Rock n' Blues Harmonica: A World of Harp Knowledge, Songs, Stories, Lessons, Riffs, Techniques and Audio Index for a New Generation of Harp Players (Includes ... minute stereo CD Jamming Buddy) (Harmonica)

 "Rock N' Blues Harmonica" Review by Wes Koehler
January 23, 2002
I have been playing and studying harmonica lessons now for about
6 months. I have purchased numerous books at music stores and
downloaded harp songs from the internet also. If I could go back
in time 6 months, "Rock N' Blues Harmonica" by Jon Gindick would
be my first choice for introductory and intermediate level harp
lessons. The CD is excellent and a necessity when starting out
on this instrument. My background in music encompasses 48 years
starting out with tenor and alto saxaphone, bass guitar, upright
bass, pedal steel guitar and dobro. My main instruments of study
at this time are blues harp and keyboards (for blues and boogie-
woogie of course). I now have 9 diatonic harps and am getting
ready to order my first chromatic harp in a few weeks.
Wes Koehler Fallbrook, California

 A great starter, plus good reference.
There are a lot of books out there for the people who REALLY want to get into the musical theory, but what about the beginner?

Yes, there's a quite a bit of fancyful storytelling about Stone, the caveman hamonica player and his experiences, but that's just one of the things that separates this book from the hundreds of other instruction books that just get too technical for the person starting out.

IF YOU WANT TO GO FROM ABSOLUTE BEGINNER TO CAPABLE HARMONICA PLAYER (with practice), YOU MUST HAVE THIS BOOK!!

Rather than confuse the novice with a lot of theory, Jon Gindick gets right to the heart of the matter... how to develop a "feel" for the instrument, and learn what notes sound right -- then weave that into your own blues improvisation.

Then, if you want the technical info (and, yes, it is really needed), that's in the back.

Bottom line... this is an enjoyable book that breaks from tradition and shows you how to sound good in a simple manner.

 A Much Improved Edition
An excellent book to take the beginning harp player to the next level of playing. Jon teaches in a *very* informal manner enough theory to get by. But more importantly he teaches such things as the differences between playing solo and in a band. His love for the instrument shines through in this book. A must have for any budding harp player.

 Absolutely Amazing!!!! by Sylvia Gindick
I didn't use this book, but my dad did. All I know is that one day he didn't have a clue on how to play the harp and the next day he did. He even started trying to teach me to play!! I'm positive that Jon Gindick is a fabulous teacher, because my dad had been trying to learn how to play the harmonica for months, but he just didn't get it. Jon's book really helped him. Now my dad won't put his harmonica down and he is constantly jamming! If you are interested in playing th harp, this is the book to get!!!

 an incredible learning tool!
Two months ago the only song I could play on the harmonica was Neil Youngs "Heart of Gold". One hour after receiving Jon's book, I was improvising blues licks and solos. Last night I played harmonica at a blues jam at a local night spot. Thanks to Jon's clear and fun way of teaching I was improvising solos on everything from Little Walter to Muddy Waters tunes. Friends Who I have played guitar with before were asking "When did you learn to do that?" If you want to learn to play blues harp, BUY THIS BOOK! Jon is THE MAN!

 Blow your money on this book
I'm not a harp guy, so I can't get technical; but as far as I'm concerned the search is over for harp instruction- I don't care what else is out there- even if it's good, it can't possibly be any better than this. Like Jon says, "five minutes to play, and five years to master". In a little more than five minutes, I was playing along with Jon's cd backup track. Maybe my playing sounds not so hot now but I'm sure having fun getting there.
I like the book (nice drawings and interesting stories) but the cd is the killer. It's just great blues that won't bore you no matter how may times you listen.

 Excellent
This book and companion CD just work. It is fun, and full of insight and detailed instructions, not to say audio examples!
I don't like the tone and "jokes" in the book, and skim through the "caveman" parts (those who read the book know what I mean), but who cares if the goal of having fun with the harmonica is achieved!
I also purchased the Idiot's guide - but will return it. It is so verbose and dull. Just no fun! and playing the harmonica should be fun ...

 Excellent!!! Simply worth every penny...
I purchased the book in May 2005. My biggest daily chunk of free time is when I am in the car, so I started with the CD. I liked it immediately, and I should have written my review sooner (sorry!!!)

I had a harmonica for a long time and never got anywhere with it, but the author's CD is so friendly, encouraging and helpful I felt that I have had a private lesson during each of the (now hundreds) of commutes that I have listened and jammed with the CD. It is as if he is sitting in my passenger seat, patiently teaching me. In the beginning I listened to all the lessons. Later, I focused on the harder lessons, and sometimes I just turn the balance to one side so I can jam along with the "band". I use the book to get additional details and explanation.

