(If you have a slow Internet connection or you prefer read the written text (with audio examples), you may want to skip the video downloads and continue below.
To view the “Two Simple Chords” video click below.
Now I'm going to show you two simple chords that act as the foundation for all rhythm patterns in the lessons to come.
If you want to be sure you're playing only holes 1 and 2 at the same time and not hole 3, try the finger trick (see figure 1, at right).
Using the finger trick to play the “Blow Chord”
Step 1: Use the index finger of your right hand to cover holes 3 through 10. Step 2: Keeping your finger down, blow holes 1 and 2 at the same time and listen to the sound. Step 3: Remove your right finger from the holes and see if you can match the sound in Step 2.
Figure 1: cover holes 3 through 10
Important! If The Three Hole Bleeds In It's No Problem!
At this point it's okay if you don't hit holes 1 and 2 perfectly. What I believe is most important is that you enjoy yourself while learning and remember to use The Deep Relaxed Mouth Position.
Rhythm #1
Now play “The (1,2) Draw and Blow Chords” over and over creating a steady beat.
Click the player below to hear me demonstrate. Feel free to play along.
Rhythm #2
Now create a steady beat by drawing twice on holes 1 and 2 (at the same time) and blowing twice on holes 1 and 2 (at the same time).
Repeat this rhythm over and over.
Often students complain that the (1,2) draw chord sounds out of tune or is airy. To fix it:
1. Put the harmonica in your mouth using The Deep Relaxed Mouth Position. 2. Relax. 3. Play Softly. 4. Drop the back of your tongue and say "AHH".
Dropping the back of your tongue is often harder than it sounds. Stick a spoon in your mouth and force the back of your tongue down. If the back of your tongue lifts while you play harmonica, the draw notes will, squeak, go out of tune or create a diluted airy sound.
How are you doing so far? I want to offer you some words that I hope will support your peace of mind and confidence. Trust me that most of the stuff we're doing takes time to learn for everyone (like learning a new language). Please take your time and feel free to come back and review anything that was challenging. If you have any inner-critical Jackals telling you something like, “You'll never be good at Harmonica.” Throw that Jackal a bone, and keep on chuggin' forward. I know you can accomplish your goals for harmonica if you want to and I'm honored to have the opportunity to support you.
I encourage you to check out my downloadable lesson (One hour and 10 minutes in length!!!):
My hope is that this lesson will increase the probability of your enjoying harmonica for the rest of your life it you want to. The tricks I will show you will enable you to sound great while jamming with other musician as well as offering you a stepping-stone to learning more challenging techniques. I'm confident you'll be surprise at how musical you can sound knowing almost nothing about music and the harmonica.
THE NEXT LESSON: In the next lesson will do our first two “Train-Time Chugging Rhythms!”
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Note: My DVD's are playable wordwide as they are region-free!
My DVD lessons will:
Show you the tricks to playing single notes with a sweet soulful tone.
Help you to learn songs faster.
Teach you the secrets to bending, jamming at high speeds, and all the essential techniques necessary for you to enjoy the harmonica for life.
ACCELERATE your progress. Many students tell me that the DVD's are a lot more fun and easy than working off this website. The DVD's will show you over 50 simple ways to play the harmonica musically and sound great.
Hurry this special offer is only available for a limited time!
If you have any concerns or need additional clarity feel free to Contact JP at (808) 639-1086 or jp@jpallen.com
Show you the tricks to playing single notes with a sweet soulful tone. 
