Harmonica Lessons: Holding The Harmonica

To get a great sound out of your harp you must learn to hold it correctly. The way that this is done is by holding the harmonica in a way where you can create a large airtight cup around the back of the harp.

Now to do this, firstly the harp must be up the right way. The recommended way to hold your harp is with the highest numbered holes to your right. Make sure the holes are facing you. Take your harp in your left hand and put it between your thumb and index finger. Keep your fingers toward the back of the harp. This way they won’t get caught in your mouth. The rest of your fingers should line up with your index finger.

The right hand is used to create that large airtight cup. Open your right hand fingers up and together, thumb out and pointing toward your face. Now bend your hand back at the wrist, tucking your elbow in and keeping your arm vertical. Bring the palm of your left and right hands together.

This helps to trap the sound in your hands. The loud notes you create are then trapped inside of the airtight cup you have made with your hands. This creates a more muffled softer sound. When you open your hands, you let the sound out. These notes sound much louder. To create a ‘tremolo effect, you flutter your outside hand.

Your right hand can be used to change the sound of your blues harp to get the effect you want. The important thing is get an airtight cup around the back of the harmonica and you’ll be fine.