can play a number of songs in two weeks. Spends some time on meter and reading notes which I didn't need. One major problem is with the tablature which is inaccurate in several places. The problem is primarily with draw notes on upper holes where the tablature denotes a hole in the upper end that is one hole too low in several cases. I have not played all the songs, but I encountered this problem several times on different songs. It is not consistently wrong, but irritating, never-the-less. The authior/publisher should make corrections before another printing. Very week on bending notes.

What about if numbers are not mentioned on harmonica, then there is no way out to learn from this book ...

A very helpful aide for all first-time harmonicists....! I picked up this book for a small price and it has repaid over and over again....

Verygood book, has a lot of old time songs and the instructions are easy to follow.

Had me playing in no time

Just what I/we need to get started. Good quality product,