I could write so much more, but you would be better off clicking "buy now" so you can get this book in your hands and start learning/improving your harmonica skills!

 Frustrated harmonica players take notice
Frustrated harmonica players take notice - your savior hasreturned. After selling over 1.5 million copies of his various how-toharmonica books (Country & Blues Harmonica for the MusicallyHopeless, Harmonica American and The Natural Blues & CountryWestern Harmonica just to name a few) Jon Gindick is back with hisrevised Rock n' Blues Harmonica book.

The first thing you'llnotice is the revised edition is huge. With 226 pages the 8 ½ x11-inch book dwarfs the first edition while sporting a new cover,bigger print, and a binding that allows you to lay the book down whilepracticing without fear of it closing. Not to mention the 74-minutejamming CD, which features tons of examples played over a loopingblues chord. With this edition Jon also goes into greater depth onseveral topics making the revised copy a must, even if you own theoriginal. "The instruction covers almost every topic in harmonicaplaying, and yet continues to focus on the skills a beginnerneeds," said Jon...

Jon began playing 30 years ago while workingat a packing plant. The Beatles had overtaken America, includingJon. He played along with pop music on the radio searching for thesounds of the harmonica. His first taste came from Rod Stewart whoplayed the riff on My Boy Lollypop, followed by John Lennon'splaying. This later lead to the blues, with influences Little Walter,Sony Boy Williamson and Big Walter Horton. Soon after he startedplaying frustration set in. "I didn't understand cross harp for thelongest time. Getting it, and the sound, was a revelation,"remembers Jon.

It was with that cross harp revelation that hewanted to write books. In 1977 Jon sent his book off to the publisher.Months passed and he still hadn't heard anything; a phone callrevealed that they had lost the book. It was then he enteredself-publishing and Cross Harp Press was born. He printed 2,000 copiesof The Natural Blues & Country Western Harmonica, and sold them tolocal music stores and through Rolling Stone. Several books followedand so did the praise.

"If the measure of a book's greatness isits ability to change a readers life, then your instruction books onthe harmonica are great books," said Gene Berk who bought Jon'sfirst book. Jon is able to take learning the harmonica and turn itinto a process. He knows learning is not an easy thing, contrary topopular opinion and acts as a "big brother" through the book andCD. He starts off by slowly teaching some simple riffs and giving thereaders a sense of accomplishment before moving onto harder subjects.His books are very simplistic in teaching but detailed inknowledge.

Rock n' Blues Harmonica is no different as Jon expandson several subjects including bending, harmonica positions, tongueblocking, breathing, and slant harp. "I am something of acollector of how-to harmonica books and tapes and I wanted you to knowthat your stuff is the best," said Joe Vitale in a letter toJon.

When you've finished the book and want to expand your playingcall Jon at 1-800-646-9245 and get a lesson. Leave him a sample ofyour playing and he'll give you some free feedback. Along with Rockn' Blues Jon has also released a CD entitled Banished Moon. It runs 49minutes through 10 tracks in which Jon plays a majority of theinstruments and supplies the vocals for each song. The CD is harmonicaheavy and showcases his ability to play different styles andpositions. Jon's writing, vocal, and playing skills are superb withsongs like All I Ever Needed, Maxine and Mystery of Your Love. Jonsupplies the key and positions for each song for anyone interested inplaying along...

 fun as hell. start jamming on day one!
Wow. I'm glad I went out on a limb and bought this. It's worth it for the CD alone. The book is a nice aid as well, but, ummm the whole caveman blues-band narrative is a tad cheesy, and would be a little racist (a white, Tarzan-esque hijacking of what is essentially a black music form) if it weren't so obviously bone-headed. Oh stop, I can't help with the cultural analysis. It's a reflex at this point. at least you don't have to sit with me in a movie theatre...

Back to the point, I would go so far as to guarantee that if you simply play along with the CD and skim the book, just spend about 20- 30 minutes a day, you will MASSIVELY improve in skill. And the harmonica sounds really damn good on the CD- which makes you try harder. You want to be that good. Oh- Learning to Bend the notes on holes 2 and 3 takes TIME. I still can't hit them all when I need to.

But I can jam along with my favorite tunes by Mandrill, The Clash, The White Stripes, and many others... I feel like I have bounced months ahead in 2 weeks' time!

I don't know about or own any other 'teach your self blues harp,' guides, because this one is working so well I haven't felt the need to purchase another. I enthusiastically reccomend this without reserve!