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i am thinking about picking up harmonica. There seems to be a lot of youtube learning videos out there....

Just wondering if there are any youtube teachers out there who are particularily good or better than the rest? Would love to get some recommendations from other people who have already done what i am about to do.

Don't buy marine band. I said if it's good enough for Dylan and young it's good enough for me. Mine is way out of tune and gross because of the wooden comb. The special is slightly more expensive, but probably better

Yep, Special 20s are probably the best harps to go for. Maybe get one in C and one in D to start with (to play over G and A).
The harmonica was the first instrument I learned many, many years ago. No idea about internet tutorials - I learned everything I know (not a lot, but enough to get by) from a Sonny Terry book with a pull-out plastic record inside. The trick is just getting the shape of your lips right and then learning how to bend a note over the reed. Once you do that, keep doing it until you pass out from lack of oxygen. Then it'll be stuck with you forever.

i definitely plan on getting a special 20 in c. should be a fun learning process. thanks.

I'd go for a Special 20 too if you think you'll stick it out. Otherwise get something cheaper to practice on. It's not like you can really sell it on if you don't like it.

I always used Marine Bands when I gigged a lot, just lightly cleaned them out after a show. They're far from perfect but they'll last a year or two if you look after them.

Incidentally, there are methods of sealing the wood with beeswax etc if you want to look into it more... but you probably don't

HorseyBoy wrote:Maybe get one in C and one in D to start with (to play over G and A).

This only applies if you want to play the lawyer blooze. It's possible to play a harp in the same key as the guitar....and better too!

i use special 20s and hohner golden melodys. they are both good, i like the sp20s more.

i never play cross harp. i've tried and i cannot. i use the harmonica in the same key as the song is in. my son has "taken over harmonica duties" in the family band (which is why we have sp20s and gms) and he mostly plays in straight harp...but can play in cross harp if the song is right.